ALTOONA, IOWA -- Drake University athletics director Sandy Hatfield Clubb was among the featured speakers at the Prairie Meadows Legacy Grant Award Luncheon Wednesday.

In the seven-year history of the Legacy Grant Program, Prairie Meadows has committed more than $11 million to 25 central Iowa projects.

Drake University was the recipient of $1,000,000 from Prairie Meadows for the renovation of Drake Stadium in 2004.

Hatfield Clubb was among three guests who praised the efforts of the Prairie Meadows Legacy Grant.

"Legacy is the perfect word to describe the impact of the funding to Drake," said Hatfield Clubb. "A legacy that, over time, will give back 100-fold to its community."

In the spring of 2006, the newly renovated Drake Stadium made its debut with the 97th running of the Drake Relays.

Within 24 months of its grand opening, Drake secured the 2007 NCAA Midwest Regional Track and Field Championships, the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and the 2010 USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships and will serve as host for the AAU Junior Olympics this July 31-Aug. 8.

The economic impact of these national level events exceeds $25 million.

"Indeed, it took no time at all for Drake Stadium to be recognized nationally as a world-class facility and for it to give back generously to the community that helped to build it," added Hatfield Clubb.

"However, the economic impact through national-level events is only a piece of the legacy.

"The stadium renovation has significantly strengthened the foundation of the 100-year old Drake Relays - first by providing a world-class competition venue and second by elevating its future through the synergy of the national events that it now attracts."

The Prairie Meadows Legacy Grant also has enhanced the experience of thousands of student athletes at Drake Stadium which also serves as home for Drake track and field, Drake football, Drake men's and women's soccer, Roosevelt High School football and the Iowa High School State Track and Field Championships which is the largest meet of its kind in the country.