Exploring the History of Sports and Sporting Events in Urbandale, IA

Urbandale, Iowa is a community that loves sports from football to golf to softball. The history of this city is entwined with its love for athletic competition, and exploring that history can be an exciting way to learn more about local traditions and culture. Whether youre interested in the early beginnings of college athletics or want to take a deep dive into local high school rivalries, theres something for everyone when it comes to sports history in Urbandale.

One key stop on any sports history tour should be Drake Stadium (2719 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311), home of the Drake Relays since 1910. This track meet is one of the oldest and most prestigious events in all of college athletics. Each year it draws top runners from around the country who compete on what has been called Americas Athletic Classic. The relay races are some of the most exciting events at this historic stadium if youre lucky enough to see them live.

Another mustvisit spot for anyone interested in sporting history is Valley High School (3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266), particularly during their annual rivalry game against Dowling Catholic High School. These two schools have been battling it out on gridirons across central Iowa for over fifty years nowValley leads by three gamesbut every time they clash again theres no telling who will come out on top!

If baseball is more your style then head over to Principal Park (1 Line Dr) where you can catch an ICubs game. Historically when people think about baseball teams from Iowa they immediately refer back before World War II when ballplayers Hank Gowdy (The Fighting Marine), Dave Bancroft (Beauty), Bill Wambsganss (Wamby) and Fred Zimmerman (Zim) played for the Des Moines Boosters. These four men went off to World War I and were heroes when they returned. However, more modern baseball history can be found at Principal Park which opened in 1982.

One final stop on any sports lovers tour of Urbandale has to be the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Hall of Fame Museum (Briggs Woods Area, Hamilton County near Buckys Locker Room). This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of high school athletics across Iowa. It features exhibits that honor legendary coaches like Ed Thomas from AplingtonParkersburg High School as well as some of the greatest athletes ever produced by this state including Nile Kinnick who won gold medals in track AND swimming during his time at Adel High School back in 1935!

Sports have always been an important part of life in Urbandale, IA and exploring its sporting events over time will show visitors what makes this community so friendly, peaceful, vibrant, diverse, growing and inclusive.

Websites:

Drake Relays: http://www.drakerelays.org/

Valley Tigers Football: https://valleytigersfootball.com/

Iowa Cubs Baseball Club: https://www.milb.com/iowa

IHSAA Hall Of Fame Museum: http://www.iashsaa.net/2020museumexhibitspg1.html