Reno is now a track and field destination with a state-of-the art track up and running at the Reno Sparks Convention Center.

The new $5.2 million track hosted its first meet Thursday, along with a grand opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting.

The Mondo-manufactured track, made in Italy, meets World Athletics certification standards and should yield some fast times.

It will be home to the Nevada women’s track and field team for indoor meets as well as practices and will also host high school, middle school and adult track and field meets. The Wolf Pack is hosting this week’s Silver State Invitational on the track.

8 meets scheduled for new RSCVA track’s first season

The track is the third of its kind on the West Coast capable of hosting high-level events.

RSCVA President and CEO Mike Larragueta said the process of approving, buying and installing the track was about two and a half years. Larragueta said it is expected to last about 10 years and will easily pay for itself in that time. He said the $5.2 million cost will be recouped within the next two and a half years.

There are three Mondo tracks in the western United States, in addition to Reno, with tracks in Spokane, Washington, and in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

There are eight meets scheduled for the RSCVA track this winter.

“We think that after this first season, the demand is going to be through the roof to come to Reno and experience this newer track,” Larragueta said.

He said the track will generate revenue through room nights, food and beverage spending and other activities. It will help tourism efforts in the usually slower winter months.

The track in Albuquerque has hosted NCAA Indoor Championship meets and U.S. Indoor national meets.

‘Major things’ ahead for Reno-Sparks

Nevada runner Valeria Paez-Rueda raved about the track, saying it provides a cushioned feel along with propelling the runners, which aids their confidence.

Four-time Olympic medalist and NBC Sports Group lead track and field analyst Ato Boldon was on hand Thursday night to emcee the opening ceremony, and he raved about the track. Boldon represented Trinidad and Tobago, earning bronze medals in the 100m and 200m at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, as well as silver and bronze in the same events at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

He said the new track is among the best he has seen in his travels around the country.

“I can see a lot of major things coming here. I think it’s a great idea,” Boldon said of the track.

He said not all fast tracks are the same, and that Mondo is constantly refining its building process and the compounds used to make tracks.

“I’ve already had some of my track coach friends remark that it’s very fast and it feels very good,” Boldon said of the RSCVA track. “I expect you’ll hear the same from athletes.”

He said the 4,500-foot elevation — and thinner air — in Northern Nevada will also help runners post fast times on the track.

The track has a 12-degree fixed-bank oval and six 42-inch-wide lanes, as well as an eight-lane sprint track for sprints and hurdles.

The track is designed to meet World Athletics certification, and will be eligible to host a range of competitions, including NCAA, USA Track & Field, AAU and youth meets.

It will be used from December-March each year, then taken apart and stored nearby in the spring and summer.