Principal Park | Des Moines

Information

Landmark: Principal Park
City: Des Moines
Country: USA Iowa
Continent: North America

Principal Park, Des Moines, USA Iowa, North America

Principal Park is a baseball stadium located in Des Moines, Iowa. It serves as the home field for the Iowa Cubs, a Minor League Baseball team.

Visual Characteristics

The stadium features a steel and concrete structure with a capacity of 10,000 spectators. The outfield wall is primarily green, with a brick facade visible on the lower exterior sections. The playing field consists of natural grass and dirt infield.

Location & Access Logistics

Principal Park is situated at 1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309, approximately 1.5km South of the Des Moines city center. Access is via the I-235 Eastbound exit for Keosauqua Way, then turning South onto SW 1st Street. Parking is available in designated lots surrounding the stadium, with fees typically applied during events. Public transport options include the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) bus routes 5 and 6, which stop within a 0.5km radius of the park.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Principal Park, originally known as Sec Taylor Stadium, began in 1947 and was completed in 1947. It was built as a municipal baseball facility. The stadium has undergone several renovations and expansions, with the most significant in 1992 and 2014. The site is located on land adjacent to the Des Moines River.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity at Principal Park is attending Iowa Cubs baseball games. Other events may include concerts and community gatherings. Visitors can access concessions and merchandise stands within the stadium concourse. Seating is divided into various sections, including general admission, reserved seating, and premium suites.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available throughout the stadium. Shaded seating is limited to specific sections and is dependent on the time of day and sun angle. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the stadium. Food and beverage vendors operate within the concourse during events.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting for photography of the field, late afternoon games (starting around 6:00 PM) during the summer months (June-August) provide favorable conditions. Baseball games are typically scheduled from April through September, with evening games being common.

Facts & Legends

A unique feature of Principal Park is its location directly on the banks of the Des Moines River. During periods of heavy rainfall, the outfield can become saturated, sometimes leading to game delays or cancellations due to water accumulation. The stadium's proximity to the river is a defining characteristic.