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Drake Stadium - home of Drake Bulldogs in Des Moines, Iowa
NCAA FCS

Drake StadiumDes Moines, Iowa

Drake Bulldogs

👥
Capacity
14,557
🏆
Conference
Pioneer
📅
Opened
1925
🌱
Surface
N/A

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📖About Drake Stadium

Drake Stadium is a 14,557-seat multi-purpose stadium serving as the home of the Drake Bulldogs football team and track and field programs. As the largest stadium in the Pioneer Football League, Drake Stadium hosts some of the premier track and field events in the nation, including the Drake Relays, while providing an excellent football venue.

🏛️History

Origins

Drake Stadium was built in 1925 to provide Drake University with a world-class venue for both football and track and field. The stadium was designed to host the Drake Relays, one of America's premier track meets, which had been held since 1910 and needed a permanent home.

Major Renovations

1960Stadium capacity expanded to over 18,000 seats
1997Track surface upgraded to all-weather synthetic surface
2005Vaughn Street concourse and video board added
2019Major renovation including new turf field and modern amenities

Notable Moments

Apr 28, 1951Drake Relays hosted Olympic trials, establishing stadium's national reputation
Sep 17, 1988Record football attendance of 19,027 vs. Iowa State
Apr 25, 2015Drake Relays 100th anniversary celebration

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The west grandstand offers excellent views and shade for afternoon games. Seating between the 30-yard lines provides optimal sightlines. The stadium's track creates some distance from the field, but upper rows have great sight lines.

Parking Tips

Parking is available in lots surrounding the stadium on Forest Avenue and 25th Street. Arrive 2 hours early for best spots. The compact urban campus means most parking is within easy walking distance. Street parking is also available in nearby neighborhoods.

Game Day

Drake's beautiful urban campus in Des Moines creates a unique atmosphere. The Knapp Center and Olmsted Center are worth visiting. Tailgating occurs around the stadium and is family-friendly. The Drake Relays tradition brings a track and field heritage to football Saturdays.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Zimm's

$

Classic Des Moines sports bar and Drake student hangout. Great game-day atmosphere with plenty of TVs.

📍 1 mile2814 Beaver Ave

💡 Arrive early for a booth. Known for cheap beer and welcoming vibe.

El Bait Shop

$$

Legendary craft beer bar with over 200 beers on tap. One of the best beer selections in the Midwest.

📍 3 miles200 SW 2nd St

💡 Beer lovers paradise. Ask bartenders for Iowa craft recommendations.

🍽️Restaurants

Tasty Tacos

$

Des Moines institution since 1961. Fast-casual Mexican food beloved by generations of Drake students.

📍 0.5 miles2610 University Ave

💡 Quick pre-game meal. Try the crispy beef tacos. Cash is faster than cards.

Fong's Pizza

$$

Des Moines original combining pizza with Asian-inspired toppings. Quirky and delicious.

📍 3 miles223 4th St

💡 Try the crab rangoon pizza. Reservations recommended for game weekends.

The Drake Diner

$

Classic 1950s-style diner with all-day breakfast and comfort food. Drake landmark since 1946.

📍 0.3 miles1111 25th St

💡 Perfect for breakfast before morning games. The hash browns are famous.

🏨Hotels

Hotel Renovo

$$$

Boutique hotel near Drake campus with modern amenities and local character.

📍 1.5 miles4242 University Ave

💡 Closest upscale option to campus. Walking distance to restaurants.

Embassy Suites Des Moines Downtown

$$$

Full-service hotel in downtown Des Moines with complimentary breakfast and evening reception.

📍 3 miles101 E Locust St

💡 Great downtown location for exploring Des Moines after the game.

🎭Attractions

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Free

World-class outdoor sculpture park in downtown Des Moines featuring works by major contemporary artists.

📍 3 miles1330 Grand Ave

💡 Beautiful morning walk before games. Free admission year-round.

Iowa State Capitol

Free

Stunning 19th-century capitol building with free tours and impressive architecture.

📍 3 miles1007 E Grand Ave

💡 Free tours available. The golden dome is an Iowa landmark.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Drake Stadium Main Lots

$10
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Primary parking on Forest Avenue. Fills quickly on game days.

🅿️

25th Street Parking

$10
Lot📍 0.2 miles

💡 Additional lots east of the stadium with easy access.

🅿️

Campus Overflow Lots

$5
Lot📍 0.4 miles

💡 Free parking in designated campus lots. Pleasant walk through campus.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Drake Stadium? Share it with us.

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Stadium Rankings

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Stadiums Near Drake Stadium

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.