UCLA Track and Field: A Hub for Athletics and Landmark Events

UCLA's Drake Stadium stands as a prominent venue for track and field, hosting both collegiate competitions and high-profile events. From its role in developing student-athletes to its selection as a Grand Slam Track host city, Drake Stadium is a cornerstone of the track and field community.

Drake Stadium: A Premier Track and Field Venue

Drake Stadium, situated on the UCLA campus, boasts a seating capacity of 11,700, making it a sizable venue for athletic competitions. The facility features a nine-lane 400-meter track, along with dedicated areas for javelin, triple jump, long jump, high jump, and other infield events. A handicap-accessible unisex restroom is conveniently located on the track level. While facility rentals are currently unavailable, interested parties are encouraged to check back for updates. Frank W. Marshall Field, the track infield, is exclusively available for scheduled activities.

Location and Contact Information

Drake Stadium is located at 340 Charles E. Young Drive North, Los Angeles, CA 90095. It is situated west of the John Wooden Center and north of the LA Tennis Center in central campus, accessible off Charles Young Drive. The phone number for the stadium is (310) 825-3689.

UCLA Track and Field Program

The UCLA track and field program is dedicated to fostering the development of its student-athletes, both on and off the track. With experienced coaches and state-of-the-art facilities like Drake Stadium, UCLA provides an environment conducive to achieving athletic and academic success.

Developing Athletes and Setting Goals

Track and field director Joanna Hayes emphasizes the importance of setting specific expectations and goals for athletes. She encourages female athletes to have high expectations for themselves and strive to qualify for nationals. Veteran leadership also plays a role in the team’s foundation. Senior sprinter Naomi Johnson, who also serves as a team captain, expresses confidence in her performance in the 400-meter dash, stating that she has "a lot more to give".

Notable Athletes

Senior thrower Michael Pinckney has emerged as a consistent point scorer for UCLA throughout the indoor season. Pinckney set the program record in the weight throw at the Tyson Invitational with a throw of 22.40 meters. The 2025 First Team All-American has won all but one weight throw competition this indoor season, with his first-place streak snapped at the Tyson Invitational on Feb. 13. Other athletes to watch include freshmen Avery Boyse and Paige Echsner in the women’s pole vault, freshman Nicolas Alexis in the men’s long jump, and freshmen Gabriella Taylor and Olivia Griffin in the women’s 400-meter dash. Fakrogha was a First Team All-American selection in the high jump last outdoor season.

Grand Slam Track: Los Angeles to Host Finale

Los Angeles' Drake Stadium at UCLA has been selected as the final host of one of the weekend Slams in Grand Slam Track’s inaugural season in 2025. The Slam is scheduled to take place from June 27th to 29th. Los Angeles was the first host city announced when the league was launched in June, with the specific date and location confirmed with Friday’s news release.

Grand Slam Track Format

Grand Slam Track events will span three days, featuring athletes competing twice. Athletes will accumulate points based on their finishing position in each race. The athlete with the highest total points after both events will be declared the Slam winner and awarded a $100,000 grand prize.

Reaction to the Announcement

Commissioner Michael Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Grand Slam Track to Los Angeles, stating, "As a global sports capital, LA provides the perfect stage to showcase the cream of the crop from around the world. We’re eager to bring the event to this iconic city and can’t wait to give fans an unforgettable experience. It’s a new era for the sport, and we’re delighted to be leading the way." UCLA Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Joanna Hayes shared her excitement about hosting the inaugural season of Grand Slam Track, calling it "a unique and exciting opportunity for track athletes and track fans across the world."

Grand Slam Track Schedule for 2025

The complete Grand Slam Track schedule for 2025 includes:

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Kingston, Jamaica | April 4th-6th
Miami, USA | May 2nd-4th
Philadelphia, USA | May 30th-June 1st
Los Angeles, USA | June 27th-29th

Facility Policies and Procedures

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users, UCLA Recreation has established policies and procedures for Drake Stadium.

Access and Age Restrictions

Access to the facility requires an active membership or approved reservation. 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. Use of cardio and strength equipment is restricted to individuals 18 years of age or older, unless participating in an instructor-led activity, program, or reservation. The facility will be closed during inclement weather, unsafe conditions, and scheduled activities or classes.

Coaching and Training

Only UCLA Recreation Personal Fitness Trainers are authorized to conduct training sessions within UCLA Recreation facilities. All coaching and training sessions must be scheduled and approved by UCLA Recreation.

General Facility Policies

Bicycles and electric scooters are prohibited inside the facility, as are skateboards and non-electric scooters. Beverages must be in spill-proof, unbreakable, re-sealable containers. Spitting is not permitted. Photography and video recording are prohibited unless approved by UCLA Recreation management.

Assistance and Accommodations

Any blood, injury, equipment malfunction, or facility feedback should be reported to the FITWELL staff immediately. FITWELL staff are available to provide help, answer questions, and offer guidance and lifting instruction. Special accommodations can also be arranged through FITWELL staff.

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Participant Policies

Participants are required to wear a top, bottom, and shoes, unless otherwise specified by an instructor-led activity or program. Closed-toe/closed-heel athletic shoes are mandatory.

Drake Stadium Hours of Operation

Below are the standard hours of operation for Drake Stadium. Please note that quarterly hours and modified hours may apply.

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

Winter Quarter Hours

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

Open recreation throwing is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Modified Hours

Lower Level: 2/24 - 3/3: CLOSED
Upper Concourse:
- 2/24 & 2/26: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- 2/25 & 2/27: CLOSED
- 2/28: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 3/1: 9:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- 3/2: CLOSED
- 3/3: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Hours are subject to change frequently. The track will close during inclement weather.

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