DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Officials in Des Moines say they’re focused on landing the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials in track and field after learning the 2016 event is returning to Eugene, Ore. The city made no secret of the fact that it had hoped to lure the 2016 trials to renovated Drake Stadium. But it was announced Thursday that the event will instead return to Eugene for the third time in a row.
City spokesman Greg Edwards says that Des Moines respects USA Track and Field’s decision and believes it is “in the running” for the 2020 meet. Des Moines had positioned itself for strong consideration. Drake hosted the 2010 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships and will do so again in June, and the stadium also had the last two NCAA championships.