Iowa Cubs Overview

Fast facts

League: Pacific Coast League

Head Coach: Marty Pevey

Team Mascot: Cubbie Bear

Year Opened: 1992

Capacity: 11500

City / State: Des Moines / Iowa

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Iowa Cubs vs Memphis Redbirds

Rival Team: Memphis Redbirds

The Cubs and Cardinals have one of the best rivalries in the majors, and it’s no different in the minor leagues where you’ll find a great deal of animosity between the I-Cubs and Redbirds. Neither team wants to lose to the other organization, so you’ll always be in for a good one when attending an I-Cubs-Redbirds game.

I-80 Rivalry

Rival Team: Omaha Storm Chasers

The Storm Chasers are just down I-80 from the I-Cubs, and as a result, you’ll find plenty of both teams fans at the games between these two PCL American Conference North Division rivals. Wins and bragging rights are on the line when the I-Cubs and Storm Chasers square off, so don’t miss it when Omaha comes to town.

Iowa Cubs vs Colorado Springs Sky Sox

Rival Team: Colorado Springs Sky Sox

The Sky Sox are the minor league affiliate of the Brewers, and as a result, there is no love lost between the Sky Sox and the I-Cubs. Watch future members of the Brewers-Cubs rivalry take the field when the I-Cubs take on the Sky Sox.

Iowa Cubs Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Iowans love the Cubs and tailgating, so you’ll be in for lots of fun when tailgating before an I-Cubs game. Iowa and Iowa State fans are famous for their wild tailgate parties and going all out on game days, and you’ll find the same level of enthusiasm for tailgating and pre-gaming at I-Cubs games as well. You’ll want to arrive early to get the most out of your visit to Principal Park.

I-Cubs fans fill the parking lots near Principal Park early, so if you want to secure a spot in the lots near the stadium, then make sure to arrive early. Additionally, tailgating is quite popular in Iowa, and everyone is extremely friendly meaning all you’ll have to do is have something to share, and you’ll make friends quickly.

If the bar scene is more your thing, don’t worry as downtown Des Moines is home to plenty of great places to grab a drink. One of the best places to drink before a is the High Life Lounge. The High Life Lounge is home to a wide variety of beers, although if you’re a fan of Miller High Life, then you’ll feel like you died and went to heaven.

Finally, before entering the park, make sure to check out both “The Seam” and the statues of kids playing ball. Both pieces of art are fantastic and do an excellent job of showing how much baseball means to the people of Des Moines.

You’ll have an excellent time tailgating before an I-Cubs game, so arrive early and make the most out of your trip to Principal Park.

Traditions

Young Ball Player Statues

Make sure to get a picture of yourself with the statues of kids playing baseball before entering Principal Park. The statues are fun for kids and adults alike, so take them in before the game.

The Seam

Take a minute before the game to see “The Seam.” The sculpture depicts a stylized baseball and is a must-see for anyone taking in a game at Principal Park.

Where to tailgate

Iowa Cubs Stadium Guide

In Game

The Cubs are quite popular in Iowa thanks in large part to the presence of the I-Cubs in Des Moines. Baseball fans from all over the state come to Principal Park to see their favorite team’s future stars take the field making every I-Cubs game a special experience.

The fans here live and die with Cubs and the I-Cubs and everywhere you look downtown on game days you’ll see people dressed in the familiar red, white, and blue of the I-Cubs. The majority of the people at Principal Park are big baseball fans and love to talk ball, so don’t hesitate to start up a conversation with your neighbor when taking in an I-Cubs game.

The incredible fan support isn’t the only thing that makes attending an I-Cubs game a fun time. The Fountain in right field is the perfect place to beat the heat on a hot summer day, and you’ll enjoy the gorgeous view of the Iowa State Capitol Principal Park provides. Additionally, you won’t want to miss Cubbie Bear the beloved I-Cubs mascot. Cubbie Bear gets into all kinds of shenanigans and is a must-see for anyone taking in an I-Cubs game no matter how big of a baseball fan you are.

An I-Cubs game is an excellent way to spend a summer afternoon or evening in Des Moines, so get your tickets to an I-Cubs game today.

Things to check out

The Fountain

The Fountain in right field is the perfect way to beat the heat during hot summer games. Fans of all ages will enjoy cooling off in The Fountain, so make sure to check it out during your visit to Principal Park.

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Backstop Store

Pick up a souvenir from your trip to Principal Park at the Backstop Store. The Backstop Store is home to just about any I-Cubs gear you could want including caps, t-shirts, jerseys, pennants, and much more.

