USA Track and Field officials announced Thursday that Sacramento State will host the 2004 USA Olympic Track and Field Trials.

The main factor in Sacramento being awarded the 2004 trials was the success of the 2000 trials last summer, said Doug Kelly of the Sacramento Sports Commission.

“Mostly, it was 187,000 people attending the trials last July?It worked,” Kelly said.Kelly is optimistic about the success of the 2004 trials and is happy that Sacramento is being awarded the event three and a half years in advance.

“I hope (it will be a success), the foundation was laid with the 2000 event?We have a lot of things in place that we didn?t have in 2000,” Kelly said.

These additions include a new state-of-the-art track at Hornet Stadium, which was paid for by a $1 million donation from San Diego Chargers owner Alex G. Spanos, the light rail access at Elvas Avenue and new electronic billboard signs at College Town, the parking garage and the J Street entrance of campus.

Ed Del Biaggio, vice president for the Administration, said that although there was competition from other cities, Sacramento was really the only choice.

“It was so very successful last summer?everything was outstanding,” Del Biaggio said. “I think when they left here they were quite impressed.”

Del Biaggio said he was pleased by the decision to again hold the trials in Sacramento and is confident that the 2004 trials will also be successful.

“The turnout was so fantastic, and it will be again,” Del Biaggio said.

President Donald Gerth said that it was a logical decision based on the outcome of the 2000 trials.

“It was a great success for both the University and community,” Gerth said.

The Sacramento Sports Commission will begin sending out mailers in the next couple of weeks giving 2000 trial season pass holders, people who bought their tickets online and anyone who is in their database, first shot at purchasing tickets, said Dustin Romero, marketing coordinator for the Sacramento Sports Commission.

“We?re interested to see how many people will renew their tickets before they go on sale to the public, which we?ll do in May 2003,” Romero said.