Duane Banks Field has long been a centerpiece of Iowa baseball, both for the university and the wider community. Now it’s poised for another big step forward. With a 5.8 million dollar second phase of renovations officially approved by the Iowa Board of Regents, the stadium is heading toward a more comfortable, accessible, and media-friendly future.
According to KCRG, construction will start after the 2026 season and wrap up ahead of spring 2027, funded entirely through private gifts to the University of Iowa Department of Athletics.
Below is a detailed look at what’s coming, how the plan took shape, and what it means for fans, media, and the program itself.
The Big Picture
The Regents’ vote in June confirmed the second phase of upgrades to Duane Banks Field.
This round focuses on the spectator side and press operations – areas that hadn’t been touched during the first phase centered on player facilities.
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Project At A Glance
| Element | Detail |
| Total Budget | 5.8 million dollars |
| Funding Source | Private gifts to Iowa Athletics |
| Core Features | New press box, rebuilt central seating bowl, aluminum bleachers, ADA restroom and ramp, cable-tension protective netting |
| Timeline | Summer 2026 to Spring 2027 |
How The Plan Took Shape
The current plan is the culmination of a years-long approach by the university to modernize Duane Banks Field while keeping projects manageable for donors and builders.
From 27.4 Million to Targeted Phases
- 2023: A sweeping 27.4 million dollar plan included everything from capacity expansion to concourse upgrades. It was eventually paused due to rising costs and fundraising realities.
- 2024: The first phase focused on player spaces, including a new 2,365-square-foot clubhouse, upgraded turf, and lighting improvements.
- 2025: With enough donor support secured, Iowa returned to the Regents for approval of a 5.8 million dollar second phase centered on fans and media.
This phased approach allowed the university to address immediate needs for players while giving donors time to support the grandstand, press box, and accessibility features.
What The Regents Approved
The heart of the second phase lies in its upgrades for spectators, media, and operations.
Key Components
- Press Box Reconstruction: A new press box positioned above the central seating bowl with approximately 1,500 square feet of space.
- New Aluminum Bleachers: Replacing the main grandstand seating for better durability and comfort.
- ADA Restroom and Ramp: A fully accessible restroom and a ramp linking the clubhouse to the first-base grandstand cross-aisle.
- Cable-Tension Netting: Modern protective netting spanning the full seating area with thinner cables and improved sightlines.
Each element directly improves comfort, safety, or operations, laying the groundwork for a more modern game-day experience.
Why It Matters Now
Duane Banks Field opened in 1974, and while its atmosphere remains special, aging infrastructure and outdated amenities have lagged behind the program’s rise under head coach Rick Heller.
By sequencing improvements in phases, the university is keeping the ballpark relevant without waiting for a single large funding cycle.
A Program on the Rise
Under Heller, Iowa’s baseball program has:
- Averaged 32 wins per season since 2015.
- Gone 180–55 at home during that span.
- Reached three NCAA Regionals and won a Big Ten Tournament title.
Those numbers underscore the value of investing in the stadium’s fan-facing and media-facing sides. Facilities often follow program momentum, and Iowa is no exception.
What Fans Can Expect
The most visible changes will be on the spectator side. Fans looking to plan their game days or even catch other major Sports events can find tickets Sports online well ahead of time.
Comfort and Sightlines
The central seating bowl behind home plate will be rebuilt with a fresh aluminum bleacher system, providing:
- Better viewing angles
- More durable and comfortable seating surfaces
- A general refresh of the grandstand area
For a venue first opened nearly fifty years ago, this will be a significant update.
Safety and Visibility
The cable-tension netting system will span the entire seating area. Fans get protection without the obstructive feel of older netting. Thinner, stronger cables mean clearer sightlines and a more open atmosphere.
Accessibility
An ADA-compliant restroom and a new ramp connecting the clubhouse to first-base seating will simplify movement for patrons with accessibility needs.
This feature is a major improvement noted in local reporting and Regents’ materials.
What Media And Operations Gain
The reconstructed press box is a centerpiece for media and operational improvements.
Modern Working Conditions
The new press box’s 1,500 square feet will offer:
- Upgraded sightlines for broadcasters and writers
- Modern wiring and connectivity for live streaming, radio, and in-house production
- Expanded space for statisticians and production staff
These changes make for smoother game presentations, more reliable broadcasts, and a better experience for visiting media during NCAA postseason play and Big Ten coverage.
