The USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships is the USA Track and Field’s premier event for the selection of elite professional athletes to represent the United States in outdoor international competition, including the World Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Fans can purchase tickets for the event by contacting the Drake Athletic Ticket Office at 515-271-3647 or online at www.godrakebulldogs.com. For more information on tickets and specific championship events, visit: http://www.godrakebulldogs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=15700&ATCLID=204940481&SPID=8137&SPSID=82259.
The meet will feature more than 1,000 athletes, including Des Moines native Lolo Jones, who will compete for national titles and roster spots in the 2010 IAAF World Cup in Athletics in Split, Croatia.
In addition, 600 to 800 junior athletes age 19 and under will perform in the USA Junior Championships.
USA Track and Field officials estimate that the event, which will require 400 volunteer workers, will have a $5 million to $7 million economic impact. The meet will be televised live by NBC and EPSN.
“When we completed the $15 million renovation of Drake Stadium in 2006, we envisioned that the facility would make Drake and Des Moines the Midwest capital of track and field,” Drake President David Maxwell said.
“We look forward to the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. This event is a huge plus not only for Drake but also Des Moines and Iowa as a whole.”
Craig Masback, chief executive officer for USA Track and Field, said that the community spirit associated with the Drake Relays set Drake University and Des Moines apart from other bidders.
“For several years, we have wanted to bring one of our premiere events to Drake Stadium,” Masback said. “We look forward to building a very strong community partnership with local organizers for what will be an outstanding USA Outdoor Championship.”
“Drake University is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the city of Des Moines to bring this prestigious event to the state of Iowa,” said Drake Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb. “The support that the track and field fans of central Iowa have shown in attending events at Drake Stadium was a paramount factor.”
There will be national TV coverage of the championships on several networks. The schedule is listed below and all starting times listed are Central:
- Friday, June 25, 7 p.m. — ESPN
- Saturday, June 26, 12 p.m. — ESPN2
- Saturday, June 26, 2 p.m. — NBC
- Sunday, June 27, 12 p.m. — ESPN
- Sunday, June 27, 2 p.m. — NBC