Drake Relays return to Des Moines. What you need to know about tickets, parking, forecast

Omar Waheed, Susan Stapleton and Ben Yoder, Des Moines Register
·5 min read

The 112th Drake Relays return to their usual format after they were canceled in 2020 and ran on an altered schedule in 2021. Athletes from high schools, colleges, universities and elite U.S. Track and Field join the mix over four days starting on Wednesday, April 27, but festivities start taking place this Friday with road races, a 1-mile run, street painting, a Beautiful Bulldog Contest, a carnival and more taking place in downtown Des Moines and on the Drake University campus.

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 24 with the 10K and half-marathon road races and end around 5 p.m. Saturday, April 30 after the meet's last events — the high school girls and boys 4x400 relay finals.

More: Here are the 2022 Drake Relays high school track and field qualifiers

Track and field competition will begin on Wednesday, April 27, with the men's decathlon and women's heptathlon, which return for the first time in three years. The combined events conclude on Thursday, April 28, followed by the Distance Carnival on Friday, April 29, featuring the nation's top collegiate athletes alongside Iowa's finest high school athletes.

More: Here are 36 top high school football recruits competing at 2022 Drake Relays

Of note for 2022:

  • Olympians compete in the Invitational women's 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles as well as the Invitational men's 110m hurdles and 400m hurdles. Collegiate stars race in the men's and women's 100m dash.

  • Elementary Shuttle, Middle School Distance Medley and Masters 800m will return this year after not taking place in 2021.

  • New in 2022, Rex Harvey Memorial Masters Shot Put will follow the men's invitational shot put, which features the world record holder Ryan Crouser.

The full schedule of the events can be seen via the Drake Relays' site.

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What's the forecast for Drake Relays?

It's spring in Iowa and that means the possibility of rain and storms. It's no different this week for the Drake Relays.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service forecast called for a high near 70. It will be cooler for the rest of the Drake Relays, with a high in the low 60s Thursday and mid-60s on Friday and Saturday.

There's also a chance of rain and thunderstorms Thursday through Saturday. The highest potential for precipitation is Friday night, when there's a 90% chance for rain, according to NWS.

The weather service says athletes and fans should expect breezy conditions, as well.

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.

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 2022 Beautiful Bulldog Contest was held Monday, April 25, at Drake's Knapp Center.

Thirty canine contestants walked 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.

Bam Bam, an English bulldog from Champlin, Minnesota, was named Most Beautiful Bulldog.

More: Bam Bam takes the throne as Beautiful Bulldog for the 2022 Drake Relays

Bam Bam, a 5 year old Bulldog from Champlin, Minn., gives his owner Maggie Estby a kiss after being named the winner of the 2022 Beautiful Bulldog Contest, on Monday, April 25, 2022, at Drake University, in Des Moines. Bam Bam will serve as the mascot for this year's Drake Relays.
Bam Bam, a 5 year old Bulldog from Champlin, Minn., gives his owner Maggie Estby a kiss after being named the winner of the 2022 Beautiful Bulldog Contest, on Monday, April 25, 2022, at Drake University, in Des Moines. Bam Bam will serve as the mascot for this year's 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, took place in downtown Des Moines Tuesday.

Street painting

Student organizations painted the street along Carpenter Avenue with colorful squares on Sunday. A paint fight with participants followed on Monday. On Tuesday, students paint the west end of the street black "as a statement of solidarity and a way to reinforce our commitment to equity and inclusion."

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.

Omar Waheed is a spring 2022 reporting intern for the Des Moines Register.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 2022 Drake Relays guide: Events schedule, parking, forecast, tickets