Plan a Visit to Cheer on the Iowa Cubs
The crack of the bat and the electric roar of the crowd are two sounds synonymous with one of America’s favorite pastimes. The Iowa Cubs is the Minor League Baseball team based in Des Moines, Iowa. Throughout the spring and summer months, fans flock to Principal Park, located on the southern edge of Downtown, for a piece of the action. The I-Cubs are also the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
Earlier this summer I introduced my son to his first I-Cubs game and we have returned several times for ballpark outings. Things we LOVE about the Iowa Cubs and reasons you should plan a visit before the season ends:
The Game
The I-Cubs ball players put on a great show and are very entertaining to watch. During his first game, my 6-year-old son’s first reaction to watching the players warm up was pure awe. This season alone we have watched home runs be hit as balls sail over the outfield fence, we have seen the bat smash the ball so hard it broke the bat itself, and we’ve watched in anticipation to see if a second to third base pickle would work out in the Cubs’ favor. The excitement of the game is the main attraction, and the Cubs certainly deliver.
Fun Facts:
- The first nighttime professional baseball game under stadium lighting occurred in Des Moines on May 2, 1930.
- Principal Park has previously been known as both Pioneer Memorial Stadium as well as Sec Taylor having adopted the current name in 2004.
- The Iowa Cubs were previously known as the Iowa Oaks, having changed their team’s name in 1982 one year after becoming the Chicago Cubs affiliate.
- The Iowa Cubs boast 8 Division titles, the most recent of which was won in 2019.
- Attendance for an Iowa Cubs home game broke the half-million mark in 2002 for the first time with a recorded attendance of 509,384 spectators. The highest recorded attendance occurred in 2007 with 576,310 fans.
- In 2014, ten years after being renamed as Principal Park, the 15 millionth fan entered the stadium.
- When the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016, 19 of them had played in Iowa Cubs uniforms earlier in their ball careers.
- Principal Park was the first ballpark in the country to install LED lighting, occurring in 2017.
Cubbie Bear and In-Game Giveaways
The team mascot, Cubbie Bear, is a definite crowd-pleaser at home games. At each game we have attended, Cubbie Bear has worked with the crowds with enthusiasm and can be seen taking pictures with eager fans. Between innings, the I-Cubs have giveaways, promotions, and activities for attendees ranging from the Hot Dog and T-Shirt cannons to kids running burger races to throwing frisbees and more. Between Cubbie Bear and the in-game giveaways, fans are sure to be entertained!
Fireworks
The team at Principal Park puts on a spectacular Friday Night Fireworks presentation after the game. Game attendees and city-goers in Des Moines within viewing distance are treated to weekly sky shows. In July during the Independence Day games, fireworks shows were kicked up a notch with dazzling displays. Enjoying the game and the fireworks is a must-experience two-for-one deal.
Ticket Information
I-Cubs games can be enjoyed through September with several games available. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling 515-243-6111. Gather your baseball-loving family and friends and plan a day, or night, at the ballpark today!
