Principal Park, formerly known as Sec Taylor Stadium, is located in downtown Des Moines at the picturesque confluence of the Iowa and Racoon Rivers. Principal Park, which is home to Iowa’s Triple-A minor league baseball team, the Iowa Cubs, is now considered one of the best minor league stadiums in the country. There are 11,500 seats in the stadium, including 4,088 club seats and 45 luxury suites, 12 of which are located in a building in left field that also houses the Cub Club restaurant. Beyond the center field fence, the Iowa State Capitol building may be seen, and some seats provide views of the Des Moines cityscape. Pioneer Memorial Stadium, built in 1947, was the first stadium at this location. On September 2, 1959, it was named Sec Taylor Stadium in honor of longtime Des Moines Register sports editor Garner “Sec” Taylor. The original stadium was getting run down by the late 1980s, and the wooden benches and bleachers were splintering and unpainted, giving it a sleazy image. Most of the previous stadium was dismantled following the 1991 season after Des Moines voters passed a bond issue to replace Sec Taylor Stadium in August 1990. On April 16, 1992, the current stadium was dedicated, replete with skyboxes, plastic chairs, metal bleachers, and a family picnic area. Sec Taylor Stadium was renamed Principal Park on August 5, 2004, when the Principal Financial Group bought the facility’s naming rights. Sec Taylor Field is still the name of the playing field. But it’s not just the picturesque stadium that draws the crowds to Principal Park; it’s something more intangible that grabs everyone’s attention. It may be the fragrance of freshly cut grass and hot dogs in the summer, the sound of a stadium filled with fans roaring on their favorite team, or even the crisp crack of a bat after a well-timed swing. Principal Park, whatever it is, has all the components for America’s favorite pastime. The park has ample seats, so getting a ticket is typically not an issue; nevertheless, premium seating choices are available for a more luxurious baseball experience. You don’t have to be a baseball fan to appreciate why Principal Park is a top Des Moines attraction, especially when you consider the extra-innings and special events available, such as fireworks on July 4th and community activities like car shows throughout the season. If you’re visiting Principal Park with your family, the park also offers a variety of fun programs and activities for kids. “Cubbies Kids’ Club,” “The Mug Club,” “Anthem Buddies,” and “Fareway Kid Captain” are examples of inclusive methods for kids to participate during a baseball game.

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