In 2005, Drake Stadium underwent significant improvements to make it one of the premier track and field
Following the 2005 Iowa State High School Track and Field Championships, the track was reconfigured and the new Mondo-surfaced track had lanes widened from 42 inches to 48 inches.
The $15 million renovation project features permanent lights, a video scoreboard, state of the art artificial grass infield by FieldTurf for football and soccer and improvements to the seating, restrooms and concessions as well as the press box.
In addition to the Drake Relays, the Stadium plays host to many other major events nationally and statewide. Des Moines was awarded in March 2012 the 2013 USA Track & Field Championships to be held in Drake Stadium for the second time in four years, after hosting the first time in 2010. The stadium also has been popular for NCAA competition, hosting the 2007 NCAA Midwest Regional Track and Field Championships, as well as the 2008, '11 and '12 NCAA Men's & Women's Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Drake Stadium also hosts the Iowa High School Boys and Girls State track championships every May.
Drake Stadium has become a symbol on the Drake campus. It’s a spectacle every April as thousands of fans pack within its walls to cheer on track and field competitors from all over the world.
Directions to Drake Stadium
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From Des Moines Airport to Drake Stadium - Via Fleur and MLK Parkway
1. Take a left from airport exit onto Fleur Dr.
2. Follow Fleur until you get to MLK Parkway.
3. Exit to the right to enter MLK.
4. Follow MLK Parkway and exit left on any of the streets following to get into the downtown area.
Directions from the Interstate
From North - Via I-35
1. Take I-35 south
2. Follow I-35 to I-235 south/west
3. Follow I-235 through downtown Des Moines
4. Exit on 31st Street
5. Turn right on 31st Street
6. Follow 31st Street to Forest Ave.
7. Turn right on Forest Avenue
8. Follow Forest Avenue to 28th St.
9. Drake Stadium is located on the intersection of 28th Street and Forest Avenue
From South - Via I-35
1. Take I-35 north
1. Follow I-35 north to I-235 east
2. Take I-235 east into Des Moines
3. Exit on 31st Street (Exit Number 6)
4. Turn left on 31st Street
5. Follow 31st Street to Forest Ave.
6. Turn right on Forest Avenue
7. Follow Forest Avenue to 28th St.
8. Drake Stadium is located on the intersection of 28th Street and Forest Avenue
From West - Via I-80
1. Take I-80 east
2. Follow I-80 to I-235 east
3. Take I-235 east into Des Moines
4. Exit on 31st Street
5. Turn left on 31st Street
6. Follow 31st Street to Forest Ave.
7. Turn right on Forest Avenue
8. Follow Forest Avenue to 28th St.
9. Drake Stadium is located on the intersection of 28th Street and Forest Avenue.
From East - Via I-80
1. Take I-80 west
2. Follow I-80 to I-235 south/west
3. Follow I-235 through downtown Des Moines
4. Exit on 31st Street
5. Turn right on 31st Street
6. Follow 31st Street to Forest Ave.
7. Turn right on Forest Avenue
8. Follow Forest Avenue to 28th St.
9. Drake Stadium is located at the intersection of 28th St. and Forest Avenue.