La Crosse PD estimates up to 20,000 attendees at WIAA State Track meet

LA CROSSE (WKBT) — In 2021, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse runner Tracy Bye competed at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s State Track meet.

“The atmosphere was crazy, there were so many people,” he said.

The La Crosse Police Department estimates that up to 20,000 people are expected to attend the WIAA State Track meet Friday and Saturday at the UWL’s Veterans Memorial Field sports complex.

La Crosse Police Lt. Linnea Miller said everyone should be prepared to see more people on city streets and be vigilant amid the large crowds.

“If you see something that doesn’t look right or something that doesn’t seem right or feels wrong to you, it’s always a good idea to make that non-emergency call,” she said.

Miller also said people should “slow it down” amid larger groups of pedestrians and more cars on the road.

“Take your time and just enjoy your weekend,” Miller said.

Many of the student athletes competing in the WIAA track meet are staying in UWL residence halls.

“We also know this is an opportunity to showcase how wonderful UWL is,” said Jenni Brundage, Residence Life director at the university.

“We have a lot of families and potential students who could be joining us in the years to come,” she said.

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