The National Junior College Athletic Association will host its Division 1 National Track & Field Championships May 16–18 at Brown Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
The event, which is sponsored by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, has an estimated economic impact of $468,200, with more than 850 athletes, 125 coaches, and family members coming to the region.
“We are excited to host the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championships,” said Alana Cooper, Discover Monroe-West Monroe president/chief executive officer. “This is our first time hosting this prestigious event in Monroe-West Monroe. Our board saw the investment in upgrades at ULM track as an avenue to bring economic impact through events to our community. With over 850 athletes competing from throughout the United States, our businesses have a great opportunity to showcase our southern hospitality to the competitors, coaches, families, and friends.”
The action begins on May 16 with decathlon events at 9 a.m., followed by field events at 11 a.m. and the running events at 5 p.m. Competition times remain the same on May 17, with the exception of the running events moving to 1 p.m. Championship Saturday on May 18 will feature the men’s and women’s field events at 10 a.m., followed by the championship running events at noon and the crowning of the men’s and women’s champions after the final race at 4:30 p.m.
“It is an honor to welcome some of the best track and field athletes from across the country to Monroe-West Monroe and the ULM campus,” said Scott Bruscato, Discover Monroe-West Monroe executive vice president of sales. “Brown Stadium is an excellent venue for these athletes to chase their dream of being national champions.”