The Stadium Chase: Principal Park - Des Moines, Iowa
written by Brian Bice
1 Line Drive
Des Moines, IA 50309
Home of the Iowa Cubs
In 1991 the Iowa Cubs played their final game at the old dilapidated Sec Taylor Stadium. This ended a 23 year era in that ballpark. After the season the old stadium was torn down to make way for a new ballpark. Spring of 1992 was set to bring in a new chapter of baseball in Iowa. The new Sec Taylor Stadium would make its debut.
View of Principal Park from the HyVee Mezzanine
The city kept the name Sec Taylor Stadium on the new ballpark. Garner “Sec” Taylor was the long time sports editor for the Des Moines Register. The original park was renamed in his honor in 1959. On August 5, 2004 the Principal Financial Group purchased the naming rights. The money from the naming rights helped to cover some of the costs of a renovation project after the 2005 season. The playing surface is still known as Sec Taylor Field preserving some of the history of Iowa baseball.
In 1992 the stadium held a capacity of 10,800. After the renovations in 2005, the official capacity was increased to 11,500. This includes about 10,000 seated and about 1,500 in general admission. The attendance record was set on June 8, 2007. 15,188 fans watched the Iowa Cubs fall to the New Orleans Zephyrs by a score of 18-8. On June 14, 2008 the Iowa Cubs recorded the lowest possible attendance in a game against the Nashville Sounds. Paid attendance was 0 due to flooding concerns in Downtown Des Moines.
The first game at Principal Park took place on April 16, 1992. The Iowa Cubs defeated the Louisville Redbirds by a score of 3-2 in front of a crowd of 10,749. The first home run was hit during the first game by Ozzie Canseco. The first Iowa Cub home run was hit by Derrick May on the same date. The winning pitcher of the first game was Jeff Hartsack.
Principal Park has a natural grass field. After the 2002 season the playing field underwent a renovation. This included the installation of the same grass used at Wrigley Field. The dimensions of the field are 335 field out to left field, 400 to straight away center and 335 in right field. While the dimensions are symmetrical the fence is not a typical curved fence. The walls from left to left-center and right to right center are straight with a slight curve to center field.
One of the best features of Principal Park includes something that is not located in the ballpark. Over the batter’s eye from behind home plate you can see the Iowa State Capitol Building. The Capitol is located just a mile and a half away from the ballpark and is in clear view from the stadium.
Ballpark Passport Stamp
Around the Concourse
There are 4 gates through which fans can enter Principal Park. Gate A is down the left field line and brings fans in on the far side of the concourse. Gate B is located behind third base. Gate C is located right next to the Iowa Cubs team store. The fourth gate is Gate D and its entry is behind home plate. There is a gate down the right field line by the fountain, but it is not used at this time.
The concourse is located under the stands and where the concessions, guest services and the team store is located. Stairs and ramps lead up to the seats in each section. There is a walkway that separates the two levels of seats in the stands. This walkway allows foul pole to foul pole access without going under the stands.
Concessions
Along the main concourse is where you will find the majority of the concession stands. The permanent stands are on the field side of the concourse. The offerings range from ballpark standards like basic hot dogs, nachos and ice cream to specialty foods like Chicago Dogs. The Chicago Dog stand typically has a special dog for the homestand. Often incorporating flavors of the visiting team’s city.
There are many booths that are set up along the outer rim of the concourse that have specialty foods like Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches, Barbecue Brisket and Street Taco and Nachos.
The majority of the concessions are on the third base side while pizza can be found just past home plate on the first base side. The pizza stand will have a special pizza each homestand. The day we visited they were offering a tater tot pizza.
Facilities
Principal Park has a variety of options for group seating for groups of all sizes. There are 45 luxury suites, including 12 over the left field wall, that can accommodate a variety of group sizes. Other small group areas include the Budweiser Club. This area is situated high up down the left field line and can accommodate groups as small as 4 people.
The Hy-Vee Mezzanine is located above the grandstands behind home plate. The second level group area can accommodate up to 1,000 people. The mezzanine opens up to a great view of the view as well as the Iowa State Capitol building. Behind the mezzanine is a nice view of the Des Moines River.
Other group areas include the Left Field lounge. Right Field Party Deck and the CKF Left Field Landing. Check out the Iowa Cubs website for more information on group options.
Team Store
The Iowa Cubs Team Store is located near Gate C. The store offers a wide variety of Iowa Cubs gear including an extensive selection of on-field hats, jerseys and trading cards.
On non-game days the team store is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. On game days the team store is open from 9am until the end of the game. However, the team store is only open to ticketed customers after the gates have opened.
Inside the Iowa Cubs Team Store
Alumni
The rich history of baseball in Des Moines, Iowa spans generations. Teams in the capitol city have seen future World Champions, MVPs, Cy-Young Award winners develop here. Along the main concourse are dozens of banners that pay tribute to some of the best players to have played for Iowa. Some of these banners even highlight players that date back to the Iowa Oaks days (1969-1981). Notable Iowa Alumni:
Joe Carter
Greg Maddux
Mark Grace
Rafael Palmeiro
Vida Blue
Joe Rudi
George Hendricks
Pete Crow-Armstrong
Outside the Ballpark
Located on the East-side of Downtown Des Moines, Principal Park is within walking distance of many shops, restaurants and bars. If you’re looking to eat before or after the game, you can find what you are looking for nearby. The 300 Craft and Rooftop is a popular bar that is open late.
If you are looking to plan a full day in Des Moines there are many things to do in the area before the game. Less than 2 miles from the ballpark is the Iowa State Capitol. The public can tour the building during the week, or just walk around the outside of the building on the weekends. The Capitol building can be seen over the batter’s eye during the game.
There is also the Science Center of Iowa, open to kids of all ages most days before the game. The center offers interactive experiments and demonstrations by the SCI Programs Team. It also houses The Star Theatre, a 50-foot planetarium.
The Iowa Events Center hosts a variety of concerts and conferences throughout the year. The Events Center is within walking distance of the ballpark so if you’re in town for a conference, it’s an easy walk to the game. This venue features Casey’s Center, the home of the Iowa Wild, AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild.
Final Score
One of the biggest draw-backs of Principal Park is that you cannot walk 360-degrees around the ballpark. Being that the stadium was designed and built in the early 1990s, that was not a very standard feature of the time. You can use the walkways to go from foul pole to foul pole. With special tickets you can address the Right Field Party Deck or the suites and CFK Landing in left field, but there is no fan access behind centerfield.
Another interesting detail about Principal Park is the clubhouses. Both the visiting and home clubhouses are down the left field line. The visiting team exits the clubhouse through a doorway in foul territory. While the Iowa Cubs enter the field through a door in straight away left field.
The ballpark is well maintained considering it has been around for 35 years. While the lack of 360 degree walkway is a retraction, the food options and great sightlines from all seats make Principal Park a great place to watch a game.
Writer’s note: During my visit, the team store had Iowa Cubs team sets dating back to 2016. That’s always a plus in my book!
