New Mondo track slated to debut at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in November 2024
RENO, Nev. (June 29, 2023) – The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of an indoor track, which is expected to host indoor track meets as early as November 2024.
“After analyzing the feasibility study and speaking with knowledgeable track professionals and consultants, it became clear that indoor track could open the door to previously untapped opportunities,” said RSCVA Vice President of Sales Mike Larragueta. “Reno Tahoe resorts generally have availability during the indoor track season, November through March. Bringing additional competition to the destination during the winter months fills a need for the local tourism economy, while providing the Western U.S. with a world-class training and competition asset. This is a huge win for the University of Nevada, for regional athletics and for sports development throughout Northern Nevada.”
In 2021, the RSCVA commissioned a feasibility study as an early exploration into the potential of bringing indoor track back to Northern Nevada. The study found minimal competition throughout the West, and indicated opportunities for significant economic activity, suggesting indoor track competitions could bring up to 24,000 room nights in year one, and up to 50,000 room nights by year two.
“There are thousands of athletes who are in a reasonable travel distance to Reno,” said Pacific Association of USA Track & Field Executive Director John Mansoor. “This indoor track will be the most accessible indoor facility to the largest population bases in the Western United States. With only four indoor tracks west of the Mississippi, this represents endless opportunities for the destination of Reno Tahoe and also for Track & Field athletes across the country.”
Colleges and universities, as well as AAU, USA Track & Field, Masters and high school competitions are expected to utilize the new track over its lifetime, which is estimated to be suitable for all levels of competition for 10-20 years. More than 40,000 athletes and spectators could visit the region for more than 10 annual meets by 2029, according to the feasibility study by Synergy Sports.
“This marks another positive step in our partnership with the RSCVA in promoting the sustainable growth of the Reno Tahoe community,” said Nevada Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe. “Bringing a world-class indoor track to Reno will enhance the preparation, performance, and opportunities for our student-athletes as they compete for championships, and bolster Reno Tahoe as a premier sports destination. Having the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd will be a gamechanger for our track and field student-athletes, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will bring to the Reno Tahoe community.”
The portable track will be assembled in Hall 4 of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and will act as the University of Nevada’s home track, allowing athletes to practice more frequently and providing the opportunity to host the first home indoor track meet in more than 15 years.
According to Nevada Track & Field Coach Shantel Twiggs, “The return of indoor track at Nevada is a long-awaited gamechanger not only for our program but also for the Reno Tahoe community. From practice to hosting elite-level collegiate and professional competitions, this would put us in a position to be the track capital of the West. It would provide opportunities for our student-athletes to develop in the sport of track & field while being able to stay committed to the classroom. Lastly, being able to compete at a high level in front of a home crowd is an unbelievable opportunity for our student-athletes. To see this opportunity come to fruition would and will make a significant impact to our program today and for years to come.”
Mondo is a leader in building state-of-the-art indoor track systems in the U.S. and throughout the world. With its frame’s claw-locking mechanism, the portable Mondo track can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily in just a few days without screws or bolts, guaranteeing consistent tightness and perfect dimensional accuracy, installation after installation. When disassembled, the track can be stored elsewhere, freeing up the space for other purposes. In addition to the indoor track apparatus, the RSCVA is purchasing portable bleachers and all the necessary track equipment. The total cost of the track, bleachers and equipment is $5 million.
For more information, go to VisitRenoTahoe.com.