BEAVERTON, OR (2 November, 2007) – NIKE, Inc. announced today a $1.5 million contribution to the Duck Athletic Fund for the expressed purpose of purchasing a state of the art video scoreboard and display at historic Hayward Field. The scoreboard, designed by noted Nike designer and University of Oregon graduate Tinker Hatfield, will be ready in time for the U.S. track and field Olympic Trials scheduled to be held at Hayward Field June 27th to July 6th.

“Nike has been a major supporter in bringing the Olympic track and field trials back to Eugene. We are committed to creating a memorable Olympic trials experience while also building for the future of Hayward Field,” said CEO Mark Parker. “In many ways Nike was born on Hayward Field so we are proud to be part of its future. We are also very proud to have Tinker Hatfield design the video scoreboard. Beyond being one of the most acclaimed designers of his time Tinker has Hayward Field in his blood.”

The video scoreboard will feature a 30 x 17 foot screen standing five stories high at the South end of Hayward Field. Construction for the foundations has already begun with completion expected early in 2008. Its striking design is the first piece of truly public architecture created by Tinker Hatfield since his days as a Corporate Architect with Nike. The former U of O and All American track athlete graduated from the U of O School of Architecture and practiced in Eugene before joining Nike in 1981.  Tinker is now the most revered designer within the industry, creating iconic products such as the Air 180, Air Max 87, multiple Air Jordan’s and the Air Huarache.
“I grew up attending track & field meets at Hayward Field, competed there at high school, college and with the U of O, so it’s a true honor to be designing a piece of architecture for a place I have such a strong connection to,” said Hatfield.  “Hayward Field is such a historic stadium, where many great athletes and coaches have competed. The video scoreboard is designed to pay homage to these moments and purposefully contrast with the beautifully designed East grandstand. The design also portrays a sense of speed and modernity, while providing respectful steps to upgrade Hayward Field and ensure it remains one the world’s best track and field venues.”

Talking about Nike’s donation and Tinker Hatfield involvement Vin Lananna, University of Oregon Associate Athletics Director, Director of Track & Field said, “Historic Hayward Field has been the home of innovation in our sport for a long time, and this video board will create an unrivaled experience for the athletes and fans that create the magic atmosphere here. The University of Oregon would like to thank Nike for their generous gift and Tinker for his special involvement with this amazing project. I can't think of a better way to showcase the historic legacy of Hayward Field and Track Town, USA.”

Nike has played a lead role with the University of Oregon and Eugene civic leadership in bringing the Olympic trials back to Eugene. The last Olympic trials to be held in Eugene were in 1980. The games and attendant events are expected to generate $28 million in revenue locally during their 10-day run according to the Convention and Visitors Association of Lane County.

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan Holdings Incorporated, a leading designer and marketer of luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Exeter Brands Group LLC, which designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail channel; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and NIKE Bauer Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment.