Photo: WHO 13
(Des Moines, Iowa) -- The Drake Relays are underway at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, and the event is expected to draw thousands of fans, athletes, and coaches, as well as millions of dollars to the metro.
Greg Edwards, CEO of Catch Des Moines tells WHO Radio News the 112th Drake Relays is expected to draw 8,000 to 10,000 people to the Des Moines Area. Edwards says the Relays are expected to boost the local economy, primarily restaurants, hotels and shops, by between $12,000,000 and $14,000,000 dollars. People flying in and out of Des Moines can expect to see more traffic at the Des Moines International Airport as athletes, fans, and coaches fly in for the Relays.
This year's Drake Relays is the first in two years to have no COVID-19 restrictions. Athletes from around the nation and the world will be competing at Drake Stadium through Saturday. You can find the full Drake Relays schedule online.