FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (January 7, 2026) - Northern Arizona University Track & Field opens the 2026 indoor season Friday, January 9, hosting the Friday Night Axe 'Em Open inside the J. Lawrence Walk-up Skydome. The meet marks the Lumberjacks' season opener and the first of four indoor meets NAU will host this winter in Flagstaff. Admission is free.
The Friday Night Axe 'Em Open has become a January staple in the Walk-up Skydome, consistently serving as an early-season measuring stick for the Lumberjacks. Last season's opener delivered a strong start to the year, as NAU broke two school records, produced 12 new all-time top-10 marks, and captured 11 event victories across the men's and women's competitions.
Friday's meet features a full afternoon and evening of competition, with field events beginning at 1:00 p.m. and running events starting at 4:00 p.m. following the national anthem. The schedule includes a wide range of events across all disciplines, providing athletes an early opportunity to establish marks and build competitive momentum. Sprint and hurdle races open the evening session, followed by middle-distance and distance finals before the night closes with the 4x400-meter relays.
The Axe 'Em Open also serves as an opportunity for fans to see the Lumberjacks back in action at home, as the program begins another indoor season inside one of the premier facilities in the region. With a full schedule and free admission, the meet sets the stage for a busy stretch of indoor competition in Flagstaff.
1:00 PM – Pole Vault (W/M), Long Jump (W/M)
Following LJ – Triple Jump (W/M)
1:30 PM – Weight Throw (W/M)
Following WT – Shot Put (W/M)
3:50 PM – National Anthem
4:00 PM – High Jump (W/M)
4:00 PM – 60m Hurdles Prelims (W/M)
4:26 PM – 60m Prelims (W/M)
5:07 PM – 1 Mile (W/M)
5:25 PM – 60m Hurdles Finals (W/M)
5:41 PM – 60m Finals (W/M)
5:47 PM – 400m (W/M)
6:23 PM – 800m (W/M)
6:40 PM – 200m (W/M)
7:21 PM – 3000m (W/M)
7:49 PM – 4x400m Relay (W/M)
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