DES MOINES, IOWA – Greater Des Moines has a long and storied legacy as a track and field destination.  That legacy is being honored and solidified for generations to come with the unveiling of Track Central USA.

With the $15 million renovation of Drake Stadium in 2006, Drake University and Greater Des Moines have become a mecca in hosting high caliber track and field events in the United States.

In addition to serving as home of the Drake Relays, with more than 100 years of rich tradition, Greater Des Moines and Drake University, have hosted the 2007 NCAA Midwest Regional Outdoor Track and Field Championship, the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship and more recently the 2009 AAU Junior Olympics.

Drake University and the Des Moines Area Sports Commission (DMASC) will combine efforts in hosting the 2010 USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships at Drake Stadium June 23-27.  Drake was also awarded the 2011 and 2012 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Track Central USA is a comprehensive branding strategy that will forever change the fan experience at future track and field events in Greater Des Moines. The DMASC, an organization under the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau (GDMCVB) umbrella, and Drake University are proud to make this collaborative announcement.

The cornerstone of this exciting new initiative is an innovative and interactive Track Central USA Fan Zone adjacent to Drake Stadium.  This area will include interactive video kiosks, a “hands on” track and field exhibit space, an area designated for fitness/wellness, a stage for athlete interaction, improved merchandise exhibit area, food and other vendors.

“One hundred years of the Drake Relays and our success in recent years landing and hosting world class track and field events has cemented our place in the world of track and field.  The Track Central USA initiative allows us to take it to the next level as we pursue the Olympic Trials for track and field in the future,” said Greg Edwards, GDMCVB President and CEO.  “Our community, with the guidance and leadership of Drake University's Athletic Department, continues to gain nationwide attention as a premiere track and field destination.  Track Central USA and the Track Central USA Fan Zone capture the essence of our commitment to track and field in Greater Des Moines.”

"Drake University, in partnership with the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, is excited to unveil the Track Central USA Fan Zone at Drake Stadium," said Drake Athletic Director Sandy Hatfield Clubb. "This project will build on a well established track and field tradition and has tremendous synergy with other initiatives within our department focused on enhancing the fan experience."

"Certainly the warmth of the community, the knowledgeable fans we've had over the years have brought together a lot of this excitement, but without a true partnership that we have with the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the Sports Commission none of this would have come to fruition," Hatfield Clubb said.  "Over the last few years we've had the opportunity to work with Doug (Logan) and his staff to really further our relationship with USA Track and Field."

"We consider this city, the university and the people like Greg (Edwards), Al (Lorenzen), Brian (Brown) and Mark (Kostek) that we deal with on a regular basis to be part of our extended family and you've made us feel like we're a part of yours," Logan, CEO of USA Track and Field commented. 

"We think there is important business to be done here from the standpoint of our sport, our sport that is ubiquitous to our country.  Every place I go everybody has a story because everyone has done it.  Everyone has tried to race their little sister, everybody has tried to jump a bigger puddle than their neighbor, and everyone has tried to do some of the simple feats that form the basis of our sport.  We're looking forward to this summer, it is going to be a very exciting one."