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Mr. Masback noted the competitive nature of the bid process, emphasizing that the choice of Eugene was <br />not a “slam dunk.” Eugene had been selected because its presentation highlighted that the event would be a <br />cultural and community event and the objectives outlined were in line with the objectives of his organization, <br />which was involved in the anti-obesity movement. USA Track and Field operated a program called “Be a <br />Champion,” through which it sent athletes to schools across the country to discuss the importance of a <br />healthy lifestyle. Mr. Masback said that Ms. Jones’ presentation stimulated some thinking on the part of <br />USA Track and Field to use the leadership that Eugene showed in environmental issues and highlight that <br />throughout the trials, much as had been done in Helsinki, Finland, when that city hosted the World Track <br />and Field Championships and highlighted its green initiative. <br /> <br />Mr. Masback said the trials were now far larger and more complex than when he participated in them 26 <br />years ago in Eugene, as demonstrated by increased media attendance and increased viewers around the <br />world. He believed that Eugene was capable of putting on the event correctly and said it had significant <br />upside potential. There would be eight nights of live competition shown on national television and around <br />the world, and viewers would see images of Eugene, Lane County, and Oregon. Along with great athletes, <br />viewers would see a beautiful venue. Community and arts events would be highlighted, as well as the <br />welcoming of families coming to Eugene to view their family members competing. <br /> <br />Mr. Masback said the stakes for Eugene and USA Track and Field were high because the 2008 Olympic <br />Games were being held in China, and that fact would draw additional international attention to the trials. <br />Track and field would be at the center of attention, and the team that dominated events in Beijing would be <br />the team selected in Eugene. <br /> <br />Mr. Masback thanked the council for its support of the event and for future such events. <br /> <br />Mr. Irwin anticipated 17,000 spectators would view the trials daily, bringing in many people from outside of <br />Eugene and Springfield. He said 30,000 room nights would be needed, and the trials could generate more <br />than $300,000 in room tax revenues, with a direct benefit to the City’s Cultural Services Subfund. An <br />overall economic impact of approximately $18 million was expected. <br /> <br />Mr. Irwin said there were many partners in the process, including corporate sponsors, the UO, the City of <br />Eugene, Lane County, and CVALCO. Those partnerships were essential to the success of the trials and he <br />believed they established a framework for future events in Eugene. <br /> <br />Mr. Irwin again commended Ms. Jones for her representation of the City and said she would be an important <br />liaison for the committee. <br /> <br />Mayor Piercy thanked the presenters and said she was both proud and a little bit scared. She agreed that the <br />stakes were high but the opportunity was a great one for the community and the region. <br /> <br />Mayor Piercy said that the council talked about sustainability frequently and the things that Mr. Masback <br />mentioned with regard to highlighting Eugene’s green record seemed to be “so much us.” She thought the <br />event gave residents the opportunity to share Eugene with the rest of the world. <br /> <br />Mayor Piercy called on the council for questions and comments. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—Eugene City Council February 8, 2006 Page 2 <br /> Work Session <br /> <br />