Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium

The University of Tennessee athletic facilities are among the nation's elite. Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium is another world class Tennessee facility. Hosting prominent national outdoor track and field meets at Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium is nothing new for the University of Tennessee.

Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium has seen competition among some of the sport's most elite athletes by hosting the 1969 NCAA Championships, 1982 TAC Championships, 1993 AAU Junior Olympics, 1994 USATF Championships, 1994 USATF National Youth Athletics Championships and the 1995 NCAA Championships. Additionally, the Sea Ray Relays bring top-flight athletes to Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium each April since 1967.

Named for the Knoxville business leader whose generous contribution provided the momentum to undertake its early development, Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium is an eight-lane, Olympic-style oval with dual sets of runways for jumping and pole vault events. The first meet held at Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium took place on April 2, 1966. Facility records have been changing hands regularly since then.

The track underwent a total facelift in 1992. The start-finish lines were moved to take advantage of prevailing winds. The track and throwing areas were resurfaced, while the field event areas were redesigned for efficiency and safety. All field events are contested on the infield for fan-friendly viewing. All field events can be staged in both directions to take advantage of wind, as well.

There are 7,500 permanent seats and a press pavilion adjacent to the track. The track is marked for all collegiate and Olympic metric events and can handle the steeplechase, javelin and hammer throw.

Equipped with an Omega electronic timing system, the track system captures times recorded within 1/100th of a second. In 1995, a scoreboard display and message center from Daktronics, Inc., was installed on the track with the timing device attached to the Omega starting gun. Results are posted on the scoreboard moments after each race. The Tennessee Track Officials Association is the official timing company for the University of Tennessee's men's and women's track and field programs. The track facility also boasts lighting for night meets, as Tennessee hosts several collegiate and high school night meets here each spring and summer.



 DIRECTIONS TO THE TOM BLACK TRACK AT LaPORTE STADIUM

From airport: Turn north on U.S. Highway 129 leaving airport. After crossing the Tennessee River bridge just outside of Knoxville, exit onto Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153). Turn left (south) at the bottom of the exit ramp and follow road until Thompson-Boling Arena is visible. Turn left onto Lake Loudoun Boulevard. Turn left at second stoplight. Follow Volunteer Blvd. to next light. Track on right.

From I-40 east (from Nashville) and I-75 north (from Chattanooga): Follow I-40 and I-75 to I-40/I-75 junction in west Knoxville. Continue on I-40 east to U.S. Highway 129 south. Follow 129 south to the exit for Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153). Turn left (south) at the bottom of the exit ramp and follow the road until Thompson-Boling Arena is visible. Turn left onto Lake Loudoun Boulevard. Turn left at second stoplight. Follow Volunteer Blvd. to next light. Track on right.

 From I-40 west (from Asheville, N.C.):   Follow I-40 west to the James White Parkway exit and exit to the left. Follow Parkway to Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153) until Thompson-Boling Arena is visible. Turn right onto Lake Loudoun Boulevard. Turn left at second stoplight. Follow Volunteer Blvd. to next light. Track on right.

 From I-75 south (from Lexington, Ky.): Follow I-75 south to I-275 south just past Merchants Road. Follow I-275 to I-40 east. Exit I-40 east onto James White Parkway and follow Parkway to Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153) until Thompson-Boling Arena is visible. Turn left at second stoplight. Follow Volunteer Blvd. to next light. Track on right.

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