Attendance restrictions removed for 2021 Iowa high school state track meet

DES MOINES — The Iowa high school state track and field meet is open for spectators, open for business.

Wide open.

As of Tuesday morning, attendance limitations have been removed for this week’s state championships, following updated public health guidance and coordination with Drake University and Polk County Health Department.

The three-day meet at Drake Stadium will be open to all spectators, canceling capacity and seating restrictions announced May 4, in which each participant was granted two spectators.

“We appreciate Drake University and Polk County Health considering the latest CDC guidance in working to provide an opportunity for all fans to attend the state meet,” Iowa High School Athletic Association executive director Tom Keating said in a joint release with the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.

“Competing at the Blue Oval is a dream of every high school track and field athlete. Now our student-athletes will compete in front of family, friends, classmates and other fans from across the state.”

IGHSAU executive director Jean Berger said in the release: “We are thrilled with today’s news that allows fans to return to Drake Stadium without limitations. Drake’s willingness to evaluate the new guidelines and adjust the capacity is truly appreciated. Our athletes absolutely love competing at Drake and the championship experience it can provide as our host.”

Tickets for all six sessions will go on sale at noon Tuesday, $10 per session, and must be purchased through the Tickets page on the IHSAA website.

Masks remain strongly encouraged of all spectators at this event, particularly in congested areas such as concourses, concession stand lines, and restrooms.

“Per CDC guidance, unvaccinated people should continue taking safety precautions before and while attending gatherings, such as wearing masks,” according to the release.

A mobile vaccination clinic will be located in the Drake Stadium concourse all three days of the meet. The Pfizer vaccine will be administered by members of the Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Polk County Health Department.

The vaccines are available for anyone age 12 and older.

The meet schedule will remain as previously planned, with six sessions taking place throughout Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Class 2A and 3A competition will be the early session each day, 1A and 4A in the late session.

Drake Stadium will not be cleared between sessions.

Tickets already purchased through qualifying participants are still good for their assigned sessions.

A free video livestream is available through the Iowa High School Sports Network for those who are unable to attend.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com