EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) - The rumors have been confirmed: Bruce Jenner - world-renowned Olympic gold medalist - will be in Eugene this weekend for the 2012 USA Olympic Track and Field Trials.
The 1976 decathlon icon and sons Brandon and Brody are booked at Inn at the 5th for Friday night with plans to attend the Trials. Jenner will be honored as one of six living American Olympic gold medalists in a tribute to the centennial anniversary of the decathlon.
Today, Jenner is not only a motivational speaker but also a reality TV show star on "Keeping Up With the Kardashians". Jenner is the husband of Kris Jenner, nee Kardashian, and stepfather of Kim, Khloe, Rob and Kourtney Kardashian. "E!" will be taping Jenner's arrival and departure at the hotel as well as the opening ceremonies of the Trials at Hayward Field.
NewsSource 16 talked to management at the Inn at the 5th before they could confirm the information. General Manager Erik Cole said regardless of whether Jenner stays there or not, they're excited for the weekend ahead. The Inn has only been open for five months but Cole said they are ready for national exposure.
"We know he's coming into town; we'd like to host him," Cole explained. "It's the reason we were built. You know, we'd like to attract that kind of crowd, we're ready to start hosting that caliber of people: stars and athletes." Cole couldn't give specifics about anyone staying at the hotel because of client confidentiality.
With work still being done on the hotel, Cole said there have been last-minute changes and preparations. Almost all of their rooms are full. "There is still some painting to be done, tweaking, trying to minimize the amount of inquiries. A lot of A-list people are coming into town, so special requests and a lot of rooms have been specially modified, certain amenities," he said.
Security has been ramped up at 5th Street Market. On Wednesday, an armed security guard stood in the parking lot.
"It's always a good place - we're happy the Olympic trials are here again and chose Eugene and we hope the Inn is a good partner in choosing the location to return again and again," said Cole.
There is no word yet as to whether the Kardashians will appear in Eugene over the weekend, although NewsSource 16 has contacted their media representative to find out.
Bruce and Brandon Jenner are scheduled to leave on Saturday.
