Tommy Birch

tbirch@dmreg.com

Triple-A baseball in Des Moines isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.

The Iowa Cubs announced three steps Friday that ensure minor league baseball would stay in Des Moines, remain a part of the Chicago Cubs organization and retain its namesake of Principal Park.

The organization extended its lease with the city, its marking agreement with Principal Financial Group and its player development contract with the Chicago Cubs.

"It's an awful big day because it cements three of our fantastic partnerships," said Iowa Cubs chairman and majority owner Michael Gartner.

All three steps keep the future of Triple-A baseball in Des Moines alive and well. The club announced the three moves Friday, one day after the team opened the Pacific Coast League season.

The team extended its lease with the city to run through the 2037 season. The Cubs also extended their player development contract with Chicago through the 2020 season.

The last big move: Iowa also extended its marketing agreement with Principal Financial Group for another 10 years — taking it through the 2027 season. That means the team’s stadium will continue to be known as Principal Park.

PREVIOUSLY:

The next big prospect to play for the Iowa Cubs: Ian Happ

9 reasons to root, root root for the Iowa Cubs

Chicago's big prospects who could come to Des Moines this season

The partnership between Iowa and Chicago started in 1981 and is the third-longest active affiliation among minor-league teams not owned by a major-league team. Iowa has reaped the benefits of some of the Chicago's biggest stars coming to Des Moines on their way to the majors, including Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Jake Arrieta.

"It's great for the fans to know that we're going to be with the Cubs even longer, and that it's going to be at Principal Park for another 10 years, and it's going to be right down here in this booming part of town," Gartner said.

Gartner said the partnership with Principal Financial Group helps the team afford some changes to the park. The Cubs will unveil a new high-definition ribbon board above the left field skybox suites this season. The digital board will provide additional game information for fans as well as sponsorship opportunities.

Free Wi-Fi has also been added to the park and new LED field lights will be installed in June. The team also announced that an additional hitting cage will be built in the offseason.

Iowa's home opener is April 11. And, after Friday's news, there are guaranteed to be many more.

"It ensures baseball will be here and thrive for a long time to come," Gartner said.