Principal Park Travel Guide

Thinking about a trip to Des Moines? You really should put Principal Park at the top of your baseball bucket list. This beautiful stadium sits right where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet, so you get more than just a ballgame—you get a real taste of Iowa. Principal Park brings fans an affordable, family-friendly baseball experience with $10 beers, $5 hot dogs, and a clean, inviting vibe that works for casual fans and die-hards alike.

Heads up: only clear bags smaller than 12×12×6 inches can come in, but small clutches (no bigger than 6×8 inches) are fine, too. As you walk up, you’ll notice well-kept pathways and public art along the grassy riverbank—the approach itself is part of the fun.

Overview of Principal Park

Principal Park blends a gorgeous riverfront spot with modern facilities to create one of the Midwest’s top minor league baseball outings. Sitting right in downtown Des Moines, this ballpark offers affordable fun in a family-friendly setting.

History and Significance

Principal Park first opened in 1992 as Sec Taylor Stadium. The name changed in 2004 after Principal Financial Group came on board. You’ll find the stadium right where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet, making a pretty stunning backdrop for baseball.

The Iowa Cubs (Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs) call this place home. Over the years, loads of future MLB stars have played here before making it big. The downtown location has helped breathe new life into the area and gives fans easy access from Interstate 235.

Locals and visitors alike have made Principal Park a favorite gathering place since it was built.

Stadium Features and Modern Facilities

Principal Park offers state-of-the-art amenities that really make game day better. You get comfy seating for over 11,000 fans and great sightlines from just about anywhere.

The stadium stays impressively clean, and the family-friendly vibe stands out. Food choices cover all the bases, and prices are reasonable—$5 for a colossal hot dog, $10 for a big beer.

You’ll also find:

• Digital scoreboards and video boards
• Plenty of concession stands (lines move pretty fast)
• Clean, well-kept restrooms
• Public art along the walkways outside
• Grassy riverbank spots for hanging out before the game

Des Moines Police and stadium staff handle security, so you can relax and enjoy the game.

Home Teams and Major Events

Principal Park hosts all sorts of baseball action and special events during the season. You’ll catch professional baseball in a laid-back, family-friendly setting, plus get those great views of the Des Moines skyline.

Iowa Cubs and Notable Affiliations

The Iowa Cubs serve as the Triple-A affiliate for the Chicago Cubs, which means you’re likely to see future MLB stars and big leaguers down for rehab stints.

Locals call the team the I-Cubs. They’ve played at Principal Park since 1992, but the franchise goes back to 1969. Triple-A teams are just one step below the majors, so you’re watching top-tier minor league talent.

Players like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Báez all wore the Iowa Cubs uniform before they became stars in Chicago. The coaching staff usually includes former major leaguers who know the game inside and out.

Regular Opponents and Visiting Teams

The Iowa Cubs take on other Triple-A teams in the International League, so you’ll see regular visits from teams like the Columbus Clippers (Cleveland Guardians affiliate), Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers), and Louisville Bats (Cincinnati Reds).

Check the schedule before you go—sometimes visiting teams bring their own top prospects who could be in the majors soon.

Games against interstate rivals like the Omaha Storm Chasers (Kansas City Royals affiliate) usually draw bigger crowds and more excitement. These matchups often come with special promotions and a little extra intensity.

Most games last around three hours, so you get plenty of baseball for your ticket.

Special Games and Promotions

Friday Night Fireworks are a big deal here, lighting up the sky after certain games. If you can, stick around for the show—it’s worth it.

The team puts on all kinds of theme nights, like Heritage Nights, Bark in the Park (yes, you can bring your dog), and games with special jerseys.

Sundays are great for families. The Kids Club package gets you a ticket, a treat, a t-shirt, and fun on-field experiences.

You can also join an annual virtual race fundraiser that helps the team and local charities—plus, you get a medal and team swag.

Holiday games sell out fast, so grab tickets early if you want in on the festivities.

Location and Getting There

Principal Park sits where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet, which makes it easy to reach from just about anywhere in Iowa’s capital. The downtown location means you get gorgeous views to go along with your baseball.

Address and Access Points

You’ll find Principal Park at 1 Line Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309. It’s right at the rivers’ intersection, smack in the middle of downtown.

