Approximately 1,100 top college athletes from across the country will converge at Drake Stadium June 11-14 to compete in the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship.
The competition will mark the first time Drake has hosted the event since 1970 when Drake senior Rick Wanamaker won the NCAA decathlon title.
“Drake University is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the city of Des Moines to bring this nationally prestigious event to the state of Iowa,” said Drake Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb. “The vision of many has been realized by naming our newly renovated Drake Stadium the home of the 2008 NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships. A lot of hard work has gone into making this opportunity a reality. This announcement shows the country that Drake University can compete with the best in the nation and it is a powerful momentum builder for our community and school.”
The four-day event is estimated to have an economic impact of $25 million on the Greater Des Moines area.
“This is awesome news!” said Greg Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This community has worked hard to land the NCAA National Track and Field Championship and we did it. We are thankful that we have the expertise, leadership, vision and outstanding reputation of Drake University.”
The schedule is available online and tickets can be purchased on the Drake Athletics Web site.