Principal Park

Principal Park has been the home of the Iowa Cubs since 1992, when it opened as Sec Taylor Stadium along the banks of the Des Moines River in Iowa's capital city. The 11,500-seat ballpark was a significant upgrade from the previous facility and positioned Des Moines as one of the premier Triple-A markets in the country. Located just south of downtown, the stadium benefits from its riverside setting and proximity to the Iowa State Capitol, which is visible from the upper reaches of the seating bowl.

The ballpark has undergone multiple renovations and naming rights changes since its opening. The transition from Sec Taylor Stadium to Principal Park reflected the naming rights deal with Principal Financial Group, one of Des Moines's largest employers and a Fortune 500 company headquartered in the city. The facility improvements funded by these partnerships have kept the stadium competitive with newer venues, including upgrades to the video board, concession areas, premium seating, and the playing surface itself.

The Iowa Cubs' long-standing affiliation with the Chicago Cubs has given Principal Park a special resonance in the baseball world. During the Cubs' 2015-2016 championship window, the Iowa roster featured players who would go on to play central roles in ending Chicago's 108-year World Series drought. Principal Park became a pilgrimage site for Cubs fans eager to see the next generation of talent before it reached Wrigley Field, and the ballpark's attendance figures reflected the parent club's rising fortunes.

Des Moines's embrace of the Iowa Cubs extends well beyond the baseball season. The ballpark hosts concerts, festivals, and community events that keep the venue active year-round. Its location along the river trail system connects it to the city's recreational infrastructure, and the pre-game and post-game dining options in the surrounding neighborhood have grown alongside the stadium's success. Principal Park may not be the newest or flashiest Triple-A venue, but its combination of location, character, and sustained investment has made it one of the most reliable draws in the entire minor leagues.