The main entrance faces north, looking toward downtown, but there are other gates around the stadium. If you’re driving, Interstate 235 is the fastest way in—just take the 3rd Street or MLK Jr. Parkway exits, and you’ll be at the ballpark in minutes.

Staying downtown? Just walk south across the river, and you’re there. Pathways around the stadium are easy to follow, no matter which way you’re coming from.

Parking and Transportation Options

Parking Options:

• Four big parking lots surround the stadium
• Most games have standard parking fees
• Oversized vehicles need advance approval (call 515-243-6111)

The closest lots fill up fast, especially on weekends or promo nights. Arrive 45–60 minutes early for the best spots. If you miss out, downtown street parking and garages are usually a short walk away.

DART buses stop nearby, and Uber or Lyft drivers can drop you at the main entrance. If you’re staying at a downtown hotel, you’ll probably just walk—taxis aren’t really necessary.

Riverfront and Downtown Viewpoints

Principal Park’s spot between two rivers makes for a gorgeous baseball setting. The outfield opens up to the Des Moines skyline, which looks especially cool at night when the city lights come on.

From first base seats, you can spot the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol. Third base gives you a look at the riverbank and walking trails next to the stadium.

If you’ve got time before or after the game, take a stroll along the riverfront. The Principal Riverwalk connects right to the stadium area, so you can wander for miles along both rivers and snap some great photos.

The upper concourse has the best city views, so even if your seats are lower down, it’s worth heading up for a look.

Tickets, Entry, and Bag Policy

Getting ready for game day at Principal Park? Here’s what you need to know about tickets and entry rules. The stadium keeps things running smoothly with a few key policies.

Ticket Options and Pricing

You can buy Iowa Cubs tickets online, by phone, or at the box office on game days. The box office opens about 90 minutes before first pitch.

Ticket prices depend on where you want to sit:

• Field Box (closest to the field): $14–16
• Club Box: $12–14
• General Admission: $9–11
• Group tickets: Discounts if you bring 10 or more

Look for promos like Dollar Dog Night or Thirsty Thursday. Kids under 2 don’t need a ticket if they sit on your lap.

Try to arrive 30–45 minutes early to skip the longest lines, especially on weekends or special event nights.

Bag Policy and Permitted Items

Principal Park has a clear bag policy for all games. Bring a clear bag no bigger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″. They check bags pretty carefully—sometimes even more than at the airport.

You can bring:

• Clear bags (within size rules)
• Small clutches (4.5″ x 6.5″ or less)
• Empty (non-glass) water bottles
• Sealed bottled water
• Sunscreen (just not aerosol)

You can’t bring:

• Large bags/backpacks
• Outside food/drinks (except water)
• Weapons
• Professional cameras with detachable lenses

Principal Park is cashless, so bring a card for anything you want to buy.

Diabetic Medicine and Accessibility Needs

Principal Park welcomes visitors with medical or accessibility needs. If you need diabetic medicine or other essentials, just pack them in a clear bag with a label or prescription.

The stadium has:

• Wheelchair seating throughout
• Accessible restrooms on every level
• Service animal access (bring documentation)
• Sensory-friendly resources thanks to KultureCity

If you need extra help, call the ticket office ahead of time. The staff is happy to arrange accommodations or answer questions.

If you need a medical exception to the bag policy, ask at the entry gate and show your documentation—it makes things go faster.

Stadium Experience and Atmosphere

Principal Park gives fans a memorable baseball experience, complete with downtown Des Moines and river views. The stadium feels welcoming, and the family-friendly touches make it a favorite for everyone from casual fans to serious baseball lovers.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Principal Park really shines when it comes to family fun. There’s a kids’ play area where young fans can burn off some energy between innings.

Kids will love the playground gear and interactive games scattered around the concourse. On Sundays, they can even run the bases after the game—a tradition that sticks with them.

The clean facilities and friendly staff make life easier for parents. Concession prices are much more reasonable than at big league parks, and you’ll find family meal deals with hot dogs, chips, and drinks.

The mascot pops up throughout the game, keeping kids entertained even when the action slows down.

