HUNTSVILLE — An “iconic space that has served generations” has been transformed into one of the “premier high school athletic facilities in Alabama.”

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing “Milton Frank Fast Track,” aka Milton Frank Stadium.

City and school system officials gathered at the venerable stadium today to cut the ribbon on an expansion of the track and field facility.

“This is a complete track and field (facility),” said Huntsville City Schools Financial Officer Dustin Daehn. “From sprinters to throwers, every athlete deserves the finest facilities.”

The work was brought in under budget and ahead of time, Daehn said.

The area includes sites for the throwing events – discus, hammer and javelin. And the ribbon was cut just in time for the USATF Masters Outdoor Track & Field Nationals which open Thursday morning.

“We can host middle school, high school, college and international level events,” said Huntsville City School Board President Carlos Mathews. “The events we bring to Huntsville help fund our schools indirectly.”

Mathews was referring to the money expected to be spent in the city by some 1,200 athletes, along with families and others.

A three-time All-SIAC track star at Alabama A&M and member of the Bulldogs’ Athletic Hall of Fame, Mathews also thanked the system’s maintenance Manager Billy Priest and his staff for transforming a parking lot into a state-of-the-art throwing events facility, including an artificial running surface for javelin throwers.

Huntsville/Madison County CVB Sports Development Manager Joel Lamp said the transformation was under the gun because the city was awarded the USATF Masters meet in December.

“Everybody chipped in to make it happen,” he said. “And it’s ready for 1,200 athletes to compete 8 a.m. Thursday.”

Runners, take your mark.