Work is underway at Drake Stadium which is undergoing a nearly 13-million dollar renovation. Drake athletic director Dave Blank says the workers have set a furious pace. The infield is gone, they’re cutting away the infield, a house has been demolished, basketball and tennis courts have also been torn out.Blank says the first three rows of the stadium are being cut out to allow the new track to be wider. He says it’s amazing to see four large vehicles in the middle of the stadium, as it shows the size and the scope of what’s going on.The venue will expand nearly a block behind the current scoreboard to allow events like the javelin and hammer throw throw to be helde inside the stadium. Blank says there will be three or four ways to get in, and then spectators can go over and see the javelin and hammer throw all at one facility. He says that should be make the stadium attractive for hosting NCAA events. The renovations are expected to be completed in time for the 2006 Drake Relays and John Fontanini of Taylor-Ball construction says they plan on meeting that deadline. He says that’s why they had people sitting outside waiting to start during the state track meet.He says they have extra workers contractors on the site to try and get the project done on time.
