Venue, dates change for outdoor track nationals. Final decision due June 15.

Governing body will make final decision by June 15

The National Scholastic Athletics Foundation announced in a news release

June 4 that it is changing the venue and dates for The Outdoor Nationals.

Hoping to still have the meet contested amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the NSAF has tentatively moved the event to Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls, S.D., with new dates of July 30-Aug. 2.

“In order to best accommodate the latest information and guidelines, and be responsive to our rapidly changing world, the final decision whether to cancel or hold the 2020 NSAF Outdoor Nationals will be made no later than June 15, 2020, by our NSAF Board of Directors,” the NSAF said in a prepared statement.

The meet, formerly known as New Balance Outdoor

Nationals, are typically held at North Carolina A&T in Greensboro. But that campus is closed through the end of August.

The meet had initially been rescheduled in April to take place July 16-19 in Greensboro.

The NSAF stated whether the meet will happen at the new venue and on these newest dates would depend on “compliance with USATF sanctions and guidelines,” advice from the NSAF Medical Director and the “ability of Sioux Falls to implement protocols required to ensure the health and safety of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators.”

In a typical season, Ohio high school track and field athletes who enter outdoor nationals go from the state meet straight into preparation for a late June trip to Greensboro.

“We all want you to have an opportunity to compete this summer,” the NSAF stated in its release. “But this is a summer like no other and our first priority is keeping you safe and healthy. Thank you for your interest and patience. Good luck and stay safe.”