Operational Benefits
A better press box helps with:
- Faster game-day operations
- Easier coordination between staff and media
- Improved fan engagement through sharper in-house production
What Stays the Same
Duane Banks Field remains at its current location between Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
According to Iowa Now, moving the facility was considered but ultimately rejected due to cost and location advantages. Staying put allows the university to keep investing in existing infrastructure and leverage proximity to other athletic facilities.
Timeline And Milestones
- June 2025: Regents approve the 5.8 million dollar second phase.
- Summer 2026: Construction begins after the baseball season to minimize disruption.
- Spring 2027: Completion in time for the season opener.
This tight scheduling is common in northern climates, where baseball seasons and weather patterns leave narrow construction windows.
Funding The Project
The 5.8 million dollar phase is funded entirely by private gifts to the Department of Athletics, as per KJAN. No state appropriations are being used.
This approach mirrors how many Big Ten schools handle stadium enhancements for sports outside of football and basketball. Donors bridge the gap between annual budgets and construction ambitions.
Why Accessibility Is Central
ADA-compliant features are not just about checking a box. They improve the experience for all patrons by creating smoother movement paths and equitable access to restrooms and seating.
The Regents’ materials specifically called out ADA improvements as a benefit, and Iowa Athletics has emphasized making Duane Banks Field welcoming to more fans.
Phase One’s Impact
Phase one of the project built a new clubhouse near the first-base dugout, upgraded operational spaces, and modernized field systems. It also addressed player recruitment needs with improved day-to-day facilities.
With that foundation in place, the current phase shifts focus to the public-facing side of the stadium. Together, the two phases represent a comprehensive refresh spread out over several years.
Comparing Concepts
| Topic | 2023 Concept | 2024 Phase One | 2025 Phase Two |
| Total Budget | 27.4 million dollars | 5.5 million dollars | 5.8 million dollars |
| Focus | Capacity, concourse, ADA, larger press box, premium options | Clubhouse and player support, turf and lights | Press box, central seating bowl, aluminum bleachers, ADA restroom and ramp, full-span netting |
| Funding | Gifts and athletics revenue | Gifts and athletics revenue | Gifts to athletics |
| Timing | Discussed in late 2023 | Approved in 2024, delivered 2024–25 | Approved June 2025, build 2026, finish 2027 |
Community And Statewide Impact
Duane Banks Field has hosted Iowa high school baseball events, including state tournaments.
Better seating, improved accessibility, and enhanced media capacity ripple beyond the university to benefit community events, neutral-site games, and high school showcases.
Why It Matters For Iowa City
- More comfortable and accessible facilities attract larger and more diverse crowds.
- Improved press capabilities raise the profile of events hosted at the stadium.
- Community partnerships become easier to manage with better infrastructure.
Managing Risks
Every construction project carries risks, but Iowa has structured this phase to reduce them.
Construction Window
Starting after the 2026 season and finishing by spring 2027 minimizes conflicts with baseball operations. This tight schedule reflects standard practice for college baseball renovations in northern climates.
Cost Control
By splitting the project into phases, Iowa Athletics can bid smaller packages, adjust as fundraising progresses, and avoid the inflationary spikes that often hit larger all-in-one projects.
Fan Expectations
The upgrades are practical and visible, not luxury boxes or massive capacity gains. They directly address comfort, code, and operations. University and media materials frame the phase as improving the core experience rather than reinventing the venue.
Practical Takeaways For Stakeholders
| Group | Improvements |
|---|---|
| Season-Ticket Holders | Expect more comfortable seating behind the plate, clearer views through modern netting, and an overall fresher feel to the stadium’s main grandstand. |
| Media And Broadcasters | Upgrades in layout, sightlines, and connectivity will reduce day-of-game friction, making coverage smoother and more reliable. |
| Fans With Accessibility Needs | Simpler movement from the clubhouse side to first-base seating and an ADA-compliant restroom near the action will create a more inclusive experience. |
| Program Recruiting | Phase one took care of player spaces; this phase polishes the public stage where recruits and their families experience game day. |
| Event Partners | Tournament and showcase organizers get a more functional, comfortable venue, which helps with ticketing, operations, and broadcast presentation. |
Bottom Line
The Iowa Board of Regents’ approval of a 5.8 million dollar plan for Duane Banks Field marks a significant step toward a fresher, more comfortable, and more accessible ballpark.
With a modern press box, improved seating, ADA facilities, and better netting, the stadium will offer a stronger experience for fans and media alike.
Construction starts after the 2026 season and wraps up ahead of spring 2027, keeping the program on a realistic seasonal clock and fully funded through donor gifts.
For a ballpark that opened in 1974 and has been the site of so much Iowa baseball history, it’s a timely and well-aimed investment that keeps the venue competitive for years to come.
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