SHADE GUIDE

Principal Park

Iowa CubsMLB
Downtown Des Moines,
11,500 seats
0° orientation
Open Air
Built 1992
Principal Park stadium information: Home of the Iowa Cubs in MLB. Located in Downtown Des Moines, with a capacity of 11,500 seats. The stadium has open air and faces 0 degrees. Built in 1992.

Overview

Principal Park is home to the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Located along the Des Moines River with downtown views.

Stadium Highlights

  • Des Moines River location
  • Downtown proximity
  • Renovated facilities
  • Capitol views

Unique Features

  • Confluence Brewing taproom
  • Party decks
  • Iowa Pork tent
  • River views

Shade & Sun Protection Guide

Best Shaded Sections by Time

Morning Games

  • Third base side
  • Upper deck

Afternoon Games

  • First base side sections 15-22
  • Club level

Evening Games

  • Most infield sections

Shade Tips

  • First base side for afternoon
  • Upper deck has overhang

Monthly Weather Patterns

April

52°F 60% 40% rain

Cool

Dress in layers

May

63°F 65% 45% rain

Variable

Check forecast

June

73°F 68% 40% rain

Warm

Seek shade

July

78°F 70% 35% rain

Hot

Evening games ideal

August

76°F 72% 35% rain

Warm

Stay hydrated

September

67°F 65% 35% rain

Perfect

Enjoy fall weather

Seating Guide

Premium Seating Options

Club Levels

Champions Club

Behind home plate

  • All-inclusive
  • Climate controlled

Seating Tips

Sections 8-12

Best views

view

First base

Afternoon shade

shade

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Lawn seating
  • Bleachers

Food & Drink

Signature Items

  • Iowa pork chop on a stick
  • Confluence beer

Local Favorites

  • Iowa Pork
  • Confluence Brewing
  • Caseys pizza

Beer & Beverages

  • Confluence
  • Exile
  • Toppling Goliath

Local breweries: Confluence, Exile

Getting There

Address

1 Line Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309

Parking Options

Stadium Lot

Distance: AdjacentPrice: $7

Riverfront lots

Distance: 5 min walkPrice: $5

Alternative Transportation

Public Transit

  • DART bus routes

Ride Share: Line Drive drop-off

Game Day Tips

Try pork chop

Iowa classic

River walk

Scenic views

Typical Game Day Schedule

  • Gates Open: 90 minutes before
  • First Pitch: 7:08 PM weekdays

Neighborhood: Downtown Des Moines

Riverfront area

Before the Game

  • Court Avenue district

After the Game

  • Downtown bars

Insider Tips

Pro Tips

  • Pork chop is must-try
  • First base for shade

Best Value

  • Lawn seating
  • Thirsty Thursday

Hidden Gems

  • Confluence taproom
  • River walk

Things to Avoid

  • Left field in sun
  • Late arrival on fireworks

Stadium History

Timeline

1992Principal Park opens
1982Become Cubs affiliate