The 2014 USA Track & Field National Outdoor Championships will be held in Sacramento at Sacramento State’s Hornet Stadium June 25-29. The events will highlight the best track and field athletes, including Olympians, and give fans a total experience with interactive exhibits and great food from America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital.

“The best athletes in the world will be here – Olympians and future Olympians – and the energy at the event will be great with lots to do, and it’s something Sacramento can be proud of,” said Mike Sophia, director of the Sacramento Sports Commission. “This is a world-class event, and we’re a great city for track and field.”

Sacramento hosted the Olympic Track & Field Trials in 2000 and 2004, which saw Stacy Dragila set her first world record in the pole vault. Other records have been set in Sacramento, including the “Night of Speed” in 1968, when three American men all beat the world record in the 100 meters.

Sacramento State’s Hornet Stadium has a brand-new Mondo track, so there could very well be new track and field world records set this month.

See world-class athletes and catch a free event at a unique venue

Athletes Allyson Felix (200 or 400 meters), LaShawn Merritt (400 meters) and Lolo Jones (100 hurdles) will compete in Sacramento this month, so now is your chance to see some of the best athletes in the world, whose names will by synonymous with Olympic cities in years to come.

And don't miss local favorite Stephanie Brown Trafton, who won a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics in discus.

Sacramento is the capital of California, and to showcase that, the shot put event will be held on the west steps of the State Capitol in Downtown Sacramento, a first for USA Track & Field. That event, on Wednesday, June 25, will be free to the public. Stop by to see the reigning putter, Ryan Whiting, go for the win.

In addition to the excitement on the track, there is plenty for fans to do at the event – from interactive exhibits, vendor booths and the Farm-to-Fork Marketplace.

Don’t just spectate – participate

The Fan Fest will give visitors the chance to try their skills at track and field events. The six-station course allows participants to sprint, hurdle, long jump, shot put, high jump, throw a discus and throw a javelin. Photography and different sensors tell each participant how he or she would fare against the pros, such as Allyson Felix, Ashton Eaton and David Oliver. A kids zone will let future track and field stars get their first chance to get their hands on track equipment and the fun of the events.

Eat like a champ

Food in the stadium won’t be limited to the typical hot dogs and nachos. The Farm-to-Fork Marketplace in Hornet Stadium will serve a variety of foods made with the freshest ingredients America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital has to offer. Gourmet food trucks will be on-hand as part of the marketplace, and spectators can expect to find a marketplace full of unique offerings.

Keep the fun going

Sacramento has a lot to offer even after the sun sets and the athletes hang their shoes and shorts in the locker room. Nearby Hoppy Brewing Company, a local favorite, will have late-night happy hours and extra staffing throughout the event. Additionally, a short drive to Downtown Sacramento puts spectators in the heart of the city, where they’ll find a vibrant nightlife scene. From dancing in a club to singing karaoke in a private room to casually sipping a drink on a patio in the warm summer night, Downtown Sacramento and nearby Midtown have the perfect place for anyone’s taste. Click here to see 14 of Sacramento’s best night spots.

Don’t be a stranger – stay a while

Discount hotel rates are available through the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Sacramento region has more than 11,000 hotel rooms, and there is a wide range to fit any budget. Click here for discount hotel packages.

Win free tickets

From now until the event kickoff, the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sacramento Sports Commission are giving away free tickets on social media. Follow @VisitSacramento on Twitter and Instagram for your chance to win.

For more information

For full event schedules, parking information and ticket purchases, visit the official 2014 USA Track & Field National Outdoor Championships page.