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Cub Club

If you want to experience an I-Cubs game in style then Cub Club is just the place for you. Cub Club features an incredible view of the field and fine dining making it an excellent place to entertain any group.

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View of the Iowa State Capitol

Principal Park provides you with a gorgeous view of the Iowa State Capitol, so take it in when attending an I-Cubs game.

Cubbie Bear

Young fans will love Cubbie Bear, so keep an eye out for him during your visit to Principal Park. Cubbie Bear gets into all kinds of antics at I-Cubs game making him a must-see.

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Knothole Gang

The Knothole Gang is a fantastic way to get young fans involved with baseball and the I-Cubs. Membership is open to fans 13 and younger and includes entrance to 10 Sunday games, a free frozen treat at each game, a t-shirt, a membership card, and a Knothole Gang Clinic with I-Cubs players.

Fight Songs

  1. Go Cubs Go

    Iowa Cubs version

    Baseball season’s underway
    Well you better get ready for a brand new day
    Hey, Chicago, what do you say
    The Cubs are gonna win today
    They’re singing
    Go, Cubs, go
    Go, Cubs, go
    Hey, Chicago, what do you say
    The Cubs are gonna win today
    Go, Cubs, go
    Go, Cubs, go
    Hey, Chicago, what do you say
    The Cubs are gonna win today
    They got the power, they got the speed
    To be the best in the National League
    Well this is the year and the Cubs are real
    So come on down to Wrigley Field
    We’re singing now
    Go, Cubs, go
    Go, Cubs, go
    Hey, Chicago, what do you say
    The Cubs are gonna win today
    Go, Cubs, go
    Go, Cubs, go
    Hey, Chicago, what do you say
    The Cubs are gonna win today.
    Baseball time is here again
    You can catch it all on WGN
    So stamp your feet and clap your hands
    Chicago Cubs

Iowa Cubs Bars & Restaurants

  1. American Outlaws Bar

    Beer tap

    American Outlaws is a Multi-Level Bar open 7 Days a week serving Americas favorite beers & cocktails!

    214 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Up-Down

    Up Down

    Below-ground bar for retro 80s & 90s arcade games & weekly specials, with craft beer & cocktails.

    500 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Royal Mile

    Royal Mile

    Beer, Scotch & British-style pub grub served in a casual space with a fireplace & soccer on TV.

    210 SW 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Beer Can Alley

    Beer

    At Beer Can Alley, we’re all about that small-town feel right here in the big city.

    216 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Star Bar

    Star Bar

    Relaxed bar with patio seating & a globally inspired menu of small & large plates, plus sandwiches.

    2811 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Hessen Haus

    Hessenhaus

    Festive German beer hall featuring over 175 types of German & Euro brews plus global comfort eats.

    101 SW 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  7. The High Life Lounge

    The High Life Lounge

    Offbeat homage to the Midwestern beer halls of the 1960s dishing up old-school comfort food.

    200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Buzzard Billy’s

    Buzzard Billys

    Roomy, laid-back eatery featuring food with Louisiana roots, TVs to catch the game & a deck.

    615 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. 801 Chophouse

    801 Chophouse

    White-cloth destination for steaks with all the trimmings plus seafood, wine & cocktails.

    801 Grand Ave #200, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  10. Americana

    Americana

    AMERICANA provides an exceptional dining experience in a fun and visually stimulating environment.

    1312 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Alba Restaurant

    Alba Restaurant

    Colorful, upscale American restaurant & wine bar with reclaimed doors hanging from the ceiling.

    524 E 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. RoCA

    beer burger Buddys Place

    Casually stylish brick-walled eatery serving New American entrees, small plates & craft cocktails.

    208 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. The Old Spaghetti Works

    The Old Spaghetti Works

    Casual, bustling fixture in a former factory offering Italian-American staples & a full bar.

    310 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  14. Fong’s Pizza

    Pizza

    Funky mash-up of an old-school Polynesian cocktail lounge & a red-sauce Italian joint.

    223 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  15. Exile Brewing Company

    Exile Brewing Company

    Small craft brewery serving drafts in a casual beer hall & pub grub in its rustic restaurant.

    1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. University Library Cafe

    The Library

    More than 40 beers on tap, plus a large selection of bottled and canned brew.

    3506 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA

    515-255-0433

    Bar website

    american - $

  17. Z’Mariks Noodle Cafe

    ZMariks Noodle Cafe

    Fresh ingredients and endless possibilities!

    12655 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325, USA

    515-223-9605

    Bar website

    american - $