Information
Landmark: Principal ParkCity: Des Moines
Country: USA Iowa
Continent: North America
Principal Park, Des Moines, USA Iowa, North America
Overview
Just south of downtown Des Moines, where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet, Principal Park stands as the city’s signature baseball stadium and one of Iowa’s most beloved sports landmarks.The Iowa Cubs, Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, play here, where fans enjoy river views, sleek facilities, and a place that’s become a cornerstone of the city’s sports scene.The park opened in 1992 as Sec Taylor Stadium, honoring Garner W., and its gates first swung wide on a bright spring afternoon.“Sec” Taylor, a long-time Des Moines sportswriter."Sec" Taylor was a longtime sportswriter in Des Moines, the kind who could still recall the crack of a bat on a summer afternoon.In 2004, Principal Financial Group, based in Des Moines, bought the stadium’s naming rights, and that’s when it became Principal Park.The place holds a rich baseball history-you can almost hear the crack of a bat echoing in the air.Since the 19th century, Des Moines has hosted professional baseball, its ballparks a regular stop for minor league teams passing through town.When Principal Park opened, it ushered in a new era with gleaming, modern facilities and helped anchor the revival of downtown Des Moines.The stadium’s architecture puts fans first, mixing the nostalgic feel of an old brick ballpark with sleek, modern touches.The venue holds about 11,500 people, with a mix of classic seats, plush luxury suites, and a stretch of open lawn just past the outfield.Scenic Views: What really sets the park apart is the sweeping backdrop of hills rising against the sky.From the stands, fans can take in the downtown skyline and the Iowa State Capitol’s golden dome gleaming in the sun, a view that makes this one of the most striking minor league ballparks in the country.Field Design: The playing surface is natural grass, sized much like the old ballparks, with enough room down the foul lines to keep the game fair for both hitters and pitchers.Wide concourses, kids’ play areas, shady picnic spots, lively party decks, and plush premium seats make the park a draw for just about everyone.Principal Park, home to the Iowa Cubs, is best known for its Triple-A International League games, where you can hear the crack of the bat echo across the stands.As one of the top minor league teams, the I-Cubs often showcase players headed up to - or returning from - the majors, giving fans a glimpse of future stars before they ever step onto the grass at Chicago’s Wrigley Field.The park hosts high school and college baseball games, specialty tournaments, exhibition matches, and the occasional softball or community event.Beyond the crack of the bat, Principal Park doubles as a lively gathering spot for the whole community.People flock here for fireworks on summer nights-especially the Fourth of July-along with themed game nights, family promos, concerts, and all kinds of special events.It’s a favorite spot for charity fundraisers, lively festivals, even winter markets strung with lights.Sitting right on the riverside trail, it’s easy to reach on foot or by bike, tying it neatly into the pulse of downtown Des Moines.The stadium has breathed new life into downtown Des Moines, drawing crowds that spill into nearby cafés and shops.Its steady summer crowds keep the nearby cafés busy, fill hotel rooms, and bring music spilling from local bars.Sitting right on the river, it’s become a focal point for urban projects, tying together sports, weekend recreation, and a sense of civic pride.These days, Principal Park stands out as one of the nation’s best minor league stadiums, where the smell of fresh popcorn drifts over rows of bright green seats.With its crisp, fast-paced baseball, sweeping views of the city skyline, and a warm, family-friendly vibe, it’s more than a ballpark-it’s a cultural landmark and a beloved piece of summer in Des Moines.
