INDIANAPOLIS – USA Track & Field on Wednesday announced its intent
to host the 2013 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Des
Moines, Iowa, on the campus of Drake University.

The championships will be hosted by the Greater Des Moines Convention
and Visitors Bureau, the Des Moines Area Sports Commission and Drake
University.

The USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships were previously held in
Des Moines in 2010, where the five-day event produced two American
records in women’s competition – Chaunte Lowe in the high jump and Kara
Patterson in the javelin. 

Des Moines is best known for hosting the annual Drake Relays for more
than 100 years where a sell-out crowd and more than 8,000 participants
gather for one of the greatest traditions in track and field. The city
has recently hosted the NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2008 and 2011 and
is set to host the 2012 event. In 2004, the 14,467 seat facility at
Drake underwent a $15 million renovation, including the creation of the
Track Central USA Fan Zone.

“We are proud to once again welcome USATF to Track Central USA in Des
Moines,” said Greg Edwards, Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors
Bureau President and CEO. “We are thankful to have a strong partnership
with Drake University and the Athletic Department. It is their
dedication that helps ensure the athletes, coaches and fans have the
experience of a lifetime at the great Drake Stadium.

“The community support for track and field in our city is phenomenal. We
couldn’t host events like this without city support, local fan
involvement and corporate backing.”

“We are happy to announce our return to Des Moines,” said Mike McNees,
Interim CEO of USATF. “We look forward to capitalizing on the
community’s energy for track and field evident in the ever popular Drake
Relays, and we are excited to grow the championships in Des Moines.”

More information on the championships will continue to be added to www.usatf.org. Information is also available at www.SeeDesMoines.com and www.TrackCentralUSA.com