An updated proposal for renovations to the Duane Banks stadium is headed for the Board of Regents at their April 24 and 25 meeting, according to a blogpost on UI’s website.
In October, the athletic department crafted a proposal to improve the stadium by increasing its capacity, improving ADA access and seating, adding premium seating opportunities, expanding concessions and restrooms, and renovating the entrance to the stadium.
“Updating the stadium’s amenities will improve the guest experience,” said Rod Lehnertz, senior vice president for finance and operations. “The stadium has served as home to Iowa baseball for nearly half a century. It has played host to Iowa high school baseball state tournaments, and it is due for an update that will serve student-athletes and guests for years to come.”
University officials said moving the stadium to a new location was much more expensive than renovations, and the current location was also determined to be more desirable due to its proximity to other athletics facilities.
Now, the athletic department would like to add a standalone clubhouse to the plans.
The 2,365-square-foot, $5.5 million clubhouse would sit adjacent to the existing Hawkeye dugout, constructed along the first base side of the stadium and extend down the right field line.
The initial $27.4 million renovation proposal was never presented to the Regents. After some reconsideration, the university decided a new team clubhouse should be factored into the proposal as a priority, and a new press box and upgraded fan amenities are in the planning phase.
By moving forward with the new proposal, the blogpost stated, the project can advance immediately while fundraising continues for future renovations.
“This step in the renovation process allows us to prioritize improvements that directly impact the student athletes,” said Beth Goetz, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “We look forward to designing the next phases of this project and appreciate the support of our donors as we continue to enhance the experience at Duane Banks Field.”
The clubhouse is expected to be completed in spring 2025.
Duane Banks Field opened on Stadium Drive in 1974 and sits between landmarks Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The proposed clubhouse is just part of the planned $27.4 million renovations to the stadium, and marks the latest investment since the field’s inception in 1974.
In 2002, former Hawkeye and former major leaguer Cal Eldred donated $245,000 to fund the installation of lights. From 2014 – 2015, the field surface was replaced by AstroTurf and a state-of-the-art videoboard was installed.
In addition to the clubhouse, new lights and turf will be installed this summer.
The project is part of the university’s 10-year facilities master plan, and is funded by athletic department gifts and revenue.
