California Lutheran University Breaks Ground on Track

The campus held a dedication for its new redwood pavilion and a groundbreaking ceremony for a future track facility.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Track & Field

California Lutheran University Breaks Ground on Track

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California Lutheran University celebrated a double milestone on Oct. 17 with the dedication of the James M. Hage Pavilion and a groundbreaking for a new track and field facility. These projects are designed to enhance the school's athletic infrastructure and training capabilities.

Why it matters

The new facility will provide a dedicated space for university track teams, which currently must travel to a high school in Moorpark for daily training. The university aims to position the venue as a regional training site for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympic Games.

University track teams currently spend 15 minutes traveling to a high school in Moorpark for training. The new on-campus track facility is expected to reach completion by late 2027 or early 2028.

The players

California Lutheran University

This private university located in Thousand Oaks offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

James Hage

He was a benefactor whose trust provided the funding for the new pavilion constructed on the university campus.

The details

The James M. Hage Pavilion, an open-air structure built of redwood and featuring hand-carved dragons, was dedicated to honor the legacy of James Hage. Meanwhile, the track groundbreaking ceremony was relocated from North Field to outside William Rolland Stadium due to high wind conditions.

Oct. 17, 2026: The James M. Hage Pavilion was dedicated and the track facility groundbreaking occurred.
Late 2027 or early 2028: The new track and field facility is expected to be completed.
2028: The Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympic Games are scheduled to take place.

Season Trajectory

The university's plan to serve as a regional training site directly aligns with the infrastructure needs and opportunities presented by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympic Games. This development marks a significant shift in the school's ability to host competitive-level athletics.

The transition from off-site high school training to an on-campus facility will eliminate a 15-minute commute for student-athletes. This upgrade establishes California Lutheran University as a potential host for Olympic-level training activity by 2028.

The takeaway

The university is making a long-term investment in athletic infrastructure that significantly alters its current training model. This upgrade positions the campus to contribute to the region's sports landscape ahead of the upcoming international games.