DES MOINES, IOWA – Drake University announced today that Xtream powered by Mediacom will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Drake Relays in a partnership that has already enhanced and elevated the international reputation of the Drake Relays.

“From a branding perspective, we are thrilled to connect Mediacom’s world-class Xtream broadband services with a world-class sporting event like the Drake Relays,” said Ed Pardini, Mediacom’s SVP of Field Operations.
 
Xtream’s partnership allows the Drake Relays to maintain its status as one of the world’s premier track and field events while serving as a springboard for the future growth of the event to be known as the Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom.
 
Xtream’s initial three-year investment in the Drake Relays has already aided the Relays by securing a designation as a ‘Silver Level’ competition by World Athletics, one of only two such competitions in the United States to earn the status. The Drake Relays will also be a stop on the World Athletics Continental Tour according to World Athletics, the international governing body of track and field. The sponsorship was also secured through Learfield IMG College, the multimedia rights partner of Drake Athletics.

“For more than a century, the world’s greatest athletes have come to Des Moines to test themselves in Drake Stadium,” said Blake Boldon, the Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. “Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Drake Relays’ national and international prominence in the sport of track and field. Mediacom’s commitment and support put us in a strong position to grow our event and elevate our sport.”
 
To be named a Silver Level event, competitions must meet established benchmarks for the quality of competition and prize money available to athletes. Xtream’s sponsorship has allowed the Drake Relays to meet those benchmarks and achieve Silver Level status, which takes on new significance for the upcoming Olympic games.
 
Starting this year, athletes who do not meet the automatic standards for Olympic qualifying will need to accrue points at World Athletics Gold, Silver and Bronze Level events, such as the Drake Relays to earn a spot in the Olympics.
 
Those athletes, along with some of the top collegiate talent in the nation and Iowa high school competitors will converge on Drake Stadium, April 22-25 for the 111th Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom.
 
Tickets for the 111th edition of the event are available at DrakeTix.com.
 
 
What others are saying …
“The Drake Relays’ recognition as a premier track and field meet in the U.S. enhances Greater Des Moines’ reputation. This adds to our status as a global region as we are mentioned alongside international cities like Brisbane, Madrid and Berlin, and further proves that Drake Relays are a top destination for some of the best athletes in the world.”
–       Jay Byers, CEO Greater Des Moines Partnership.
 
 
“USATF appreciates and continues to enjoy its partnership with Des Moines from hosting USATF national championships to the prestigious Drake Relays and other competitive events on domestic soil. Gaining the World Athletics’ Continental Tour Silver Label for the Drake Relays was a goal of USATF to bring world-level competitive opportunities and prize money for U.S. athletes, as well as gaining higher points in the World Athletics rankings. We look forward to another successful and exciting Drake Relays.”
–       Max Siegel, CEO USTAF
 
 
“The Drake Relays have been elevated to yet another level of excellence by being named as a Continental Tour Silver Level competition. The meet continues to firmly establish Des Moines’ international prominence as a track and field destination for athletes and fans alike, and Catch Des Moines is proud to be a part of it.”
–       Greg Edwards, CEO Catch Des Moines
 

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