How Uber helps power the University of Arkansas men’s track & field team

In track and field, every second counts. That same philosophy applies to the logistics behind the scenes, like getting athletes, coaches, and guests where they need to be, on time and hassle-free. 

The University of Arkansas Men’s Track & Field team is among the most decorated programs in NCAA history, with a storied legacy that includes over 40 national championships. One of their biggest hurdles? Managing travel operations for a demanding yearlong competition schedule. 

Thanks to Uber Higher Education, University of Arkansas Athletics harnesses a streamlined, flexible travel program that keeps the Razorbacks competitive, efficient, and agile—on and off the track.

How it started

With a roster of over 40 athletes and a packed calendar, travel logistics were a planning nightmare. From rental car chaos at airports to expensive overnight parking to the hassle of collecting receipts from dozens of personal Uber accounts, managing team transportation was time-consuming and inefficient.

“We used to rent multiple cars, deal with parking fees, and have coaches shuttle athletes, taking them away from the action on the track,” says Matthew Downs, Director of Men’s Track and Field Operations. “One night in Seattle, we spent $100 just to park. That’s when we thought, why not just ride with Uber?”

The shift to Uber was a game changer for the Razorbacks. Initially, the team reimbursed athletes for personal rides—but the real breakthrough came when administrators discovered the Uber platform’s program management tools. The Uber for Business dashboard enables athletic departments to manage trips, centralize billing, invite riders to team accounts, and track spending. Now organizing travel is faster, easier, and aligned with the team’s administrative policies.

A platform built to race

In track and field, flexibility can make or break a team. Track meets are long, with athletes often competing at staggered times, and rest and recovery are essential. Often, only smaller groups within the team travel for specific athletic events. The Uber platform, particularly the Travel product, easily supports this dynamic schedule. 

“Some weekends, we take 4 to 5 guys to a meet,” says Downs. “Other times, we’re moving a group of 40. Uber scales with us.”

What’s more, Razorback administrators count on Uber Eats to keep the team fueled during lengthy meets. “Sometimes, I need to stay on the field with our athletes,” says Downs. “Being able to order food and have it delivered right to the track has been a huge help.”

Simpler, smarter, speedier

What truly sets apart Uber for the Razorbacks is its simplicity. Centralized billing eliminates the need to chase down receipts or handle cash reimbursements. Administrators can easily set ride schedules for athletes, restricting late-night trips or keeping all program rides within designated timeframes, ensuring that travel always stays within policy. 

Managing who can ride is a breeze. “I have an active and inactive list based on [which athletes and coaches] are traveling. I just toggle riders on and off the program when needed,” Downs explains. “Most of the team already have personal Uber accounts, so managing our transportation on the Uber platform is pretty simple.”

Uber also helps enhance the Razorback recruiting process. When guests touch down in Fayetteville or Razorback coaches travel, it takes only a few steps to request a ride between the airport and campus—no more waiting around or dispatching staff members to transport them.

Keeping pace—everywhere

Whether the University of Arkansas Men’s Track and Field Team is headed to a meet across town or across the country, Uber helps them focus on what matters most: competing at the highest level.

“It’s made life so much easier,” says Downs. “We’re saving time, saving money, and staying focused. For a team built on speed, Uber helps keep us moving.”

More information

Interested in offering rides or meal delivery to your athletes, students, faculty, or staff with Uber? Uber Higher Education can help you create a program tailored to your needs. Visit uber.com/higher-education to learn more.