Governor Kim Reynolds is asking Drake University to increase the 33% capacity limit at this month's Track and Field state championship.
In a letter to Drake Director of Athletic Brian Hardin obtained by WHO-13, Reynolds said the capacity restriction would prevent parents, spectators, and athletes from taking part in this year's event. She added that it "defies all logic and common sense of what we know -- and have learned -- about COVID-19."
"I have heard from parents, grandparents, and students from across the state," the Governor told WHO/WMT/WOC Radio's Simon Conway on Wednesday. "It was our understanding that they were telling them, or telling the athletic association, that they had to abide by Polk County capacity restrictions and they didn't want to go against that."
Reynolds followed up by saying Polk County Public Health doesn't have the authority to put capacity restrictions in place.
Hardin sent a response to the Governor on Tuesday, saying the State Championships would have more capacity percentage than the percentage used by 25 of 30 Major League Baseball teams. He didn't indicate any plans to make changes.
The 2021 State Track and Field Championships will be held at Drake from May 20-22. Each athlete will get two tickets per session in which they compete. Any remaining tickets will go to participating schools.
Fans will be socially distanced and masks will be required.