Iowa Cubs Baseball Bag Policy

Let’s be honest. Heading to an Iowa Cubs game at Principal Park is one of the best things about summer in Des Moines. You’ve got the sun, the smell of hot dogs, and the crack of the bat. But before you walk through those gates, there’s one little thing that can make or break your entrance: the bag policy.

Nobody wants to be that person standing at the security checkpoint, frantically shoving sunscreen into their pockets while a line builds behind them. Trust me, I’ve been that person. So let’s talk about this policy in a way that won’t make your eyes glaze over.

Why Should You Even Care?

You care because your time is precious. You didn’t drive across town, pay for parking, and buy a ticket just to argue with a friendly security guard about the size of your purse. Caring about the bag policy means you get to skip the stress and walk straight to your seat.

Think of it like packing for a short road trip. You wouldn’t throw a full suitcase in the back seat for a quick run to the grocery store, right? The same logic applies here. You only need the essentials.

The Simple Rule: Small Is Your Friend

The official rule is that bags must be smaller than 16” x 16” x 8”. That’s roughly the size of a typical tote bag or a small backpack. If you can’t fit it under your airplane seat, it’s probably too big for the ballpark.

Here’s a real-life test: can you fit a paperback novel, a water bottle, and a light jacket in there? If the answer is yes, you’re golden. If you’re trying to bring a duffel bag from your high school gym days, leave it in the car.

The “Clear Bag” Tip You’ll Thank Me For

While not mandatory, clear bags are a secret weapon. Security can see everything inside without digging around. It’s like having a glass windshield instead of a tinted one—everyone can see what’s going on, and that makes things move faster.

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I saw a mom last summer breeze through security with a clear tote while I was still unzipping my muddy canvas bag. She was inside grabbing a beer before I even got my ticket scanned. That could be you.

What You Can Actually Bring In

You can bring in sealed water bottles—which is a lifesaver on those 90-degree Iowa afternoons. You can also bring in snacks, as long as they’re not in glass containers. Think granola bars, a bag of peanuts, maybe some fruit.

But please, leave the glass bottles at home. Nobody wants a shattered salsa jar on the bleachers. It’s the same reason you don’t bring a glass tumbler to a pool party—it’s just asking for trouble.

What Gets Sent Back to the Car

Large backpacks, suitcases, and overly huge purses will get stopped. Also, no coolers. I know, I love a good picnic cooler, too. But imagine trying to fit a cooler under a stadium seat while someone is trying to get past you for a hot dog. It’s a traffic jam waiting to happen.

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Weapons, of course, are a no-go. And that includes big selfie sticks. The ballpark wants you to enjoy the game, not accidentally whack your neighbor in the forehead while filming the JumboTron.

A Little Story from Last Season

Last July, my friend Karen brought a massive “beach bag” to a game. She argued that it was “basically the same size” as the allowed limit. Spoiler: it was not. She had to walk all the way back to her car, miss the first inning, and came back sweating and grumpy.

Meanwhile, I had my tiny crossbody bag with just my phone, ID, and a wad of cash for ice cream. I was relaxed. I was happy. I was eating a Dippin’ Dots while she was still mad at her bag. Don’t be Karen. Be the person who checks the policy before they leave the house.

Kids and Diaper Bags

If you’ve got little ones in tow, you get a little more leeway. Diaper bags are usually allowed, even if they’re slightly bigger than the standard rule. Just expect security to take a quick peek inside. They’re not being nosy—they’re making sure everyone is safe.

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Think of it like when a friend asks to borrow your diaper bag for a snack. You open it up and say, “Yep, just diapers and wipes in here.” It’s the same vibe.

The Bottom Line (Literally)

The Iowa Cubs bag policy isn’t there to ruin your day. It’s there to get you into the ballpark faster and safer. It’s the difference between a smooth entrance and a frustrating side quest you didn’t sign up for.

So before you head out, do a quick bag check. Hold it up. Is it bigger than your cat? Is it bigger than two shoe boxes stacked together? If yes, swap it out for something smaller. Your future self, sitting in the sun with a hot dog in hand, will thank you.

Now go enjoy the game, and leave the luggage at home.