INDIANAPOLIS – For the first time since its inception, the USATF Throws Festival - held annually in Tucson, Arizona - will feature both men’s and women’s fields in all throws and jumps, USA Track & Field announced today. The World Athletics Silver Label event will take place at the University of Arizona’s Roy P. Drachman Stadium.
Now in its fifth year in Tucson, the USATF Throws Festival has historically drawn some of the top throwers in the U.S. and abroad. In 2023, Brooke Andersen followed up her World Championships hammer gold from the previous year with an 80.17/263-0 that made her the No. 3 woman in history. American record holder Kara Winger won the 2022 women's javelin with a 63.75/209-2 in the run-up to her historic silver at the World Championships in Eugene, and Jorinde van Klinken of Arizona State and the Netherlands set a collegiate record in the women's discus in 2021 with a 70.22/230-4. Shot put legend Ryan Crouser surpassed 23 meters for the first time that year, hitting 23.01/75-6 to become only the third man ever to crack that barrier.
“The USATF Throws Fest has consistently set the stage for a day of world-class performances, and this year is primed to be better than ever,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring all field events to the spotlight in a setting that showcases deep talent in the throws and jumps, while allowing fans to feel like they’re a part of the action. With the hard work and support of the staff at the University of Arizona, this event underscores USATF’s commitment to providing opportunities for athletes to excel.”
“The Tucson Elite Meet has a long history of world-class performances,” said University of Arizona Throws Coach Lucais MacKay. “The weather is nearly always ideal. The setting is primed for field event success, with fans being right up close to the athletes, and the history speaks for itself - the 2024 Tucson Elite Classic was the No. 1 ranked special event meet worldwide! The runways, aprons, and circles will be primed and those desert evenings are primed for elite performances.”
Fans can watch the action in person with free admission at Roy P. Drachman Stadium on May 24 or tune in to USATF.TV to watch live.
More information about the event can be found here.