Drake Stadium (UCLA)

Drake Stadium (UCLA). Drake Stadium is a premier outdoor track and field and soccer facility located on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California. Primarily serving as the home for the UCLA Bruins track and field teams, the stadium has a storied history of hosting major collegiate and international competitions. Its distinctive nine-lane, blue synthetic track and seating for over 11,000 spectators make it a landmark venue in American athletics.

History

The stadium was constructed in 1969 and named for Elvin C. "Ducky" Drake, a legendary figure in UCLA Athletics history who served as a track coach, trainer, and mentor for decades. Its location within the UCLA campus in Westwood, Los Angeles placed it at the heart of one of the nation's most successful collegiate sports programs. The venue was originally designed to support the burgeoning success of the UCLA Bruins under coaches like Jim Bush and has since been integral to the university's athletic identity. For many years, it also served as the home field for the UCLA Bruins soccer teams before their move to the Wallis Annenberg Stadium.

Facilities and features

The stadium's most recognizable feature is its state-of-the-art Beynon BSS 1000 synthetic track surface, installed in 2005 and renowned for its speed and durability. The facility includes a full complement of field event areas for the pole vault, long jump, high jump, shot put, discus throw, hammer throw, and javelin throw. The seating bowl, primarily on the west side, offers views of the Santa Monica Mountains and provides a capacity of 11,700. Other features include a modern scoreboard, press box, and team facilities that support both home and visiting athletes, aligning with standards set by organizations like World Athletics and the NCAA.

Notable events

Drake Stadium has been the site of numerous prestigious competitions, including serving as the host venue for the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships on multiple occasions, such as in 1972, 1980, and 2019. It was a key training and competition site during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The stadium regularly hosts the UCLA vs. USC dual meet, one of the most storied rivalries in collegiate track and field. It has also been selected for events like the USA Track & Field Junior Olympics and various Mt. SAC Relays events, attracting elite athletes from around the world.

UCLA track and field

The stadium is the historic home and training ground for the UCLA Bruins men's and women's track and field teams, programs that have won numerous NCAA team championships. Under legendary coaches such as Jim Bush, Bob Larsen, and Jeanette Bolden, the venue has seen the development of countless NCAA individual champions and future Olympic Games medalists. Alumni like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Mike Powell, and Ato Boldon have trained and competed on its track, contributing to UCLA's reputation as "Track and Field University." The program's success is a cornerstone of the broader legacy of UCLA Athletics.

Renovations and upgrades

Major renovations have kept the facility at an elite level, beginning with a comprehensive rebuild of the track surface and drainage system in 2005. A significant stadium improvement project from 2012 to 2013 added new team rooms, a medical treatment area, and enhanced spectator amenities. These upgrades were supported by donations from prominent alumni and friends of UCLA Athletics, including a lead gift from Nike, Inc. co-founder Phil Knight. Further ongoing maintenance ensures the venue meets the latest competition standards for both the NCAA and World Athletics, securing its future for hosting premier events.

Category:Sports venues in Los Angeles Category:University of California, Los Angeles Category:Track and field venues in California