DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake Athletics has announced a $350,000 matching gift challenge from Brent and Diane Slay in support of the Drake Stadium Campaign, creating a powerful opportunity for Drake Track & Field alumni to double their impact in advancing one of the most storied facilities in collegiate athletics.
The Slays' generous commitment will match dollar-for-dollar new and increased gifts from Drake Track & Field alumni, up to $350,000, accelerating philanthropic support for critical improvements to Drake Stadium.
Drake Stadium, home to Drake Track & Field and the world-renowned Drake Relays, has long stood as a symbol of excellence and tradition in Des Moines. Beyond the Drake Relays, the facility aspires to continue serving as a premier host site for world-class track and field competition, including future NCAA championship meets, the AAU Junior Olympic Games, and USA Track & Field meets.
The Drake Stadium Campaign is focused on modernizing the facility to better serve current and future student-athletes while preserving its historic legacy.
Planned campaign enhancements include replacing and upgrading the track surface and infield turf to ensure championship-caliber competition conditions; modernizing the videoboard and stadium lighting to elevate the fan and athlete experience; and improvements to hospitality spaces and the press box to enhance event operations, media coverage, and donor engagement.
"Drake Stadium is sacred ground for so many Bulldogs," said Brent Slay. "The relationships, the championships, the moments under the lights — they shape you for life. Diane and I are honored to step forward with this challenge and invite our fellow alumni to invest in the future of Drake Track & Field."
The facility improvements will strengthen recruiting, elevate the student-athlete experience, and ensure Drake remains competitive within the Missouri Valley Conference and on the national stage — while positioning Drake Stadium to continue attracting elite regional, national, and international events.
"This matching challenge is a transformational opportunity for our Track & Field alumni," said
Brian Hardin, Director of Athletics at Drake University. "Brent and Diane's leadership accelerates our campaign and reflects the pride our alumni have in this historic venue. These upgrades will allow us not only to support our student-athletes at the highest level, but also to continue welcoming the world's best competitors to Des Moines."
For Drake Track & Field alumni, the Slays' gift represents both an invitation and a call to action. Every dollar contributed during the challenge period will be matched — effectively doubling the investment in the future of Drake Stadium and the continued success of Bulldog student-athletes.
Drake Athletics invites alumni and supporters to join the Drake Stadium Campaign and help unlock the full $350,000 match. If you are interested in learning more about the campaign or making a gift, please contact Tim Tesar, Sr. Associate Athletics Director, at
tim.tesar@drake.edu.
About Drake Athletics
Drake Athletics, representing Drake University in NCAA Division I competition, is committed to excellence in academics, athletics, and character development. With a proud history that includes hosting the Drake Relays and competing in the Missouri Valley Conference, Drake continues to build on its legacy of championship performance and community impact.
