Drake University Athletics

What is the Blue Oval Showcase Presented by Mediacom?
The Blue Oval Showcase presented by Mediacom is a one-day, elite track and field competition consisting of the USATF 1 Mile Road Championship and 8-to-12 events deemed ‘low-risk’ as defined by USATF, the sport’s governing body in the USA, in conjunction with public health officials.

When is the Blue Oval Showcase Presented by Mediacom?
The Blue Oval Showcase presented by Mediacom is currently scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29. The time of the event will be determined in consultation with a television broadcast and/or internet streaming partner.

Is this the Drake Relays? Does this replace the Drake Relays?
No. The Blue Oval Showcase presented by Mediacom is a separate, standalone event organized by the Drake Relays leadership to provide a safe venue for the sport of track and field to serve its athletes and fans. Whereas the Drake Relays Presented by Xtream has thousands of competitors, including elementary, middle school, high school, college, university, professional and master’s participants, the Blue Oval Showcase Presented by Mediacom will only feature professional track and field athletes.

On July 23, 2020, it was announced that the 111th edition of Drake Relays powered by Xtream would be postponed to 2021 as it was determined that the situation regarding the COVID-19 global pandemic made hosting an event of that magnitude impossible in 2020.

Why is Drake hosting this event?
The Drake Relays has always been a leader in the sport of track and field and is committed to the sport’s growth and development. The Blue Oval Showcase supports the track and field’s elite athletes and demonstrates to the world that the sport of track and field is alive and well in our community. The Drake Relays has spent many months working with the sport’s governing bodies and local public health officials to plan a competition that maximizes each participant’s health and safety while minimizing the public health risk.

What steps are being taken to host the Blue Oval Showcase safely?
The Drake Relays staff has been regularly consulting with local public health officials and USATF leadership since March. The Blue Oval Showcase’s medical plan has been developed with their guidance following the logistical information and guidance for event directors and local organizing committees issued by USATF. Those guidelines are available here.

The Blue Oval Showcase is also establishing protocols for transportation, host hotels, meals, competition areas and a pre-arrival protocol education required for all athletes, officials and support personnel traveling to Des Moines.

Physical distancing guidelines for all competitors, officials and support staff will be in place as well as mandatory mask usage where appropriate. Athletes will be screened upon their arrival to Central Iowa and events on the track will place competitors in every other lane to maximize
the health of participants and officials. Only athletes and officials will be allowed on the competition surface and a limited number of event and support staff will be granted access to the stadium seating area. The first four rows of seating surrounding the Blue Oval will be blocked off and at no point will the total number of individuals inside the stadium exceed more than 10 percent of the venue’s reduced capacity.


What events will the Blue Oval Showcase feature, and which athletes will be competing?
The Blue Oval Showcase intends to feature the USATF 1 Mile Road Championship and events deemed low risk by the USATF. Events will be contested in a manner that limits the potential risk to athletes and officials. These events include field events and sprint and hurdle races. These events allow for physical distancing between the competitors and the usage of every other lane for events on the Blue Oval. The Blue Oval Showcase continues to evaluate the event lineup while remaining in communication with professional athletes to create the type of world-class field that has become a tradition on the Blue Oval.

Are tickets available?
No, there will not be a public sale for interested spectators to purchase. Only officials and competing athletes will be allowed near the competition areas. Only those with direct support roles of the athletes (coaches/trainers/marshals/event staff/athlete support) will be allowed into the stadium. The total number of personnel allowed inside the stadium shall not exceed more than 10 percent of Drake Stadium’s reduced capacity.

How can I watch the Blue Oval Showcase?
We are currently working with regional and national television networks, including our presenting sponsor, Mediacom, to televise the Blue Oval Showcase.