Hayward Field is one of the world's most famous track-and-field stadiums, though it is the second home for Oregon track athletes, who competed on Kincaid Field (located where Chapman and Condon Halls are now) from 1904 to 1920. Hayward Field is named for Bill Hayward, who coached the UO men's team from 1904 to 1947, and was built in 1919 originally just for football. A six-lane cinder track was installed two years later and the full schedule of track-and-field events moved to Hayward from Kincaid Field. The facility was used for both football and track until 1967, when the football team moved to Autzen Stadium.

The track was widened to eight lanes in 1970 and its first all-weather surface was applied. In 1983, the infield was leveled to remove a crown and improvements were made in the shot put area, the javelin runway and the high jump apron. Also added was an all-weather inner lane for jogging.

The most dramatic renovation took place in 1988. A $1.9 million dollar remodel reconfigured the track from 440 yards to a 400-meter oval. This decreased the sharp angle of the turns, a major drawback to the old 440-yard configuration. Additional projects included a 200-meter warmup track, a new hammer throw area, a weight room facility and a storage area near the southeast end of the field.

A new $200,000 scoreboard was added to the south end of the field in 1991. The computerized scoreboard shows unofficial times for the first eight finishers as they cross the finish line.

In 1991 the Bowerman Family Building, an all-purpose facility, was built on the field's north side with funds from UO alumnus and long-time track coach Bill Bowerman '34 M.Ed. '53 and his family. This impressive 15,000 square foot building houses locker rooms, U of O track memorabilia and the university's International Institute for Sport and Human Performance.

In 2005, a new entryway on the corner of East 15th Avenue and Agate Street was added. This new addition provides Hayward Field with what University officials and donors call a new "front door" for the facility. The entryway was financed by donations from the Powell and Bowerman families.

Lloyd Powell, a 1955 University graduate, and his wife, Sharon, donated $500,000 toward the project; their son, Peter, and his wife, Molly, who both graduated from the University in 1978, also donated $500,000. The family of the late Bill Bowerman, Nike co-founder and Oregon head track coach from 1948 to 1972, also donated $250,000.

With a capacity 10,000, Hayward Field in 2001 hosted the NCAA Championships for the ninth time. The U.S. Olympic Trials will be held for the 4th time in 2008 with previous events being held at Hayward Field in 1972, 1976, and 1980. Every May the stadium hosts the IAAF Grand Prix Prefontaine Classic, the premiere track-and-field meet in the United States.