The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) is proud to announce a new partnership with the University of Georgia to elevate the State Track & Field Championships experience for Georgia’s student-athletes. UGA has graciously agreed to host our championships at their brand new Spec Towns Track, an impressive new facility currently under construction.
The GHSA Track & Field State Championships presented by Atlanta Track Club will be held on May 11–14, 2026 at Spec Towns Track at University of Georgia Track & Field Complex. Ticket will be available on GoFan. Track finals will be streamed live on NFHS Network.
To ensure every school and student enjoys the same high-quality championship experience, adjustments to the current format will be necessary. Due to UGA’s graduation ceremonies, we cannot utilize the traditional Friday–Saturday format. Instead, the championships will take place across four days (May 11–14, 2026).
Each classification will compete on a single day, beginning and concluding their state meet on that day. This condensed format ensures equity across all schools and maximizes use of the new facility.
- Monday, May 11; 1A-D2 & 4A
- Tuesday, May 12; 6A & 1A-D1
- Wednesday, May 13; 5A & Private & Adaptive
- Thursday, May 14; 3A & 2A
Together, with UGA’s support and the Atlanta Track Club’s partnership, we look forward to making this a landmark championship experience for our students, schools, and communities.
Here are some specifics regarding the State and Sectional Meets:
2026 STATE MEET:
- GHSA will follow the NFHS order of events with field events and some running events being contested concurrently.
- All running events will move to a finals only approach; eliminating any preliminary rounds of competition.
- Laned running events (100m, 100H, 110H, 200m, 300H, 400m, 4x100, 4x200, 4x400) - two heat final, sections against time; seeded slow heat to fast heat.
- Running events (4x800, 800m) - one heat final; top 16 from sectionals seeded by performance best to worst; dual alley start.
- Running events (1600m, 3200m) - one heat final; top 16 from sectionals seeded by performance best to worst; waterfall start.
- A two class - one day meet will require other modifications to utilize the facility and time most efficiently for our field event competition with the following changes.
- Horizontal jumps and throws - 2 flights seeded worst to best; 4 attempts with no finals.
- Vertical jumps - 1 flight seeded worst to best; jump to completion.
2026 SECTIONAL MEETS:
- The Sectional meet schedule will be modified to mirror the format of the state schedule, based on the Sectional host's facility capability.
- Horizontal and throwing field events will move to a 4 attempt approach for all competitors; eliminating finals in these events.
Though these changes will require transition and flexibility, the students of Georgia will rise to the challenge. Let us serve them to the best of our abilities. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
