Located within the famous Washington Heights, the Armory Track is nothing short of a Mecca for track and field athletes and students from all over New York City.
The premier indoor track and field center is run by the New York non-profit – Armory Foundation. The Foundation is committed to promoting fitness and excellence among youth through educational, athletic, and community programs. For this, it offers a competitive track, field activities, computer classes, college preparatory programs, and cultural and school-coordinated educational activities within the Armory Track.
Till now, the Armory Foundation has raised more than $25 million in funding for youth transformation by promoting fitness, excellence, and community. It hosts more than 100 annual track events for more than 125,000 athletes of all ages, making it the busiest facility of its kind in the world.
Where is it?
The Armory Track is located at 216 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY 10032.
History
The Armory has served various purposes in New York City since its construction in 1909. It was initially used to house regional battalions of the state’s volunteer militia and then the National Guard. The 22nd Regiment of the Army Corps of Engineers used the building as a place for conducting licensing exams for the military men who wished to become engineers, architects, nurses, and so on. Eventually, it developed into a gathering place for the city’s track and field athletes. Early in the 1980s, the building was converted into a homeless shelter, and for ten years, its renowned track was hidden beneath 1,800 beds and behind black windows.
Following an intensive restoration by Dr. Norbert Sander and Michael Frankfurt, Esq., in 1993, the Armory was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Now, it is one of only four World Athletics Certified Indoor Facilities in the United States. It serves as a vital resource for the children and people of New York.
Home to “The Fastest Track in the World,” the Armory hosts 100+ track meets annually. It was termed the fastest track because it holds the record of being the only track in the world on which most records have been set. One of these record-breaking performances was from Ajeé Wilson. The resident of Neptune, New Jersey, Wilson set a new indoor 800-meter US record in February 2020.
A record 220 members of the 2016 Olympics have competed at The Armory, in international competitions, including the Dr. Sander Invitational, Millrose Games, New Balance Games, and the Public-School Athletic League championships.
The Tracks
The Olympic caliber, the world’s fastest track, is present within the 60,000-square-foot arena of New Balance Track & Field Center.
The Armory’s renowned Mondo Super X 200-meter banked track is present on the third floor of the building. The ancillary field stations of New Balance Track & Field Center have a four-sided Videotron and offer seating for 4,000 spectators.
Competition
As described earlier, the Armory track hosts 100 track and field competitions each year. That means training more than 220,000 athletes and catering to 300,000 visitors from elementary school youth to senior citizens of all ages.
Armory Track holds the Hispanic Games, Dr. Sander Invitational, Armory NYC Indoor Marathon Presented by NYRR, the New Balance Games, and the New Balance Nationals Indoors.
Armory Track & Community
The Armory track has a unique aim to cater to both the public and private sector’s needs. Not only does it host track and field meets, but it is also open for the community members to use the city’s only indoor track & field arenas for gaining and improving physical and mental abilities.
The Armory’s City Track, Little Feet, and Tiny Feet community programs offer the students a chance to develop healthy exercise habits and learn about various sports.
Events at the Armory
The Armory plays host to hundreds of annual events, including weddings, corporate functions, bar/bat mitzvahs, galas, film shoots, fashion shows, and more.
From their soaring 65,000 square-foot open space to their private meeting spaces and elegant reception areas, the Armory has everything!
With a seating capacity of more than 5000 people, it is the perfect place to host your social or corporate events.
The National Track & Field Hall of Fame
The Armory is also home to the National Track & Field Hall of Fame. This inspirational museum offers visitors an up-close view of the history of track and field and its significance for the youth of the United States. The museum features one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia from past games.
The interactive sports and fitness learning center also inculcates a love of sports and what it takes to be a great athlete. It covers all information about training, healthy eating, and the role of technology within the field of sport. Another section lets the visitors enjoy the sights and sounds of the New York City Marathon. It includes a miniature floor replica of the original 26.2-mile course on an interactive touch screen with Olympic champions. This riveting section also explores the thought process of great Olympians during the competition.
The Hall Gallery has a 40-foot-long etched glass Wall of Fame, immortalizing the inductees and providing views of the New Balance Track & Field Center. It is a perfect place to view the future farmers training and competing against each other.
Since the museum’s opening in January 2004, thousands of school children have frequented the premises and explored the 15,000-square feet of sporting excellence.
The National Track & Field Hall of Fame is available for tours during business hours by appointment only.
Attractions Near the Armory Track
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Central Park
- Empire State Building
- Top of the Rock
- Statue of Liberty
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Manhattan Skyline
- United Palace Theater
- Yeshiva University
- Rockefeller Center
- American Museum of Natural History
Restaurants Near the Armory Track
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the venue. Visitors can
- Casa D’Angelo
- Subway
- Windows on the Hudson
- Mike’s Bagels
- Coogan’s Restaurant
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- La Dinastia II
- Famous Famiglia Pizzeria
- Starbucks
- McDonald’s