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Des Moines Recognized as Track Central USA

March 3, 2010

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."

 


National Pheasant Fest Leaves Economic Impact on Greater Des Moines

March 1, 2010

Des Moines hosted the 2010 National Pheasant Fest over the weekend, drawing 20,230 attendees to the area. The overall economic impact of the event was $1.3 million.

“Anytime we can host large events like National Pheasant Fest, Greater Des Moines benefits,” said Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau (GDMCVB) President/CEO Greg Edwards.

The event has brought more than 20,000 attendees to the area, both in 2007 and 2010. Plans to secure this event for 2012, 2014 and 2015 are currently underway.

National Pheasant Fest is the country’s largest event for upland hunters, sport dog owners and wildlife habitat conservationists. For more information, visit PheasantFest.org.

 


Central Iowa Sports Awards Winners Announced

February 21, 2010

The Des Moines Area Sports Commission (DMASC) has announced its first winners of the Central Iowa Sports Awards, recognizing athletic excellence with honor in 2009. The winners were named Sunday, February 21, 2010 at The Meadows, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona.

Central Iowa Sports Awards have been awarded to the following:
High School College/University Professional/Motorsports/Other Lifetime Achievement
Video of the awards banquet will air on Mediacom Connections Channel 22 on a date that is still to be determined. Photos will appear on DesMoinesSports.com in March.

Central Iowans cast their votes for individuals and teams who have pursued athletic excellence with honor in 2009, within a 75-mile radius of Principal Park. The Central Iowa Sports Awards’ Honor Committee reviewed the nominees and asked the public to vote for their top choices via the DMASC website in early February. From those votes, the Honor Committee named the above winners.

The Central Iowa Sports Awards’ Honor Committee is made up of: Des Moines Area Sports Commission Vice President of Sports and Development Al Lorenzen, The Des Moines Register Sports Editor Bryce Miller, ABC5 Sports Director John Walters, KCCI NewsChannel 8 Sports Director Andy Garman, WHO-TV Channel 13 Sports Director Keith Murphy, 1460 KXNO’s Ken Miller and Iowa Sports Connection’s Mike Rickord.
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