Sprint to the Finish: Preparing Drachman Stadium for the Big 12 Championships
By Harrison Moreno, University Communications
Arizona senior Taylen Wise (center, in red) competes in a hurdle event during the Big 12 Track and Field Championship on the newly resurfaced track at Drachman Stadium.
Arizona Athletics
When Arizona Athletics joined the Big 12 Conference in 2024, it not only brought the chance to measure Wildcat student-athletes against new opponents – it created opportunities to showcase the university on one of the biggest stages in college athletics.
A newly resurfaced track were among several upgrades completed to prepare the facility to host championship-level competitions.
Arizona Athletics
Last week, the university hosted the 2026 Big 12 Outdoor Track and Field Championship at Drachman Stadium, following months of renovations and upgrades completed through a collaborative effort between Athletics and Facilities Services.
'It takes a team'
Work began at Drachman Stadium in fall 2025 with the removal of the existing track surface.
The effort brought together project managers, grounds crews, irrigation crew, electricians, sheet metal, painters, masons, renovations, plumbing, Athletics staff and outside contractors.
"We removed the entire track surface, along with the turf, high jump and pole vault areas," said Chris Kopach, associate vice president of University Facility Services in Facilities and Planning. "The university handled everything from demolition and paving to irrigation, restroom and training room renovations, signage and masonry work."
Drachman Stadium hosted athletes and fans during competition as the renovated facility welcomed championship-level events back to campus.
Arizona Athletics
Orville Jennings, senior associate athletic director for operations, helped oversee the project's day-to-day coordination. He said completing the project on time required constant coordination between university teams, contractors and Athletics staff.
"The timeline certainly was a difficult part of this project," Jennings said. "It's very difficult to do a full resurface of a track in that short of time."
Renovating the university's 'front door'
This was the first time the university has hosted the Big 12 Track and Field championship since joining the conference, and the first overall track and field championship since 2019, when they were a part of the Pac-12 Conference.
"Our track and field program now has the state-of-the-art track material to go ahead and represent the university at the highest level," said Kopach.
Will Wheeler, senior associate athletic director, chief financial officer for Arizona Athletics and the sport administrator for track and field and cross country, said hosting the championship reflects the opportunities that came with Arizona's move to the conference.
Arizona student-athlete Sydnie Vanek and head coach Andrew Dubs celebrate her victory in the women's long jump event at the Big 12 Championship.
Arizona Athletics
"It shows not only here in Arizona, but to the conference and the nation, that we are committed to being a leader and contributing immediately to the Big 12 Conference," Wheeler said. "We're investing at a level that's consistent with trying to win championships, and that's the expectation for the athletic department."
Because Arizona Athletics is often referred to as one of the "front doors to the university," Andrew Dubs, head coach of track & field and cross country, said investments in facilities like Drachman Stadium are important for recruiting and creating a championship-level experience for student-athletes.
"Any time, regardless of sport, when you have an opportunity to renovate or build a new facility, it's going to have a tremendous impact on recruiting," Dubs said. "It's been an incredible help."
Honoring the past while looking forward
Along with the renovations to the on-field areas of the stadium, the project also gave the university a chance to honor and highlight some of the great student-athletes who have helped shape the program.
"We wanted to recognize all the great students who have run track here," Kopach said. "In collaboration with Athletics, we went through decades of images and celebrated Arizona track history on signage throughout the stadium."
Dubs said hosting the championship created an opportunity for current Arizona student-athletes to compete for a conference title in front of their home crowd and campus community.
The renovated long jump area was part of broader improvements designed to modernize Roy P. Drachman Stadium and support student-athlete performance.
Arizona Athletics
"For all these student-athletes, it was their first opportunity to be on a championship roster that's hosting," he said. "You're in your own bed, you're used to the daily routine, you know the facility and nothing is out of the ordinary. You're just very, very comfortable."
Arizona had a strong showing during this year's conference championship, with the men's team placing second overall and the women's team placing third overall, including a seven-medal day on Friday.
As athletes, coaches and fans left Drachman Stadium this weekend, Wheeler said he hoped the facility reflected the pride and collaboration behind the months-long effort.
"The opportunity to showcase what our facilities look like to folks that may not have visited Tucson, the University of Arizona and this campus is a tremendous opportunity for us.”
