Principal Park is located at
the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers just south of downtown Des Moines.
From Interstate 235, take the 3rd Street exit, then travel south to Line Drive and turn left.
Please click
here to see a map.
Principal Park continues to rate as one of the top minor league facilities in
the country. The stadium, which was built prior to the start of the 1992 season,
has seen more than eight million fans pass through its gates.
The 11,500-seat stadium features 45 skyboxes, a picnic area and a mezzanine
level.
The ballpark has earned many awards for the Iowa Cubs. In 1992, the Cubs were
honored by Baseball America magazine with the Bob Freitas Award, which
recognized Iowa as the top triple-A team in the country. Also in 1992, the Iowa
Cubs were named the top tourist attraction in the state by the Iowa Tourism
Council. In 1996, Baseball America ranked Sec Taylor as one of the best minor
league ballpark in the country, and did so again in 1998. The stadium is also
regarded as the minor league facility with the best view.
The stadium was built on its current site in 1947 and called Pioneer Park. In
1959, it was renamed Sec Taylor Stadium in honor of former Des Moines Register
and Tribune sports editor Garner W. (Sec) Taylor. On August 5, 2004, the stadium
was renamed Principal Park.
Planning for a new stadium began in August 1988. The $12 million rebuilding
effort began with the demolition of the old stadium on Sept. 10, 1991. The new
stadium was constructed on the old site beginning that October. The first game
was April 16, 1992.
In 1995, the ballpark added a new look with a remodeled clubhouse and 12
skyboxes in left field. The $2 million clubhouse expansion featured new locker
room facilities for both the Cubs and visiting clubs. The locker room complex
also included: new offices for the manager and coaches, laundry and storage
facilities, an expanded training room, an indoor batting cage, a new weight room
and a family lounge.
After the 2005 season, a $6.8 million renovation included new seating areas in right
field and outfield bleachers, a new video board and message board, and a new
fountain in the right-field corner.
• Rain checks -- Keep your ticket stub! In the event the game is rained out,
your stub will allow admittance to the rescheduled game.
• Elevator -- An elevator is available for those in need and to reach the
skyboxes behind home plate. The elevator is located at Gate C near the main
office entrance.
• Special services -- Handicapped seating is available in several areas
throughout the ballpark. The first aid room is located on the first base side on
the main concourse level. The information booth is located behind home plate
next to the merchandise store on the main concourse level.
• For your safety -- To ensure a safe environment, all items carried into
Principal Park are subject to inspection. No food or beverage may be brought
into the stadium.
• We're open -- The gates open 60 minutes before each home game.
Smoking
has been banned in the stands at Principal Park for some time, but
now it is banned everywhere - in the stands, in
the concourse, in the rented skyboxes and in the Cub Club. Smokers
must exit the stadium gates before lighting up. This is part of our
"Don't Smoke - It Ruins Your Game"
campaign.