When the Drake University men's basketball team hosts SIU Jan. 30, it will also serve as Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee Night at the Knapp Center, Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays announced Tuesday.
The evening will celebrate the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee, reward its loyal all-session ticket holders and recognize the officials that have made the Relays 'America's Athletic Classic.' One of the highlights of the evening will be a halftime dunk contest featuring elite Relays' competitors judged by a panel of local celebrities.
"We are excited to take some of the world's finest athletes from the Blue Oval to the Knapp Center hardwood to entertain our great fans and showcase these tremendous athletes in a different environment," Boldon said. "We know they'll put on the type of performance we've been accustomed to and we look forward to the excitement they'll bring to the Knapp Center in what will be a special evening for Relays fans, officials and committee members."
The field assembled by Boldon for the competition is incredibly diverse and will pit the raw strength and power of shot putter against the explosiveness of a long jumper and the multi-dimensional talents of a decathlete.
Filling those roles are Ryan Crouser, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist and Olympic record holder in the shot put, Jarrion Lawson, the 2017 World Championship silver medalist in the long jump and Devon Williams, the United States' top ranked decathlete.
Crouser, who stands an impressive 6-8 and 310 pounds, is sure to rock the Knapp Center rims while Lawson has jumped more than 28 feet horizontally and will aim that momentum vertically to challenge for the title. Williams, one of the world's most versatile athletes was a 2017 World Championship finalist in the decathlon and the NCAA Champion in the heptathlon.
Those three top-ranked Americans will be judged by a panel including Casey Blake, a Relays Champion and former Major League Baseball star, KCCI sports director Andy Garman, Drake women's basketball head coach Jennie Baranczyk and Drake director of athletics Brian Hardin.
In addition to showcasing the tremendous caliber of athlete Relays' fans have come to cherish, Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee night will also spotlight the Relays tremendous ticket holders by offering two complimentary tickets and an invitation to an exclusive pregame reception if they renew their Relays tickets by Jan. 19. Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee Night also marks the start of all-session ticket sales to the general public.
All Drake Road Races participants that have registered are also eligible for an exclusive 'buy one, get one free' ticket offer to the men's basketball game against Southern Illinois on Jan. 30. Free Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee posters will also be available while supplies last.
This special evening combining Drake basketball and the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee will also honor the Relays Committee and its tireless officials with on-court recognitions throughout the game.
The 109th edition of the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee is scheduled for April 25-28 at historic Drake Stadium. For ticket information for the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee, visit DrakeTix.com.
