Last updated on November 14th, 2023 at 07:39 pm
Principal Park is home to the Iowa Cubs Triple-A Minor League Baseball team for the Chicago Cubs MLB team. The bag policy at the stadium allows fans to bring in one clear single-compartment bag that does not exceed 12″ x 12″ x 6″ in size. Small clutches and wristlets (that don’t need to be clear) can also come into the ballpark as long as they don’t exceed 4″ x 6″ in size.
Here is the complete Principal Park bag policy guide for your next Iowa Cubs baseball game. I also share my bag recommendation on what to bring to the game. Finally, there is an affiliate link to Amazon on this page.
Approved Bags
Principal Park, like most MiLB venues, has a strict clear bag policy. However, some minor exceptions to this rule act more on a case-by-case scenario. Below are the types of bags fans can bring into the ballpark for a game.
- A small single-compartment bag that does not exceed 12″ x 12″ x 6″
- A clear one-gallon Ziplock bag
- Diaper bags
- Medical bags
- Small wristlets and purses, as long as they don’t exceed 4″ x 6″
- ADA types of bags
My Clear Bag Recommendation + Experience
I’ve had no issues bringing my clear fanny pack into stadiums over the years. The bag that I bring to venues measures 11″ x 6.5″ x 5.9″ in size, which makes it a bit smaller than what most venues allow. Since the bag is clear and small, it doesn’t cause a problem during the bag check process.
Below is my video recommending what clear bag to bring into stadiums.
Buy a clear single-compartment bag for your next Iowa Cubs baseball game!
How Does the Principal Park Team Review Bags?
Fans arriving at Principal Park for a baseball game will pass through a metal detector screening at the entrance before scanning their ticket for entry. Fans with a bag will go through an additional security check at the gate, where a ballpark official will review your bag. The bag inspection check reviews the bag, the size of it, and the content inside the bag. If the team finds any problem with your bag or the items inside, they won’t allow it to enter the ballpark.
What are the Prohibited Items that Fans Can’t Bring into Principal Park?
Principal Park has a list of items that fans can’t bring into the ballpark for a game. Below are some things the security team won’t allow inside the venue for a game. Be sure to visit the fan code of conduct page for the team to get the most up-to-date information on prohibited items for the ballpark.
- Aerosol cans
- Glassware
- Weapons of any kind
- Beach balls
- Selfie sticks
- Drugs
- Outside food and drinks
- Laser pointers
- Non-clear bags. However, the exceptions to this rule are small clutch bags, medical bags, diaper bags, and ADA types of bags.
Is There a Bag Check or Locker Storage Area for Fans to Use at Principal Park?
There is no official locker storage option for fans to use at Principal Park. Therefore, plan on only bringing in a clear single-compartment bag that does not exceed 12″ x 12″ x 6″. Otherwise, you risk getting your bag turned down at the gate, like if you try bringing a traditional backpack into the venue. If that happens, you will need to bring that unapproved bag back to your car and leave it there before heading back to the entrance to get into the stadium.
If you don’t have a car to leave your bag in, see if a nearby restaurant or hotel can watch it for you. Restaurants and bears tend to watch bags for fans if they have the space to do so at their establishment. If they can monitor your bag for you, you should expect to pay a bag-holding fee. Also, the fan assumes all risk if their bag is lost, damaged, or stolen if they leave it there while attending a game.
Parking and Food Information for an Iowa Cubs Baseball Game
Multiple parking lots surround the home plate and left field side of the ballpark that fans can use for a game. Parking operates on a first-come and first basis for $13. However, parking rates can increase depending on the event taking place.
Fans can’t bring any outside food or drinks into the ballpark. Thus, if you want to eat and drink at the game, you must get something from the venue’s concession stands. Visit the Principal Park Food Guide for more details.
Greg Kristan, owner of The Stadium Reviews, LLC and TM Blast, LLC, brings his extensive experience visiting over half of the MLB ballparks, along with numerous MLS, NHL, NBA, and NFL venues, to provide in-depth coverage on the bag policy, food options, and parking. He has also been interviewed about his experiences on several sports podcasts.