While Iowa baseball continues its multi-phase upgrades to Duane Banks Field, the Iowa Athletics Department provided an update on its renovations to the Hawkeyes’ home field.
According to the release, the second phase of a donor-funded project to improve the game-day experience would consist of reconstructing the press box, adding new seating, and other improvements, including an ADA-compliant restroom and ramp to connect the new clubhouse and the first base-line grandstand.
A new seating bowl will be added between the two main fan entrances, and a new aluminum bleacher system will be constructed in the main grandstand seating area, with a new press box positioned atop the seating bowl. A new cable-tension ball netting system spanning the entire distance of the existing and new grandstands will be installed.
Since Duane Banks Field’s inception in 1974, the Hawkeyes have continuously invested in numerous improvements throughout its use.
In 2002, former Hawkeye and major leaguer Cal Eldred donated funds for the installation of lights. From 2014-15, the field surface was replaced by AstroTurf, and a state-of-the-art videoboard was installed.
The most recent phase of renovations, in 2024-25, saw new AstroTurf installed on the field, as well as the construction of a new clubhouse and batting cages.
While the planned additions will significantly improve Duane Banks Field’s overall experience for players, coaches, spectators, and media, the items involved in the second phase will need to be approved by the University of Iowa Board of Regents and the State of Iowa next week.
If approved, the planned $5.8 million project funded by gifts to the Department of Athletics will begin construction in the summer of 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa baseball updates stadium renovations status
Reporting by Scout Springgate, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
