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UI Armory
Competition during the indoor track and field season takes place at the Armory track, located in the heart of campus, adjacent to Huff Hall. The track surface provides the University of Illinois with one of the finest indoor facilities in the Midwest.
In 2020, the Armory track was resurfaced with The BSS 2000 Resurfacing System. The revolutionary manufacturing and installation process restored the appearance and texture of the existing track and field surface, and dramatically enhanced the feel under foot.
BEFORE & AFTER: 2020 Armory Track Resurfacing Photos
Built in 1914 the William Carbys Zimmerman designed Armory replaced the old "Military Drill Hall", now known as H.E. Kenney Gymnasium Annex. When completed the Armory was the largest free-span, no center support system, structure in the world. The "drill hall" now referred to as the main floor, measures 200' x 300' with a ceiling height of 98 feet.
In 1927, a multi-story addition was built around the building adding classroom and office space. The addition, designed by Charles A. Platt, gave the Armory the look it has today, which matches the Georgian Revival style found in nearby buildings such as the Main Library, Huff Hall, and other campus buildings of the time.
Following the 2003 track and field season, a $1.2 million renovation project was undertaken to improve the infrastructure of the Armory track and floor.
Completed in late 2003, the new surface is a 13mm thick, 200m Beynon Encapsulated Polyurethane track that features six lanes on the oval and eight lanes on the straight. In the field events, the long jump and triple jump have two jumping areas which allow simultaneous running of men's and women's events, while the shot/weight area features a concrete circle recessed into the floor.
The Armory hosted the 2007 Women's Big Ten Indoor Track & Field Championships and the 2011 Men's Big Ten Indoor Track & Field Championships.
In addition to the above mentioned structural changes, the Armory Track & Floor also underwent an operational change. Usage of the Armory Track & Floor is now fee based. For additional information regarding Daily Fee's and Memberships, Open Jogging Times, and Facility Reservations please visit UIArmory.com.
Meet Day Information
Parking
Fans are encouraged to utilize available parking in the area, with various lots within a short walk of the Armory, as well as metered spaces surrounding the facility. See the parking map here.
Accessible Drop-OffÂ
We encourage ADA drop-off on the north side of the Armory along Armory Avenue before finding a parking space in a nearby lot.
Gate Opening Time
Gates will open for events 1 hour prior to the start of the event.
Seat Allocations
All seats are general admission.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located in the corners of the building outside of the track, with the women’s restrooms in the southwest and southeast corners and the men’s restrooms in northwest and northeast corners of the Armory. There is also a men’s & women’s restroom in the north hallway near the north entrance.
Elevators
Elevators are located in the southwest corner and east hallway of the Armory.
Concessions
Concessions are sold in the Northwest hallway of the Armory.
Program Sales
Meet programs are available at the main north entrance.
ATM
ATMs are unavailable in the Armory.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found should be turned into event staff. Patrons should call (217) 333-FIND or email athleticeventstaff@illinois.edu for any lost articles.
First Aid
IEMS (Illini Emergency Medical Services) will be stationed within the Armory. They will assist in any medical emergency with a patron. An ambulance is on duty if more attention is needed.
