CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS
Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium
Veterans Memorial Stadium has hosted professional baseball in Cedar Rapids since 1949 — one of the oldest continuously operating minor league parks in Iowa. Cedar Rapids is Iowa's second-largest city, the Quaker Oats city, the cultural heart of eastern Iowa, and the city that appeared in the film Field of Dreams (filmed in Dyersville, 75 miles northwest). The Kernels name references Iowa's corn heritage — the most agricultural-identity team name in the Twins system.
PHOTO: Iowahwyman · CC BY-SA 3.0
Architecture & History
Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium is a renovated 1949 facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The park has operated continuously for 75 years, making it one of the oldest professional baseball venues in the Midwest.
Build specs
- OPENED
- 1949 (renovated)
- CAPACITY
- 5,000
Names & History
2019–present
Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium
Named after Perfect Game, the Iowa-based elite amateur baseball scouting organization.
1949–2019
Veterans Memorial Stadium
Original name: a civic tribute to veterans, operating since 1949.
The Food
Iowa Sweet Corn on the Cob
Iowa produces more corn than any other state. Cedar Rapids is in the heart of the Iowa corn belt. Fresh Iowa sweet corn — boiled or grilled, slathered with butter and salt, served on the cob — is available at the Kernels park during peak corn season in July and August.
Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Tenderloin stand
The Iowa breaded pork tenderloin — thin, wide, golden, served on a small bun with mustard and pickles.
Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Maid-Rite stand
Maid-Rite — the loose meat sandwich invented in Muscatine, Iowa in 1926.
Kernels Dog
Hot dog stands
Standard hot dog with Iowa yellow mustard.
The Beer
Veterans Memorial Stadium features the Iowa craft scene. Lion Bridge Brewing and 35 Stone Public House represent Cedar Rapids' growing craft presence.
Lion Bridge Brewing Company Czech Dark Lager
Lion Bridge Brewing Co. · Cedar Rapids, IA
Lion Bridge Brewing, named for Cedar Rapids' iconic Art Deco lion sculptures on the downtown bridges.
Toppling Goliath Brewing Company Pseudo Sue Pale Ale
Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. · Decorah, IA
Toppling Goliath from Decorah — consistently rated among America's top craft breweries.
Bud Light
Anheuser-Busch
Volume beer throughout Iowa.
Sun & Weather Guide
Central Iowa heat and humidity
Iowa summer heat is genuine — day games from June through August regularly reach 90°F with high humidity.
Iowa River breeze moderates Cedar Rapids evenings
Evening games catch the prevailing Iowa plain breeze. Spring games in Cedar Rapids are excellent.
Insider Tips
The One Thing
Veterans Memorial Stadium — operating since 1949 — is one of the oldest ballparks in the Midwest League. The renovations have been substantial but the bones are historic.
Best Seat in the House
Home plate sections give you the best angle at this compact Cedar Rapids venue.
Getting There
Cedar Rapids is on I-380. The stadium is in downtown Cedar Rapids near the Czech Village and NewBo district — worth exploring before the game.
Pilgrim Stops Near Cedar Rapids
Weird, wonderful, and worth the detour.
Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
The world's largest truck stop, with a free antique truck museum next door.
Field of Dreams Movie Site Iowa
The baseball diamond in an Iowa cornfield. The corn still grows to outfield height.
Plan your pilgrimage
Every Park a Pilgrimage.
Plan a baseball road trip through Cedar Rapids and beyond.
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