Drake University Football Tickets: A Comprehensive Guide
The Drake Bulldogs represent Drake University in NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). As charter members of the Pioneer Football League since 1993, they compete without offering athletic scholarships. Throughout their history, the Bulldogs have achieved significant milestones, boasting an undefeated season in 1922 and notable appearances in bowl games. This article delves into the history of Drake University football, highlighting key moments, influential figures, and how to secure tickets to witness the Bulldogs in action.
A Glimpse into Drake Football History
Early Triumphs and Notable Figures
The 1922 Drake Bulldogs football team remains a benchmark, celebrated as the only undefeated team in the university's history. Their season culminated in a decisive 48-6 victory over Mississippi State, earning them recognition in the College Football Researchers Association poll and an invitation to the White House.
The program also boasts an interesting anecdote from 1926, when Babe Ruth participated in a Drake scrimmage during Homecoming activities, thanks to an invitation from head coach Ossie Solem.
In 1931, Solem scheduled a game against Hawaii in Honolulu, marking the first game for an Iowa school in Hawaii. Despite a close contest, Hawaii defeated Drake 19-13 in the Aloha Classic, which was also Solem's last game as Bulldogs coach.
Drake was also the first school of its size to install lights.
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The Johnny Bright Era
Johnny Bright was a standout player for Drake, earning First Team College Football All-American honors in 1951. He received the Nils V. "Swede" Nelson Sportsmanship Award and was later named Drake University's greatest football player of all time in 1969.
Return to Bowl Competition
In 1972, the Bulldogs made their first bowl appearance in three years, sharing the Missouri Valley Conference Championship with a 4-1 record. Their only conference loss was against 18th-ranked Louisville. They faced Tennessee State in the Pioneer Bowl, losing 29-7 and finishing the season with a 7-5 record. Coach Jim Johnson served as the defensive coordinator, and Jack Wallace was the head coach during this period.
The Successful 1981 Season
The 1981 Bulldogs team is considered the most successful in the modern era, achieving 10 wins. A loss to Tulsa prevented an undefeated season, and Tulsa secured the Missouri Valley Conference postseason berth due to a head-to-head tie-breaker.
Transition and the Pioneer Football League
Following the 1981 season, the Bulldogs experienced a period of non-winning seasons. In 1986, the university stopped awarding athletic scholarships to football players. Coach Ash revitalized the program during his 18 seasons and played a key role in establishing the Pioneer Football League. Ash became Drake's all-time winningest coach with a record of 125-63-2, leading the Bulldogs to four conference titles.
Recent Years
After Ash's departure in 2006, Steve Loney coached the team in 2007, achieving a 6-5 record. Chris Creighton took over as head coach in 2008. In 2011, Drake shared the conference title with San Diego, marking their first title under Creighton. Rick Fox was named head coach in December 2013, followed by Todd Stepsis, who was promoted to head coach after Fox's resignation. In late 2022, Drake turned things around after experiencing limited success on the field.
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Memorable Games and Events
Drake played the first night game at Soldier Field on October 3, 1930, against Oregon. This was the first intersectional night game in Chicago. In 1938, Drake won two games in a single day.
The Johnny Bright incident, a violent on-field assault against Johnny Bright in 1951, gained national attention due to its racial implications.
In 2010, Drake participated in the Global Kilimanjaro Bowl, the first American football game in Africa, forgoing normal postseason tie-ins. In 2018, Drake played a makeup game against FBS 23rd-ranked Iowa State, holding a lead in the third quarter before eventually losing 27-24.
Securing Your Spot: How to Get Drake University Football Tickets
Attending a Drake Bulldogs football game offers an exciting opportunity to witness the team's performance and support the university's athletic program. Here's how you can secure your tickets:
Official Drake Athletics Website
The primary source for purchasing tickets is the official Drake Athletics website (www.drakebulldogs.org). Here, you can find information on single-game tickets, season tickets, and any special packages or promotions.
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Season Tickets
Purchasing season tickets is a great option for avid fans. Season ticket holders typically receive benefits such as discounted prices, priority seating, and access to exclusive events. Check the Drake Athletics website for season ticket availability and pricing.
Single-Game Tickets
Single-game tickets can be purchased online or at the stadium box office on game day. Buying tickets in advance online is recommended to avoid long lines and ensure availability, especially for popular games.
Group Tickets
Drake Athletics often offers group ticket discounts for organizations, businesses, or large gatherings. This can be a cost-effective way to attend a game with friends, family, or colleagues.
Student Tickets
Drake University students typically receive free or discounted admission to football games with a valid student ID. Check with the university's student affairs office or athletic department for specific details on student ticket policies.
Special Promotions and Events
Keep an eye out for special promotions and events that may include ticket discounts or package deals. These promotions are often announced on the Drake Athletics website and social media channels.
Ticket Resale Marketplaces
If tickets are sold out through official channels, you may find them on ticket resale marketplaces such as StubHub or Ticketmaster. However, be cautious when purchasing tickets from third-party sources to avoid scams or inflated prices.
Contacting the Ticket Office
For any questions or assistance with purchasing tickets, contact the Drake Athletics ticket office directly. Their contact information can be found on the Drake Athletics website.
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