The stadium is named for the LaPorte Family for their contributions. The track is named for Tom Black, whose generosity paved the way for its development.
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LaPorte Stadium Information
- Address:
1801 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, TN, 37996
Facilities Home
Home of Tennessee Track and Field
A venue that has hosted many a great meet, Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium, an eight-lane oval situated in the heart of Tennessee's campus. The track is named after the Knoxville business leader, Tom Black, whose generosity paved the way for its development. The stadium, meanwhile, was named after the LaPorte family in November 2005. The LaPorte family of Elizabethton, Tenn., and Houston, Texas, generously contributed toward enhancing the overall ambience of the facility.
Tom Black Track an eight-lane oval located in the heart of campus was refinished in 2016 to feature a Smokey Grey surface with orange accents and white lines.
The facility underwent major changes in 2016-17 thanks to a generous lead gift from UT alums Randy (1979) and Jenny Boyd (1979). Phase One of the renovations rearranged the infield and refinished the running surface. The track now features a Smokey Grey surface with orange accents and white lines.
Phase Two improved LaPorte Stadium with the Boyd Family Track and Field Center, named in recognition of the gift and support from Randy and Jenny Boyd as well as their sons Thomas and Harrison. It is a new building on the northeast corner of the complex and houses a training room and team room on track level with concessions and fan amenities on the upper level.
The Basler Broadcast Center, named in recognition of the gift and support from Wayne Basler, provides state-of-the-art space for meet operations, television and media activities and is located along the homestretch near Volunteer Boulevard.
Phillips Pavilion, named in recognition of the gift and support from Sara Phillips, serves as the team gathering location for both meets and practice and is adjacent to the Boyd Center.
In 2009-10 the track received an upgrade as it was resurfaced. In addition, work was done to complete the entry plaza, upgrade the pavilion and enhance the seating areas with brick work while adding a few other cosmetic touches.
Video overview of Tennessee's track & field facilities.
In 2003, thanks to the LaPorte family, the property also was improved in preparation for the SEC Championships. A Daktronics video timing board was installed on the east end, a concessions/storage building and bleacher seating were added to the south side, and aesthetic enhancements were made by paving areas adjacent to the track, remodeling the timing booth, replacing old fencing and utilizing decorative landscaping. Upgrades also included a new entry gate as well as brick columns and wrought iron fencing.
The storied venue also underwent major renovation in 1992 to improve its practicality and appearance. Three primary changes were made to the facility, including moving of the start/finish line to the south side of the track to best utilize favorable wind conditions, adding 2,500 temporary bleachers, and redesigning and resurfacing several field event areas. In the spring of 2001, the impressive Thornton Athletics Student Life Center was added, enhancing the skyline on the southeast corner.
Tom Black Track hosted the 2018 SEC Outdoor Track & Field Championship. The track has already been the site of several prestigious meets through the years, such as the 1993, 2003 and 2010 SEC Championships, the 1994 and 2005 USA Track & Field Youth National Championships, the 1994 USA Track & Field Championships, the 1995 NCAA Championships, the 2006 NCAA Mideast Regional and the 2002 and 2007 AAU Junior Olympics. On an annual basis, the facility is home to a variety of dual and invitational events, as well as the annual Tennessee Relays.
Driving Directions
From McGhee Tyson Airport: Turn north on U.S. Highway 129 leaving airport. After crossing the Tennessee River bridge just outside of Knoxville, exit onto Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153). Turn left (south) at the bottom of the exit ramp and follow road until Food City Center is visible. Turn left onto Lake Loudoun Boulevard. Turn left at second stoplight. Follow Volunteer Blvd. to next light. Track on right.
From I-40 east (from Nashville) and I-75 north (from Chattanooga): Follow I-40 and I-75 to I-40/I-75 junction in west Knoxville. Continue on I-40 east to U.S. Highway 129 south. Follow 129 south to the exit for Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153). Turn left (south) at the bottom of the exit ramp and follow the road until Food City Center is visible. Turn left onto Lake Loudoun Boulevard. Turn left at second stoplight. Follow Volunteer Blvd. to next light. Track on right.
From I-40 west (from Asheville, N.C.): Follow I-40 west to the James White Parkway exit. Follow Parkway to Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153) until Food City Center is visible. Turn right onto Lake Loudoun Boulevard. Turn left at second stoplight. Follow Volunteer Blvd. to next light. Track on right.
From I-75 south (from Lexington, Ky.): Follow I-75 south to I-275 south just past Merchants Road. Follow I-275 to I-40 east. Exit I-40 east onto James White Parkway and follow Parkway to Neyland Drive (Tennessee Highway 153) until Food City Center is visible. Turn left at second stoplight. Follow Volunteer Blvd. to next light. Track on right.
