Iowa baseball plans to begin second phase of Duane Banks Field renovations in 2026

IOWA CITY — Iowa baseball unveiled plans to begin construction on a second phase of renovations to Duane Banks Field in the summer of 2026, pending approval from the Board of Regents at its meeting next week.

The second phase — donor-funded and totaling $5.8 million — will include “reconstructing the press box, adding new seating and other improvements,” per the press release.

The seating changes include a new seating bowl between the two main fan entrances, and the main grandstand will have a new aluminum bleacher system. The new press box will be 1,500 square feet, according to Board of Regents documents.

Other changes include an ADA-compliant restroom and ramp that will connect the “existing cross-aisle positioned between the new clubhouse and the current first baseline grandstand,” according to Board of Regents documents.

Construction is scheduled to be complete in the spring of 2027.

“We are excited to move forward with the next phase of our stadium renovation,” Iowa head baseball coach Rick Heller said in the press release. “This phase will improve the stadium seating behind home plate and bring us a new press box with modern amenities.”

Iowa initially proposed a $27.4 million renovation of Duane Banks Field — a facility built in 1974 — before downscaling the project in 2024 “due to funding and cost concerns.” The first phase included a new clubhouse and batting cages along with a replacement of the AstroTurf field surface.

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