The new on-campus facility was christened on April 3, 1998 in a dedication ceremony prior to the 1998 UNLV Invitational.

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On April 3, 1998, UNLV unveiled one of the finest track and field facilities in the country at the new Myron Partridge Stadium and Sheila Tarr Smith Field.

A partnership between Clark County and the UNLV Board of Regents paved the way for the new $1.6 million facility. In a cooperative effort, the area occupied by the old Myron Partridge Stadium was cleared for the relocation of Paradise Elementary School and the new stadium was built on campus, just west of the Earl E. Wilson Baseball Stadium.

"This is one of the best track surfaces in the country," head coach Karen Dennis said. "It's a fast track and is suited well to meet our training and competition needs. It is a perfect beginning to the outstanding stadium we envision."

The facility was officially opened last spring prior to the UNLV Invitational, an annual meet showcasing many of the top collegiate track and field teams in the West. A dedication ceremony was held at the grand opening, naming the field Sheila Tarr Smith Field in honor of a former Rebel NCAA Champion in the heptathlon who died in the fall of 1998.

The track, designed locally by Martin & Martin, features ISS 2000, a state-of-the-art polyurethane surface that stores and releases energy applied by the athlete. It is considered the most responsive and longest-lasting surface available and is used in most of the top track facilities in the country. Nine 48-inch lanes circle the track, a significant improvement over the eight 42-inch lanes on the old track. A steeplechase bar and pit complete the multi-use track.

The field, also newly constructed, has a natural grass surface. IIt includes two pole vault pits, two high jump areas, two long jump/triple jump lanes, two shot put slabs and ample room for hammer and javelin events.

The stadium includes a storage facility and scoring area. Grandstands, with seating for up to 1,000 athletes and spectators, line the west edge of the track.

With top-of-the-line training facilities, the new stadium will assist the Rebel track and field program in its quest to maintain its nationally respected status. The improvements in the facility provide UNLV the ability to host conference, national and international events in the future.

"Our athletics administration should be commended for their visionary approach, taking this sport into the 21st century," Dennis said.

Myron Partridge Stadium/Sheila Tarr Smith Field Records