Iowa proceeds with ‘complete renovation’ of Duane Banks Field’s press box, concourse, seating area

Project expected to cost between $18.8 million and $20 million, will be completely donor-funded

May. 10, 2022 10:47 am, Updated: May. 10, 2022 11:37 am

Fans watch from the stands as the Iowa Hawkeyes play the Nebraska Cornhuskers during their game at Duane Banks Field in Iowa City on Friday, March 19, 2021. (The Gazette)

IOWA CITY — Duane Banks Field could look a lot different in a few years.

The University of Iowa is seeking “schematic design and full design services” for a “complete renovation” of Duane Banks Field’s press box, bleachers, concourse area and entrance, according to the athletics department’s request for qualifications.

The cost estimate is between $18.8 million and $20 million. The project will be entirely donor-funded, deputy athletics director Matt Henderson said.

The athletics department is projecting construction to begin in June 2023 and be complete by April 2024.

The renovation will expand the seating capacity while improving handicapped seating as well. It’s unclear what the new capacity will be for Duane Banks Field, which can hold 3,000 people in its current configuration.

The athletics department also said it is “necessary” to remove the concrete risers in the seating bowl with aluminum.

“Areas under the seating bowl will generally remain but have a roof/ceiling structure added to keep the spaces weathertight,” the document said.

The project also is expected to include a “more defined and significant entrance” to the facility and “expanded ball-containment netting.”

The dugouts, turf and the wall separating the field from the seating area will remain intact, according to the project description. Duane Banks Field was built in 1974 and has been renovated as recently as 2015.

Duane Banks Stadium renovation by Gazetteonline on Scribd