The USATF media world gets larger and larger. Streaming video, terrestrial TV are both important. But video on mobile devices is how fans want to get their sports content, and the more events that offer content alternatives will gain more of the desired younger demographics.
Jenny Simpson winning 2013 Drake Relays, photo by PhotoRun.net
USATF announces three-year media rights agreement with
Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee
INDIANAPOLIS – As part of its ongoing expansion of viewership offerings, USATF on Thursday announced a three-year partnership with Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee to own the exclusive media rights to the USATF Championship Series event.
Beginning this year through 2019, USATF.TV will give fans digital access to meet coverage in cooperation with broadcast partner NBC Sports Group. USATF will also be a primary sponsor for the event.
“USA Track & Field continues to deliver on fans’ requests for more access to consume the sport,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel. “The Drake Relays, as part of USATF Championship Series, each year features some of the most talented athletes in the world. We are excited to have a larger role in this prestigious event.”
“The Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee is dedicated to showcasing athletic excellence on the international, university and high school levels,” said Drake Relays Director Blake Boldon. “This multi-year agreement with USATF solidifies the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee’s reputation as one of the premier athletic events in the world, and guarantees that fans can witness the finest athletes compete on the Blue Oval.”
The three-day event features more than 70 Olympians, including Team USATF two-time Olympic gold medalist triple jumper Christian Taylor, 2012 gold medalist long jumper Brittney Reese and 2016 bronze medalist 800m runner Clayton Murphy. Also announced Thursday, the star-studded women’s 100m hurdles lineup will include 2016 silver and bronze Olympic medalists Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin, as well as world record holder Keni Harrison. Click herefor a complete roster as of April 20.
Live coverage of Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee begins on USATF.TV +PLUS on Thursday, April 27 at 5:00pm EST and will continue through Saturday, April 29. NBCSN will air select “Olympic Rematches” on Saturday, April 29, from 3-5pm EST. This two-hour NBCSN broadcast will also be available on NBC’s newly announced Gold Pass platform. Click here for a full live streaming schedule.
Fans can follow along on social media using the hashtag #DrakeRelays and via USATF’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
About USATF
USA Track & Field is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the country’s #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States. For more information on USATF, visit usatf.org.
About Drake Relays
The Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee is entering its 108th year as America’s Athletic Classic honoring athletic achievement. The Saturday session of the Drake Relays has recorded 51-consecutive sellouts with fans witnessing some of the finest professional and collegiate competitors and the top athletes from Iowa high schools. The 2017 Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee begin April 26 inside Drake Stadium. Tickets are on sale for all sessions of the Drake Relays by visiting the Drake Athletic Ticket Office, calling 515-271-3647 or using DrakeTix.com.