General Tips for Visitors

Grab the digital program by scanning the QR codes you’ll spot all around the ballpark. It’s free and gives you quick access to schedules, player info, and stadium maps—super handy when you’re trying to figure out where to go next.

If you’re picking seats, I’d suggest the first base line. You’ll get some shade during those evening games and a pretty sweet view of the downtown skyline and the river coming together.

Bring some cash for the smaller vendors and concessions. Most of the bigger stands do take cards, but the little spots might not. There are ATMs, but honestly, they can get backed up during busy times.

Parking in the main lots usually runs $5-10. If you’re okay with a short walk, you can often find free street parking a few blocks north of the stadium.

Weather in Iowa can flip on you fast—even in summer. I always toss a light jacket in my bag for evening games because it cools off once the sun dips.

Timing and Game Day Arrival

Try to get to Principal Park about 45 minutes before first pitch. That gives you enough time to park, get your bearings, and maybe poke around the stadium before things get going.

Night games usually start at 7:08 PM, and Sunday games kick off at 1:08 PM. Holiday games can be different, so double-check the Iowa Cubs website before you head out.

They open the gates 60-90 minutes before the game starts. If you show up early, you’ll skip the worst concession lines and snag better parking. Plus, the first hour after gates open is perfect if you’re hoping to score some autographs near the dugouts.

Traffic gets rough about half an hour before the game, especially if you’re coming in from downtown. The Court Avenue bridge is a good workaround to dodge the worst of the game-day jams.

Food and Beverage Options

Principal Park’s food scene is way better than you might expect from a ballpark. You’ll find all the classic ballpark favorites plus some local specialties and a solid craft beer lineup.

Classic Ballpark Fare

You can always count on the stadium for the usual baseball snacks. Hot dogs are a must, and the locals love the juicy burgers and breaded tenderloins. If you want to mix it up, there’s a Chick-fil-A stand for chicken sandwiches and a street taco spot if you’re feeling adventurous.

Other options you’ll see:

• Pizza
• Bratwurst
• Nachos
• Popcorn

Heads up: Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed inside Principal Park, so plan to grab your snacks and drinks there.

Craft Beer and Local Cuisine

Beer lovers will appreciate the craft beer selection at Principal Park. If you’re looking to expand your options before or after the game, El Bait Shop nearby has a wild amount of craft beers and a menu with plenty of choices.

Hessen Haus is another solid spot close to the stadium if you’re in the mood for German food and beer. Both places give you a real taste of Des Moines.

Want to go all out? Book seats in the Budweiser Club section for special food and drink perks. If you’re with a group, the park also offers advance food selection, and you can buy extra items during the game.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Principal Park sits in a great spot, right by the river and just steps from some of Des Moines’ best spots. You can easily wander downtown after the game or take in some nature before first pitch.

Exploring Downtown Des Moines

Downtown is a quick walk from Principal Park and packed with things to do before or after the game. The Science Center of Iowa has interactive exhibits that kids (and honestly, adults) will enjoy.

Art fans should swing by the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park—28 sculptures spread over 4.4 acres of green space. It’s a relaxing walk and a great way to kill some time before heading to the ballpark.

If you want to keep the fun going after a day game, check out the Des Moines Civic Center for Broadway shows or concerts.

On Saturday mornings from May through October, the Downtown Farmers’ Market is worth a visit—over 300 vendors with fresh produce, artisan foods, and crafts, all just a few blocks from the stadium.

Riverfront Parks and Events

Principal Park sits right where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet, so you can easily wander over to the city’s scenic waterfront. The Principal Riverwalk winds along for about 1.2 miles, looping through landscaped parks, crossing pedestrian bridges, and showing off some pretty great views of the Des Moines skyline.

If you cross the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, you’ll catch a fantastic look at downtown—especially when the lights come on at sunset. It’s one of those spots that almost begs for a photo.

Outdoor folks should check out Water Works Park. With 1,500 acres of trails, fishing holes, and wide-open green space, there’s plenty to explore. Plus, concerts and festivals pop up here pretty often during baseball season.

Just south of downtown, Gray’s Lake Park offers a 2-mile walking path circling the water, plus canoe and paddleboat rentals. Want to cool off before or after the game? There’s a swimming area, too.