Drake Stadium

Elevated at 400 feet above sea level, Drake Stadium at UCLA has witnessed countless victories and heartbreaks since 1969. It’s named after Elvin C. “Ducky” Drake, a man who dedicated over six decades of his life to UCLA as a student-athlete, track coach, and athletic trainer. Drake Stadium isn’t just a sporting venue. It’s a repository of UCLA’s athletic spirit and a testament to Ducky Drake’s enduring legacy. This 11,700-capacity stadium has hosted historic moments in track and field, including the Pacific-10 Championships and the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the late 1970s. Imagine the roar of the crowd in 1990 when Randy Barnes launched a shot put 23.12 meters, setting a world record that stood for over 31 years! Drake Stadium is more than just a place for elite athletes. It’s served as a backdrop for student events, concerts, and even graduation ceremonies. While primarily the home of UCLA Bruins men’s and women’s track and field, it also housed the soccer teams until the Wallis Annenberg Stadium opened nearby in 2017. The track itself is named for Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson and his wife Betty, while the field honors UCLA alumnus and film producer Frank Marshall. Drake Stadium has seen its share of dramatic dual meets, like the nail-biting UCLA-USC clashes of 1971 and 1975. The 1975 meet, overflowing with nearly 15,000 spectators, is still considered a landmark moment in Los Angeles sports history. Drake Stadium continues to host remarkable athletic feats. In 2023, Ryan Crouser reclaimed the shot put world record here, throwing an astounding 23.56 meters. This iconic venue remains a vibrant hub of competition, celebration, and Bruin pride.