City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Spectator Sports

Insider Pick:

Description: A legendary track and field meet for university and Olympic-caliber talent that brings competitors to Drake Stadium for three days every year in late Apr, the Drake Relays began in 1910 on the university campus and have been there ever since. From modest beginnings, they now encompass a full slate of track and field events, including sprint and distance runs, hurdles and steeplechase, high, long, and triple jump, shot put, discus throw, pole vault, and heptathlon. The stands of Drake Stadium fill up with fans eager to watch competitors move down the sky-blue track. Many top American athletes have competed at the relays, including sprinter Michael Johnson, high-jumping pioneer Dick Fosbury, and homegrown track star Lolo Jones. Jesse Owens set a record in the broad jump and won the 100 meters at the 1935 Drake Relays, a year before his timeless performance at the Berlin Olympics.Ticket packages range from around $45 to $85 and cover various days and times. Single-day admission is available as well. Drake Stadium is located on Forest Avenue north of campus.