Tryon – In a bold move that promises to elevate the athletic landscape of Western North Carolina, Tryon International has announced the installation of a custom-designed Mondo Super X 720 track, set to debut in December 2025. Ben Paxton, the newly appointed Indoor Track Meet Coordinator, encapsulated the excitement surrounding this development, noting that the location is “central to several states and includes major cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, and Knoxville.” He added that with nearby destinations like Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Tryon International is poised to become an incredible attraction for athletes and spectators alike.
Transforming the Athletic Experience
The new track will replace the previous installation from 2023, and it’s designed to be one of the fastest in the country, featuring a multi-radius layout with a 12-degree banking. This design is not just about speed; it’s about creating an environment where athletes can thrive. “Mondo Tracks are world-renowned as the top performing surfaces for all athletic events,” Paxton explained. “They are the preferred surface for World and Olympic competitions.” The combination of the Super X surface and its specific angle will simulate the experience of competing on elite tracks around the globe.
The Indoor Complex at Tryon International boasts over 3,300 seats, ensuring that spectators are close to the action. With amenities like a jumbo scoreboard, team warm-up areas, and specialized runways for pole vaulting and long/triple jump, the venue is engineered to deliver a championship feel regardless of the event’s scale. Doug Grondahl, Chief Operating Officer at Tryon International, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It’s great to be working with GeoSurfaces on this project and expanding the track capabilities at our world-class facility.”
A Hub for All Levels of Competition
Tryon International has evolved into a year-round events and entertainment center since its inception in 2014, initially specializing in equestrian sports. In recent years, it has broadened its scope to include martial arts, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, and now track and field. This expansion reflects a commitment to providing diverse sporting opportunities for local athletes and teams. Paxton anticipates that the new facility will attract high-profile events, significantly boosting the region’s prominence in the athletic community.
With its superb accommodations and easy access from major urban centers, Tryon International is set to become a premier destination for collegiate, high school, youth, and senior competitions. “You can easily see why it could very well become a premier attraction,” Paxton remarked, highlighting the facility’s potential to draw athletes from across the region.
Ben Paxton: A Visionary Leader
Paxton brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having retired after a distinguished 36-year coaching career that included 32 years as Head Men’s and Women’s Track & Field and Cross Country Coach at Division I Winthrop University. His extensive background includes coaching four Olympians and five All-Americans, as well as serving on multiple NCAA committees. This experience gives him unique insights into what athletes need to perform at their best.
“My ability to work at the Division 1 level and serve for eight years on the NCAA Championship Committee will give me insight into planning and recruiting high-level competition,” he explained. His familiarity with venues like Oregon, Arkansas, and Texas A&M allows him to understand what coaches, athletes, and spectators are looking for in a top-tier facility.
As Tryon International prepares for this exciting new chapter, it is clear that Paxton’s leadership will enhance the overall experience for athletes at the facility. The support from Tryon International will provide both competitors and spectators with an unparalleled experience at every level of competition.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Tryon International
The future looks bright for Tryon International as it gears up to host a variety of athletic events in its state-of-the-art facility. With plans for full track meets beginning in December 2025, this new installation is more than just a track; it’s a commitment to fostering athletic excellence in Western North Carolina. As Paxton aptly put it, “The support of Tryon International will give this community and all competitors an experience at the highest level for both small intimate competitions and large championships.”
As this ambitious project unfolds in Mill Spring, it stands as a testament to the region’s dedication to sports and community engagement. The anticipation surrounding the new Mondo Super X 720 track is palpable, promising not only to enhance performance outcomes but also to solidify Tryon International’s status as a leader in hosting elite athletic events.