Drake Relays return to Des Moines. What you need to know about tickets, parking, concerts
Athletes and spectators from around the world head to Des Moines for the 113th Drake Relays April 26-29. Athletes from high schools, colleges, universities and elite U.S. Track and Field join the mix over four days starting on Wednesday, April 26, but festivities start taking place this Sunday with an already sold out half-marathon, 10K and 5K race taking place in downtown Des Moines.
Most of the track and field events take place at Drake Stadium, home of the Blue Oval, with some road races, such as a half-marathon, taking over the streets of Des Moines. And while events at the stadium require tickets, the Drake Relays offer more ways for just about anyone to get involved.
Here's what you need to know about the Drake Relays.
What are the Drake Relays?
The Drake Relays bring an outdoor track and field event to Des Moines on the last weekend in April. Most events take place at Drake Stadium, 2719 Forest Ave. in Des Moines, on the Drake University campus. The Drake Relays, billed as America's Athletic Classic, is regarded as one of the top track and field events in the United States.
More: How to spend a perfect day near Drake University with food, drinks, shopping and more
What's the schedule for the Drake Relays?
With hundreds of events to see, the Drake Relays offer everything from Olympic hurdlers to high school stars competing across an array of track and field events.
The Drake Relays will start at 7:30 a.m. April 23 with the 10K and half-marathon road races and end around 5:23 p.m. Saturday, April 29, after the meet's last events — the high school girls and boys 4x400 relay finals.
Track and field competitions will begin on Wednesday, April 26, with the men's decathlon and women's heptathlon. The combined events conclude on Thursday, April 27, followed by the Distance Carnival on Friday, April 28, featuring the nation's top collegiate athletes alongside Iowa's finest high school athletes.
The full schedule of the events can be seen via the Drake Relays' site.
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How much are tickets for the Drake Relays?
Tickets start at $15 for Thursday events and $25 for general admission on Friday and Saturday. Packages for all three days start at $75. Head to draketix.com/drakerelays to purchase. Digital tickets can be accessed through AXS mobile app.
Where to park and how to avoid traffic
Parking during the Drake Relays can be intense as thousands of people crowd in excitement to see the annual event. It can be difficult to navigate but maps and parking areas are outlined for attendees. For $10 parking, head to the parking lot at Forest Avenue and 24th Street.
The Fan Zone
Forest Avenue will be closed between April 27-29 from 27th to 29th streets to make way for the Fan Zone, a place for fans to congregate on the south side of Drake Stadium.
Campus parking lots
Lots will be monitored throughout the event and parking passes are required. Parking is available in general around the stadium and street parking is available on any open roads. Follow street parking signs to make sure you are allowed to park there.
Handicap parking
Handicap parking is available at lot 18 on the west side of the stadium. Entry is only available from Clark Street. Parking in the area will cost $10 on Thursday and $15 on Friday and Saturday.
Additional info
Lots open no earlier than three hours before the start of the morning session each day. RVs are prohibited and parking passes are still required for marked university areas.
Beautiful Bulldog Contest
The 2023 Beautiful Bulldog Contest takes place on Monday, April 24, at Drake's Knapp Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the contest at 6 p.m.
Thirty canine contestants walk the pageant runway, showing off their costumes and performing tricks for the judges, who chose winners in the following categories: Drake Spirit, Family Theme, Best Dressed, Congeniality, Rescue Dog Recognition, Porterhouse People's Choice, Second Runner-Up, Runner-Up and Most Beautiful Bulldog. The winning dog serves a year-long reign as the Drake Relays mascot and the Most Beautiful Bulldog.
More: Bam Bam takes the throne as Beautiful Bulldog for the 2022 Drake Relays
What is the Grand Blue Mile?
The Grand Blue Mile is an all-ages street run created by Drake Relays and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield to promote healthy habits and celebrate personal achievement. The run, which spans one mile, takes place in downtown Des Moines Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Registration starts at $25 online. The race starts at Locust Street and 17th Street, heading east to Eighth Street, and then looping west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street.
The event, held annually since 2010, has hosted more than 45,000 participants from 47 states, six countries, and four continents.
Fun fact: Grand Blue Mile Champion Matthew Centrowitz won gold in the 1,500 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the first for the United States since 1908.
Saturday Relays Live
This year, the Drake Relays teamed up with the 80/35 music festival and the Des Moines Music Coalition to create Saturday Relays Live on Saturday, April 29. The event takes place on Forest Avenue next to Drake Stadium.
The lineup includes Sharane Calister & the Feel Right Band, a neo-soul pop band led by “The Voice” Season 14 finalist Sharane Calister from 10:45 a.m. to noon.
Soultru, a soul acoustic artist based out of Davenport, performs from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Indie folk artist Neil Anders takes the stage from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Aside from his original songs, Anders plans to include classics and newer hits of today.
How to volunteer for the Drake Relays
Volunteers are the backbone in making sure the Drake Relays go without a hitch. Volunteers can sign up for any event and get access to helping and watching events.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 2023 Drake Relays guide: Events schedule, parking, tickets, concerts
