Randall’s Island Park Alliance and Mondo Complete $2 Million Track Renovation

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) completed its $2 million renovation of its track surface at Icahn Stadium earlier today.

RIPA extended its 20-year partnership with Mondo, one of the leading manufacturers of track and field and other athletic surfaces, who installed their new Super X 720 track surface this summer, which will give Icahn Stadium World Athletics Class I certification.  Icahn is now one of only four outdoor venues in the United States to have such a designation that can host world-class competitions.

ATHLOS NYC 2025, a women’s-only professional track and field event series that combines top competition with a music festival atmosphere to elevate women athletes and create a unique, modern fan experience, is scheduled to be the first event to run on the new Mondo surface on October 10 at 5 PM. The event will feature a musical performance by Grammy-winning artist Ciara.

“We at the Alliance understand the importance of investing significant resources into a landmark facility like Icahn Stadium, said RIPA President Deborah Maher. “Icahn is an important and unique track and field facility. The stadium not only serves tens of thousands of local youth athletes, but thousands more who travel to compete in our great city. It also hosts elite athletes from across the world making it truly a stadium for all. Working with Mondo and upgrading our track surface allows us to continually offer an elite track facility to amateur and professional athletes of all ages.”

“Our partnerships with track and field royalty in Mondo and ATHLOS ensure we have the highest-level of competition here at Icahn Stadium each and every year,” said Icahn Stadium Director Louis Vazquez. “The fastest women in the world are set to run on the fastest track surface in the world here for ATHLOS this coming Friday, and we are honored that these exceptional female athletes will be the first to run on this revolutionary Mondo surface.”

“Today’s ribbon-cutting is not only a celebration of the newly installed Mondo Super X 720 track, but one that commemorates over 20 years as a partner with Icahn Stadium,” said Michael Tovar, Track Division Director at Mondo. “We look forward to continuing our mutual commitment to innovation and stability, and watching athletes push beyond their limits on this high-performance surface.”

“ATHLOS belongs on the fastest stage in New York,” said Kayla Green, Chief Marketing Officer at ATHLOS. “Icahn Stadium’s new track is a statement of intent – for athletes chasing lifetime bests and for fans who came to feel speed up close. We’re honored that ATHLOS will be the first to experience this new track for our 2025 event.”

More than 200,000 athletes have competed on the Mondo surface at Icahn Stadium, and each year, the facility hosts upward of 60 meets. Major events held at Icahn Stadium include Grand Prix meets sponsored by Reebok and adidas, NCAA regional and Big East Conference championships, and national competitions such as the USA Track & Field National Youth Outdoor Championships and Junior Olympics.

###

“Running track at Randall’s Island Park has been a fixture in New York City track & field for as long as I can remember. I remember racing at the old Downing Stadium in 1982 when I was 12 and my last race there was the USA Track & Field Nationals in 1991 when I made my first World Championship team. I was happy to see the new Icahn Stadium built in 2005, and I’m thrilled to see the Alliance maintaining the facility properly. The more track meets the better, and with more meets comes the necessity to periodically replace the track. I am looking forward to seeing the new Icahn with this brand-new Mondo track.”

“We at the PSAL are thrilled about the track renovation at Icahn Stadium. Our student-athletes are truly excited for the new track and the opportunity to compete at this world-class facility.”

“Icahn Stadium has been a home for CHSAA track and field athletes for 20 years, and to see the stadium staff and RIPA continually upgrade the experience for the kids is always exciting. The CHSAA is lucky that we have access to such a world-class facility. The stadium is going to make an already competitive league even more competitive.  I believe we will see league records fall as a result of the upgrade.”

Throughout the year New York Road Runners hosts a variety of events at Icahn Stadium, including our Rising NYRR Spring Jamboree, encouraging everyone from young athletes to older adults to test their fitness and explore the transformative power of running. Icahn has always been a cornerstone of New York City’s vibrant track and field community, and the new facility reaffirms its place as a world-class venue for athletes of all levels.”

“Icahn Stadium is an absolute gem—not only for New York City, but for the sport on a national level. The Randall’s Island Park Alliance has played a critical role in advancing the sport, both locally and nationally, and we want to thank them for their continued dedication to track and field and for working tirelessly in their efforts to maintain this incredible venue.”

“City Parks Foundation is proud to have partnered with the Randall’s Island Park Alliance over the years to bring free and accessible track programs to NYC youth. Icahn Stadium has been the perfect home for our end of summer track meets and special event days for the Jesse Owens program — it’s a world-class venue that hosts top-level competitions and elite athletes, while also welcoming local communities and organizations like ours. We’re thrilled to see the latest improvements to the facility and look forward to continuing to grow track and field together for years to come.”