Drake Stadium: A Legacy of Athletics and Tradition at UCLA

From its storied track and field history to its role in UCLA's commencement exercises, Drake Stadium stands as a testament to the university's rich athletic and academic traditions. This article delves into the history, facts, and significance of this iconic UCLA landmark.

The Bruin Spirit: Traditions and Colors

Before exploring the specifics of Drake Stadium, it's important to understand the broader context of UCLA's traditions. Students, alumni, and friends have long contributed to the Bruin spirit, with some traditions dating back to the 1920s when UCLA was known as the Southern Branch of the University of California.

Like those of the University of California, UCLA’s colors are blue and gold, chosen to represent the state’s various attributes: Blue symbolizes the ocean and local wildflowers, while yellow reflects the Golden State, the California poppy, and sunsets.

UCLA's mascot history is also rich. Originally, UCLA students were Cubs, but in 1924, they adopted the Grizzly. However, in 1926, the University of Montana already had claim to the Grizzly moniker and UCLA was in search of a moniker, ultimately deciding on Bruins. UCLA’s earliest mascots were live bears, and eventually costumed student mascots took over the job in the mid-1960s. Several students were selected to take turns playing Joe, who was joined in 1967 by a costumed Josephine - or Josie, as she is more popularly called today.

Drake Stadium: A World-Class Track and Field Facility

Drake Stadium, one of the most celebrated track and field venues globally, has hosted numerous world records and memorable competitions. Dedicated in 1973 to Elvin C. "Ducky" Drake, the former UCLA track & field coach and long-time Bruin trainer who served the university for over 60 years until his death in 1988, the stadium stands as a tribute to his legacy.

Memorable Moments

The thrilling dual meets between UCLA and USC in 1971 (a 75-70 USC upset) and 1975 (a 75-70 UCLA win) are considered classics in the stadium's history. The 1975 dual meet, in particular, is recognized as one of the greatest moments in Los Angeles sports history. While the stadium seats 11,142, an astounding 15,069 spectators crammed in for the 1975 UCLA-USC dual.

Technical Specifications

Drake Stadium features a nine-lane, 400-meter track with 36-degree radius turns. The track surface is made of Martin Surfacing polyurethane. It has complete field-event facilities. The natural-grass infield accommodates a 75 by 120-yard soccer field. The aluminum bleacher seats will accommodate 11,142 on a reserved basis and up to 15,000 on a general admission basis. There are lights for night soccer games. There are no locker rooms on-site (Pauley Pavilion is adjacent), but there are weight room facilities on the concourse level and on the field level.

Location and Management

Located off Charles E. Young Drive North, west of the John Wooden Center and north of the LA Tennis Center in central campus, Drake Stadium is easily accessible. The stadium is managed by the university.

Frank Marshall Field

A major renovation in 1999 added a regular soccer field inside the track oval, named for UCLA alumnus and film producer Frank Marshall. Frank W. Marshall Field (the track infield) is only available for scheduled activities.

Facility Policies and Procedures

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, Drake Stadium has specific policies and procedures in place.

Access and Age Restrictions

An active membership or approved reservation is required for facility access. All adult members must have a valid photo on their profile. Youth must be attended at all times and supervised by an adult, 18+ years, who is responsible for the supervision and conduct of the child. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to use cardio and strength equipment, unless in an instructor-led activity, program, or reservation. The facility will be closed in inclement weather, unsafe conditions, and scheduled activities/classes.

Coaching and Training

Only UCLA Recreation Personal Fitness Trainers may conduct training sessions in any UCLA Recreation facility. All coaching and training sessions must be scheduled and approved by UCLA Recreation.

General Policies

Bicycles and electric scooters, skateboards and non-electric scooters are not permitted inside the stadium. Beverages must be in a spill-proof, unbreakable, re-sealable container. Spitting, photography, and video recording are prohibited unless approved by UCLA Recreation management.

Participant Policies

A top, bottom, and closed toed/closed heel athletic shoes are required unless otherwise determined by instructor-led activity or program.

Drake Stadium Hours and Operations

Annual Facility Hours

Below are the standard hours of operation for Drake Stadium. Please check the hours section for quarterly hours and any modified hours.

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Monday - Thursday: 6:00A - 9:00A & 5:00P - 10:00P
Friday: 6:00A - 9:00A & 5:00P - 8:00P
Saturday - Sunday: 9:00A - 8:00P
Holiday Hours: 2:00P - 6:00P

*Hours subject to change frequently. **Track will close during inclement weather.

Winter Quarter Hours Example

Lower Level:
- Monday-Thursday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM & 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM & 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Upper Concourse:
- Monday-Thursday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday- Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Open Recreation Throwing:
- Wednesday & Thursday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Other UCLA Traditions

While Drake Stadium is a significant part of UCLA, other traditions enhance the Bruin experience.

Spring Sing

Spring Sing got its start nearly 70 years ago as fraternities competed for the title of “Champion Serenaders of Sorority Row.” As its popularity grew, William C. Ackerman, ASUCLA director, arranged for the competition to be held in Royce Hall in 1944. At its height in the late 1950s and early 1960s, more than 10,000 people attended the event, held in the campus’s amphitheater and then in the Hollywood Bowl. Interest in Spring Sing waned during the political activism of the late ’60s, and the event fell dormant in 1968. A decade later, it was revived by students and alumni and was moved back indoors to Royce Hall. In 1986, the Student Alumni Association became the official organizer of the event in an attempt to restore Spring Sing to its original grandeur.

Victory Bell

In 1941, one particular incident greatly contributed to the rivalry between UCLA and USC. After a Washington State game at the Coliseum, some USC students stole the keys to the truck used to transport UCLA’s 295-pound Victory Bell, originally belonging to a Southern Pacific Railroad engine. The bell had been presented to UCLA by the Alumni Association. After a rash of vandalism, the Trojan students finally agreed to return the bell on the condition that it become a permanent game trophy.

Mascot Protection

These days, students try to go after their rival schools’ mascot statues. During the week before the big game, the Bruin in Westwood Plaza is covered in heavy tarp with a sign reading, “The Bruin Bear is hibernating.” Across town, the Tommy Trojan statue is also kept under wraps.

Light Stunts

Card stunts are done on occasion at football games these days, such as during Homecoming. But in the 1930s, light stunts were the trademark of the UCLA rooting section. They originated in 1935, when the football team played some of its games at night. The rooting section was wired and each student given four light bulbs, each of a different color.

Mardi Gras

For decades UCLA’s largest student-run activity, Mardi Gras had its roots in a 1943 “Carnival” held in the women’s gym that featured jigs and reels with Elizabethan costumes. Some accounts describe Mardi Gras beginning as a masquerade ball in 1941, or earlier as an annual event presented by a Masonic affiliate club. However, as little record exists recounting the ball, the details of the true origins of the extravaganza remain unclear. What is known is that an event called “Mardi Gras” was held on campus in 1945, furthering the festival spirit of the 1943 social.

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