IOWABASE BALL
DUAN E BAN KS FI E LD The second phase of the Duane Banks Field renovation was completed in 2015 when AstroTurf replaced the outfield grass and warning track. The infield was changed to the surface prior to the 2014 season meaning there is now zero dirt or natural grass at the Hawkeyes’ home venue. Phase II renovations also included the installation of a state-of-the-art videoboard in right center field and a new padded wall on the outfield fence and down the foul lines.
SHARP FAMILY VIDEO BOARD
With the first two phases complete, Phase III calls for brand new stadium seating and a new press box to be constructed surrounding the existing playing field. The facility was renamed as Duane Banks Baseball Field in honor of the Hawkeyes’ former head coach in 2001. Banks, the winningest coach in Iowa history, served as Iowa’s head baseball coach from 1970-1997. Banks Field was originally built in 1974. The 3,000-seat stadium had dimensions of 330 feet down the lines, 375 in the power alleys and 400 to centerfield. That has decreased slightly and currently sits at 329 down the lines and 395 to centerfield. In 2002, former Hawkeye and former Major Leaguer Cal Eldred donated $245,000 to fund the installation of lights at Banks Field. The complex at Banks Field features locker rooms for both teams and umpires and a press box that was initially built in 1989 and renovated in 2002. The Hawkeyes utilize the Indoor Practice Facility located directly south of Banks Field throughout the winter and a hitting-only facility is located off the Jacobson Building adajacent to Banks Field. Iowa also utilizes a second turf facility on the campus’ west side.
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