The 3,000 seat Duane Banks Baseball Stadium was originally built in 1974 and was renamed in honor of Banks in 2001. In 2002, former Hawkeye and former Major Leaguer Cal Eldred donated $245,000 to fund the installation of lights at Banks Field. Other recent improvements include the replacement of the natural grass outfield and infield with Astroturf, new scoreboard with video capability, and changes to both the visiting and home bullpens and batting cages. A Phase III project calls for a brand new stadium surrounding the existing playing field, with an emphasis on better and more seating. 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 adjacent to Banks Field. Iowa also utilizes a second turf facility on the campus' west side.
Duane Banks
Achievements
- Duane Banks is a 2011 University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee, 1999 Northern Colorado Hall of Fame Inductee, 1992 ABCA Hall of Fame Inductee, 1990 Big 10 and District Coach of the Year, and 1985 Team USA manager at Intercontinental Cup
- Banks is the winningest coach in Iowa history and served as Iowa's head baseball coach for 28 years from 1970-1997 leading the team to three Big Ten Conference Championships ('72, '74, '90)
- He coached 30 seasons overall, compiling a career record of 901-585-4, winning more games than any other Hawkeye coach
- Banks led Iowa to its only College World Series appearance (in 1972)
- Banks was active in international baseball through the United States Baseball Federation and took an all-star team to Canada, Japan and Korea in 1985 and coached another squad on a trip to Venezuela. Banks and his Iowa team went to Holland in 1984 and he was on the staff of the USA college all-star team that played all over the world in 1982
- After retiring from the head coaching position, Banks assumed the position of Assistant to the Director of Men’s Athletics at the University
- Banks is a past president of the American Baseball Coaches Association and has held a number of administrative posts in the ABCA. He has served as chairman of the NCAA Division I coaches and as a representative of District Four. A member of the Hall of Fame and the Legislative Issues committees, Banks is a past member of the ABCA Board of Directors
Building Information
Street Address
960 Evashevski Drive
Year built
1975
Additional building information