The University of Georgia unveiled a new 37-acre Track and Field Complex named after former coach and Olympic gold medalist Forrest “Spec” Towns. The facility, located on South Milledge Avenue, replaces the original track used since 1965 and includes advanced training features. University leaders highlighted its role in supporting athletic success and community engagement.
The dedication ceremony for the new Track and Field Complex took place on Wednesday in Athens, Georgia. This state-of-the-art facility spans 37 acres and features a nine-lane 400-meter track, along with 34,700 square feet of support buildings. It honors Forrest “Spec” Towns, a 1936 Olympic gold medalist in the 110-meter hurdles and a Hall of Fame coach who competed for and later led the Georgia Bulldogs track program.
The complex includes specialized areas for jumping and throwing events, such as two shot put rings, two discus and hammer throw rings, and four javelin runways, which officials described as among the premier throwing spaces in the country. For training, it offers five 100-meter indoor warm-up lanes under the grandstand, six 110-meter outdoor warm-up lanes along the backstretch, a turf training area, and a 110-meter training hill. The infield hosts a dedicated jumps area adjacent to the Spec Towns Track.
UGA President Jere W. Morehead emphasized the facility's importance following the women's track and field team's national outdoor championship win last spring. “Our world-class athletes deserve nothing less than world-class facilities, and, as I am sure our coaches and student-athletes can attest, the new Track and Field Complex certainly lives up to this lofty standard,” Morehead said.
Josh Brooks, the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics, noted its broader impact. “This facility is more than just the athletic department and more than just our city; this will be tremendous for our community,” Brooks said. He added that it would provide opportunities for young athletes across Georgia to compete.
Coach Caryl Smith Gilbert, director of men's and women's track and field, pointed to recent achievements, including Southeastern Conference and NCAA team titles last year, with Bulldogs athletes competing at professional and international levels. “I am confident this trend of success will only continue to flourish in the years to come and I am beyond excited that memorable moments will be made at this incredible new home for the Georgia track and field family,” Gilbert said.
The new site replaces the original Spec Towns Track, which had served as the program's home off Lumpkin Street for 60 years.
