Known affectionately as The Blue Oval, Drake Stadium opened on October 10, 1925, on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and is best known as the home of the Drake Relays, one of the premier track-and-field meets in the United States. The facility also serves as the home field for Drake Bulldogs football and the Des Moines Menace of USL League Two. A 15-million-dollar renovation in 2005 by RDG Planning and Design reconfigured the track to meet NCAA and international standards, widening lanes from 42 to 48 inches and installing a Mondo surface. The project added permanent lights, a Daktronics video scoreboard, a FieldTurf artificial-grass infield, and improvements to seating, restrooms, concessions, and the press box. Widening the track reduced capacity from the original 18,000 to the current 14,557. Drake Stadium has hosted the USA Track and Field Championships twice, the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2008, 2011, and 2012, NCAA regional championships, six AAU Junior Olympic Games, and the Iowa high school state track championships every May. The stadium is located at 2719 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311. The Drake Relays, held annually in late April, draw more than 40,000 spectators over four days and attract elite collegiate, professional, and high-school athletes from across the country. The Beautiful Bulldog Contest, a quirky tradition held during Relays week, has become a nationally covered media event. Beyond track and field, the stadium hosts Drake football games, the Des Moines Menace home schedule, and community events including high school graduations. Parking is available in campus lots surrounding the stadium and along Forest Avenue. The Drake University campus is located in the Des Moines urban core, with restaurants and shops along University Avenue within walking distance.

Type: Stadium / Arena

Address: 2719 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, IA, United States, 50311

Website: https://godrakebulldogs.com

Capacity: 14557

Opening Date: 10/10/1925