Drake University is nearing its fundraising goal for the revitalization of Drake Stadium. Prairie Meadows racetrack and casino is donating one million dollars to the project and University President David Maxwell says they have now raised eight-point-two million dollars. The goal for the first phase is 11-million. He says there’s no question that Drake is the beneficiary, but he says the project will also help Iowa and the Midwest. He says the new stadium will allow them to host a variety of NCAA events. Maxwell says when completed Drake Stadium will be one of the best track and field venues in the country. He says it’ll bring “hundreds of millions of dollars” into the community.Drake women’s track and cross country coach Natasha Kaiser-Brown burst on to the scene as a high school standout in Drake Stadium and closed her career there in 2000 after winning a silver medal in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. She says running at Drake was a big boost to her and others who went on to track fame.Drake Relays director Mark Kostek says construction should begin next year. He says they should break ground right after the boys and girls track meets next year around the 22nd of May. He says they could be done with the track in place by October 15th.Kostek says one of the biggest changes involve the infield which will be raised. He says that’ll increase the size of the facility and allow them to have dual long jump, shot put, pole vault and other facilities needed for world class competition.
