Homeowners rent out houses for Olympic Trials

EUGENE, Ore. - John and Sue Howell are two dedicated sports fanatics.

"We have gone to quite a few of the track events," said Sue Howell, a Duck fan from Lake Oswego.

The couple enjoys sport events in Eugene so much that they bought a house to stay at during certain sport events.

"We haven't lived in it hardly at all and we've probably spent about 12 nights here," Howell said.

The Howells had planned on going to the 2012 Olympic Trials until they realized they booked a vacation for the same week.

"I was thinking, oh boy, we're going to miss it and what a waste," Howell said.

But then she remembered how many visitors need for housing during the track meet.

"I understand over 300,000 people come and there isn't enough places for them in Eugene to stay," Howell said.

The Howell's then decided to put their home up for rent to anyone coming to Eugene for the Olympic Trials.

"We're within about three miles of Hayward Field and we have lots of places to lay out suitcases and closets that will be empty," Howell said.

Even though it will be an event missed by the Howells, the couple is still happy to play what part they can in the Olympic Trials experience.

"Hopefully it will work out for someone to enjoy it," Howell said.

The Howells aren't the only homeowners in Eugene putting their house up for rent during the Olympic trials.

Dozens of rentals have popped up on Craigslist in recent days for the exact same thing.