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The smell of buttered popcorn, the roaring of fans, and the seemingly endless crowds are memories almost forgotten.

On April 9, Principal Park was ready to start another successful season with the Iowa Cubs. But with COVID-19 creeping into Des Moines, the season ended before it could even begin. Although Major League Baseball was able to have a short 60-game regular season, it was not the same story for the minor leagues.

COVID-19 has affected thousands of businesses in Des Moines, especially entertainment venues such as  Principal Park. Sam Bernabe is the president of the team.

“It’s just not worth the effort that we’re making and what little bit we’re getting out of it, just trying to stay busy,” Bernabe said in an interview with NBC Sports. 

Principal Park has had to get creative to generate enough income to keep the park going and has given the community an opportunity to keep the park alive. The park held a Father’s Day catch on the field, during which it displayed the fathers’ pictures on the big screen. This was one of the bigger revenue drivers. There were also two batting cage events ($20 for 10 swings that resulted in around 200 people showing up) and a movie night held on the field. Although Principal Park held multiple events to raise money, it was not enough to equal the amount of revenue lost due to the season being canceled.

“We are planning on having a full
2021 season.”

John Rodgers

I-Cubs staff members are optimistic that 2021 will be different. 

“We are planning on having a full 2021 season,” Account Executive John Rodgers said. “As we adjust the stadium to the COVID-19 guidelines, we will not be able to hold our family picnics, we don’t even know if we’ll have concession stands available, but we are proceeding as though we are going to have a full season for our Iowa Cubs.” 

Stay safe, wash hands, wear your masks and you could be back in the stands to watch home runs, catch flying hotdogs and dancing on the big screen!