STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association agreed to an eight-year contract extension with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Explore La Crosse to host the State Track & Field Championships in La Crosse through 2034. 

“On behalf of the 515 member schools in the Association, the WIAA is proud to continue our partnership with UWL, Explore La Crosse and the local community for the next eight years.” WIAA Executive Director Stephanie Hauser said. “By bringing our State Track & Field Championships to the premier facilities at UW-La Crosse’s Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex, we are doing more than just hosting an event - we are Inspiring Champions for Life.

“The incredible synergy between this world-class venue and the unwavering support of the university and community creates an unmatched atmosphere for every student-athlete, coach, official, and fan involved,” she said.  

The agreement with UW-La Crosse provides the WIAA usage of the entire Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex, as well as Mitchell Hall and Hetzel Fieldhouse during the State Meet. The current Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex was opened in 2008 and seats 9,556 with additional seating and standing room.

“We are thrilled to extend our longstanding partnership with the WIAA and continue to serve as the host site for the State Track & Field Championships," UWL Chancellor James Beeby said. "It is an honor to have so many incredible athletes and enthusiastic spectators on our campus each spring, and we are especially grateful for the incredible support and collaboration we receive from the WIAA and Explore La Crosse. By working together, we ensure that this continues to be a signature event for our city, region and state — one that not only boosts the local economy, but showcases our wonderful campus and all the amazing things La Crosse has to offer."

The State Track & Field Championships have been held at Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex on the campus of UW-La Crosse since 1990, with the exception of 2020, when the event was canceled amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The championships have grown in stature since moving from Madison in 1990.

Held traditionally the last weekend in May or the first weekend in June, the State Meet has attracted an average attendance of 16,255 throughout the 35 years in La Crosse, including an average of more than 20,000 spectators in the last decade. The projected annual economic impact of the State Meet in the La Crosse area is approximately $4 million.

The cooperative efforts of UW-La Crosse, Explore La Crosse and corporate sponsor partnerships with local businesses have contributed to recognizing La Crosse as the premier destination and location for the State Track & Field Championships. 

“After having a five-year arrangement with the WIAA, Explore La Crosse and the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, we are extremely excited about an eight-year extension with the WIAA that will secure the State Track and Field Championships for the La Crosse region through 2034,” said A.J. Frels, Executive Director of Explore La Crosse. “This opportunity is only possible due to the generosity of many community sponsors from throughout the La Crosse region. 

“We are truly blessed to have so many great champions living in our communities,” Frels said. “I cannot thank the sponsors, UWL, and the WIAA enough for their collaboration in making this agreement a reality. It is a great honor to work with these organizations, knowing that our work always aims to improve experiences for Wisconsin High School athletes.”

The Track & Field Tournament Series begins with regional meets scheduled Tuesday, May 26, and continues with sectional meets Friday, May 29. The State Meet is scheduled for Friday-Saturday, June 5-6.

The WIAA, as defined by its Constitution, is a voluntary, unincorporated, and nonprofit organization. The membership oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 514 senior high schools and 30 junior high/middle level schools in its membership.

# WIAA  #