The track and field facility at Lewis & Clark is one of the premier facilities in the Northwest.  The track is an eight-lane red synthetic surface, installed in 1991.  Other facilities in the region may have similar surface material, but it is the total facility and the attention to the amenities that make the Eldon Fix Track at Lewis & Clark a superior venue.  The outstanding stadium records  illustrate the quality of performance obtainable at L&C’s facility.
The facility details that are important to the competitor focus on the function of the individual events areas.  For the track racer, a vital concern is the speed on the track.  L&C’s urethane surface is both resilient and fast.  It is a prefect blend of a performance track (harder) and a training track (softer).  Another consideration of a great track for a runner is whether the track is windy.  Instead of being located out in the middle of an open field, Griswold Stadium is cut into the side of a hill and surrounded by tall evergreen trees.  It is protected from most of the windy conditions, and runners appreciate not having to face a headwind as they race around the oval.
In the field events, details at the L&C facility also give the competitor every advantage to have a great performance.  Multiple runways for the jumpers allow the event to take advantage of any wind condition that may arise.  The shot, discus and javelin throws are conducted on the oval infield, while the hammer is thrown on an adjacent field.  Both the jumping and throwing event areas are entirely surfaced so the athletes do not need to contend with any wet grass.
The facility was also designed with spectators in mind, since great track meets involve the crowd in the performances.  The stadium grandstand seats 3,700 with one-third of those seats covered.  What makes the L&C stadium a true track stadium is that the seating extends past the finish line, unlike football grandstands that usually end at the twenty-yard line.  Almost 800 spectators can sit between the 4x400 exchange zone and enjoy the excitement of every track race finish.
Also important to athletes and spectators is how the competition is conducted.  An L&C track meet proceeds in an orderly fashion because of the certified USA-TF officials that volunteer their time and officiating skills to produce a great track meet.  An on-time meet is appreciated by all involved, as is a meet that is officiated professionally by the rules.