The Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Cubs also have announced that the State Baseball Tournament will remain at Principal Park through 2015. The two groups signed the agreement to extend the current contract that expires in 2013.

The home of the Iowa Cubs with all the amenities of professional baseball has been a popular destination for teams and fans since the tournament moved to the Capitol City in 2005. Paid attendance through the past eight years has averaged 30,700. From 1997-2004 tournament attendance averaged 18,356 at split sites.

Executive Director of the IHSAA Rick Wulkow commented, “The IHSAA prides itself in providing the best possible venues for our students participating in a State Championship event. Without question Principal Park is the finest baseball facility in Iowa, and allows us to give the teams and fans in each of our four classes the thrill of playing in a professional facility.”

He added, “Our relationship with the Iowa Cubs organization is excellent and they have been a gracious host to our teams and fans. The new contract extension is reflective of all these factors.”

Sam Bernabe, President/General Manager of the Iowa Cubs echoed similar thoughts, “The Iowa Cubs, the City of Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau are proud and privileged to host the Iowa High School State Baseball Championships! The past 8 years have been a tremendous partnership and we look forward to extending our relationship with the IHSAA.”

He continued, “I can’t think of a better stadium in a more convenient city than Principal Park and the City of Des Moines to continue the great traditions of the State High School Baseball Tournament.”