Shared Drake University, Des Moines Public Schools Stadium Gets Name

A new stadium in Iowa that will be shared between Drake University and Des Moines Public Schools finally has a name. 

According to a statement from Des Moines Public Schools, the facility will be called Mediacom Stadium and will open this fall as home field to Drake's men's and women's soccer teams, as well as Des Moines' football and soccer teams. 

“This is a unique partnership between Drake University and Des Moines Public Schools,” Ed Pardini, senior vice president of Mediacom Communications, said in a news release. “Student athletes, marching band, cheerleading and dance team members, and fans will form lifelong memories in this venue. We are proud to associate the Mediacom brand with this exciting stadium.” 

The name is "in recognition of Mediacom Communications’ leadership-level support to Drake for the project."

Drake University President Marty Martin updated the Des Moines School Board with news of the naming at its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7. Drake donated the land for the project, will provide parking and operational infrastructure, and committed to help raise the significant funds needed beyond the taxpayers’ investment.

“The financial commitments to Drake University deserve recognition as important, not only to build the facility but in the commitment to maintain it as a first-rate venue for athletes and spectators alike,” said Teree Caldwell-Johnson, chair of the Des Moines School Board. “The new stadium is one more in a long list of meaningful partnerships between DMPS and Drake, providing a new venue for our students and the entire community to enjoy. From the taxpayers of Des Moines to businesses and individuals providing significant support, this new stadium is possible thanks to support from across the community.”

Major components of the stadium being recognized at this time include:

• The stadium will be known as Mediacom Stadium in recognition of the communication company’s contribution to Drake University for the stadium project.
• The playing field will be known as the Albaugh Field in recognition of a contribution by the Dennis Albaugh family to Drake University for the stadium project.
• The main entrance will be known as the Prairie Meadows West Gate in recognition of financial support from Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino to Des Moines Public Schools, including a legacy grant for the stadium project.

These naming recognitions will be in effect for a limited term of years.

The stadium, located on the Drake campus near the corner of Forest Avenue and 25th Street, is slated to open in the Fall of 2023. Designed to seat 4,000 spectators, the stadium will be the new home field for DMPS football, soccer and other secondary school activities as well as the Drake Bulldogs men’s and women’s soccer teams.