IOWA CUBS
Principal Park
The only minor league park with a river running beneath the outfield — Principal Park in Des Moines was built over the Raccoon River and features a left field that hangs over the river bank, giving it the most unusual geological relationship between a ballpark and a body of water in professional baseball. In flood years, the river wins.
PHOTO: Iowahwyman · CC BY-SA 3.0
Architecture & History
Principal Park was designed by HOK Sport and opened April 23, 1992. The park replaced Municipal Stadium (1947–1991).
The Raccoon River runs beneath the left field section of the park, making Principal Park the only professional baseball stadium built over an active river.
Des Moines has grown significantly as a financial services city since the 1990s, with Principal Financial Group headquartered nearby.
Build specs
- ARCHITECT
- HOK Sport (Populous)
- CAPACITY
- 11,500
- OPENED
- April 23, 1992
- RIVER
- Raccoon River runs beneath LF — floods possible
Statues & Exterior
EXTERIOR FEATURES
East Village Location
Principal Park sits at the edge of Des Moines' East Village, one of Iowa's trendiest neighborhoods with boutiques, restaurants, and the Iowa Capitol nearby.
Raccoon River Views
The park offers views toward the confluence of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers beyond the outfield.
Names & History
2004–present
Principal Park
Named for Principal Financial Group.
1992–2003
Sec Taylor Stadium
Named for longtime Des Moines Register sports editor.
The Food
Iowa Sweet Corn on the Cob
Iowa sweet corn in season with butter and salt — the most legitimately fresh simple food in the Midwest.
Iowa Sweet Corn on the Cob
Iowa Corn stands — main concourse
Iowa produces more sweet corn per acre than any state. In July and August, the most legitimately fresh simple food at any minor league park in the Midwest.
Iowa Pork Chop on a Stick
State Fair stand
The Iowa State Fair pork chop on a stick — thick-cut, bone-in, seasoned and grilled, served on a stick.
Centro Latin Stand
Centro stand
Centro, the downtown Des Moines Latin American restaurant, has a park concession presence.
Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Maid-Rite stand
Maid-Rite, the Iowa-founded loose meat sandwich chain since 1926. Seasoned, crumbly ground beef on a standard bun.
I-Cubs Dog
Every stand
Standard ballpark hot dog with the Iowa mustard program.
The Beer
Confluence Brewing Des Moines IPA
Confluence Brewing Co. · Des Moines, IA
Confluence, located on the Raccoon River (same river under the park), is the most locally specific craft option.
Exile Brewing Epiphany Amber Ale
Exile Brewing Co. · Des Moines, IA
Exile has Principal Park tap presence. Epiphany Amber and rotating lineup.
Busch Light
Anheuser-Busch
Busch Light is the dominant beer in the Iowa market.
Bud Light
Anheuser-Busch
Standard volume option.
Sun & Weather Guide
Iowa heat and humidity — June-August
Des Moines summer day games are genuinely hot. Iowa's continental climate means significant summer heat.
Des Moines summer evenings
Evening games at Principal Park are the most comfortable. The Raccoon River provides slight airflow moderation.
LF — Raccoon River beneath the park
The Raccoon River runs beneath the left field wall. In flood years, the river can encroach onto the outfield.
Iowa spring — variable
Iowa spring is variable — cold April, warmer May. The park is comfortable by late May.
Exposed afternoon sun
Right field bleachers face the afternoon western sun in Des Moines.
Best afternoon shade profile
Third base lower box seats develop shade from the grandstand earlier and have the best summer day game comfort.
Insider Tips
The One Thing
Get Iowa sweet corn on the cob when in season — July and August. Iowa produces more sweet corn per acre than any state.
The River
Walk to the left field wall area and look down. The Raccoon River is under there. The park is built over a river.
Parking Reality
Downtown Des Moines parking garages surround the park. Most fans drive.
Best Value Seat
The left field standing area closest to the river wall — lowest price point, most geologically interesting location in professional baseball.
Pilgrim Stops Near Des Moines
Weird, wonderful, and worth the detour.
Terrace Hill Governor's Mansion
A French palace dropped on an Iowa hill by the state's first millionaire.
Plan your pilgrimage
Every Park a Pilgrimage.
Plan a baseball road trip through Des Moines and beyond.
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