Preliminary work on Hayward Field's reconstruction project Monday drew an angry response from those seeking to save the east grandstand of the 99-year-old University of Oregon track stadium.

Photos and videos circulating on the internet appeared to show workers taking out benches from the east grandstand.

University of Oregon spokesman Tobin Klinger said in an email that contractors were doing "prep work and some early salvage."

Bob Penny, informal leader of a group seeking to preserve the east grandstand, issued the following statement:

"In our opinion as of this morning, June 11, The University of Oregon is in noncompliance with state statute ORS 358.653. We checked this with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) this morning. The latest offer just last week of mitigation standards by the University to the SHPO was deemed inadequate by the state agency. City Code chapter 8.005 (13) (c) clearly states that a permit is invalidated if, when it is executed, it is used to violate any other law. Noncompliance with ORS 358.653 constitutes a violation of state law, and so it is our opinion today's work violates and invalidates the demolition permit issued by the City of Eugene for the Hayward Field Renovation Project. The City permit office has been informed of our grave concern about the willful destruction of publicly owned historic property. No qualified officials were in the office to receive a complaint this morning on the first day of work for this highly controversial public project. We will be speaking with lawyers at our earliest opportunity to decide upon further action."

Replying by email, Klinger disputed the contention that anything happening Monday at Hayward Field violated state law.

"The university is in full compliance with the law and with a city-issued demolition permit," Klinger wrote. "The university has diligently consulted with SHPO in conversations that continue to this day. SHPO was informed of the planned salvage operations that commenced today, and has been apprised of the extensive efforts undertaken to preserve and honor the history associated with Hayward Field."

Mark Whitmill of Eugene's building and permit services wrote in an email that his office has signed off on demolition of the stadium.

"The demolition permit that includes the eastern grandstands at Hayward Field was issued by City of Eugene staff on June 1st," Whitmill wrote. "The proposed work was determined to comply with the pertinent codes and regulations administered by the city."

Ian Johnson, associate deputy state historic preservation officer, said Tuesday morning the University of Oregon is in discussions with his office about a memorandum of understanding for the project.

Johnson noted SHPO does not have an enforcement arm, and the state has no penalties for non-compliance.

Hayward Field must be renovated for Eugene to host the 2021 World Outdoor Track & Field Championships as scheduled.

In April the school unveiled renderings of a new, modern stadium that would take its place. The new stadium is said to cost more than $200 million, all privately raised. Lead donors are Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny.

According to an article on the UO website, the project will start in earnest on June 19.

Opponents prefer another design proffered by famed Nike designer Tinker Hatfield. Hatfield's design would preserve the historical appearance of the stadium. A version of the east grandstand, the oldest part of the stadium and one preferred by some fans for its historic significance and for aesthetic reasons, was included as part of Hatfield's design.

Hatfield also suggests the design adopted by the university, horseshoe shaped and open to the north, could help create a swirling wind that will detract from performances.

-- Ken Goe

kgoe@oregonian.com | @KenGoe