Drake University is celebrating its role as a key fixture in the newly released MONOPOLY: Des Moines Edition, unveiled today by Hasbro and Top Trumps USA. The game’s design spotlights Drake’s deep connection to the city, featuring the University’s beloved live mascot, Griff II, on both the game box cover and the center of the board.
Drake’s presence in the game also includes a dedicated property square for the Drake Stadium’s historic Blue Oval, and a Community Chest card that promotes the University’s successful athletic programs, which reads, “Des Moines’ Hometown Team®, the Drake® Bulldogs, made a run into the March basketball tournament. Collect 200.”
“It’s truly an honor to see Drake University and Griff II featured alongside so many of Des Moines’ most iconic figures and landmarks,” said Erin Bell, Drake’s Live Mascot Director. “This recognition is coming at a perfect time as we are celebrating Griff II’s legacy leading up to his retirement in May 2026. His appearance on the box and the board solidifies his place as Des Moines’ most beloved dog and provides a fantastic memento we will cherish for years to come.”
A Testament to Des Moines’ Hometown Team
Drake’s prominent placement in the game speaks directly to the University’s status as “Des Moines’ Hometown Team”—a vital anchor in the city’s cultural and athletic landscape.
“Being included in the Des Moines MONOPOLY game is a proud moment for us as we continue our mission to enhance the community that we call home,” said Blake Boldon, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. “For more than a century the Drake Relays have been Des Moines’ window to the world, and as Bulldogs, we’re proud to be Des Moines’ hometown team. We are especially proud to represent the athletic heart of the city as well as the heart of this game board.”
Game Availability
The MONOPOLY: Des Moines Edition game is available now for $39.99. It makes a perfect holiday gift for the Bulldogs in your life and can be purchased locally at the Bulldog Shop in person or online as well as at other participating retailers.
About Drake University
Drake University is recognized as one of the finest national liberal arts universities. A distinctive and distinguished private university in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and 1,700 graduate and professional students. Students choose from more than 70 majors, minors, and concentrations, and 20 graduate degrees offered through seven colleges and schools. In addition, Drake offers a range of continuing education programs serving working professionals, community members, and area businesses. Drake recognizes the importance of its location in Iowa’s capital city and seeks to connect its teaching and learning to the wealth of cultural, recreational, and business resources it provides. At the same time, it weaves global thinking and intercultural learning into everything it does, preparing students to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.
About Hasbro
Hasbro is a leading games, IP and toy company whose mission is to create joy and community through the magic of play. With over 164 years of expertise, Hasbro delivers groundbreaking play experiences and reaches over 500 million kids, families and fans around the world, through physical and digital games, video games, toys, licensed consumer products, location-based entertainment, film, TV and more.
Through its franchise-first approach, Hasbro unlocks value from both new and legacy IP, including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, MONOPOLY, HASBRO GAMES, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands. Powered by its portfolio of thousands of iconic marks and a diversified network of partners and subsidiary studios, Hasbro brings fans together wherever they are, from tabletop to screen.
For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, a 2025 JUST Capital Industry Leader, one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50, and a Brand that Matters by Fast Company. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com or @Hasbro on LinkedIn.
About MONOPOLY
2025 marks 90 years of MONOPOLY in the market, and Hasbro is celebrating its iconic legacy all year long. As the world’s favorite family game brand, with over one billion players in 114 countries, MONOPOLY is more than just a game – it’s a global phenomenon. Known for its timeless fun, strategy, and friendly competition, MONOPOLY invites consumers across generations to step into a world where opulence and villainy collide, and all is fair in the race for riches. With a growing list of 300+ culturally relevant editions and new ways to play – from in-person experiences to digital platforms, casino games and more – there’s truly a MONOPOLY for everyone.