GAME PREVIEW: Barnstormers @ Steamwheelers

GAME PREVIEW: Barnstormers @ Steamwheelers

DES MOINES - The Iowa Barnstormers are set to open their 24^th season in franchise history Saturday as 2026 opens with a road meeting against the Quad City Steamwheelers (7 p.m., Overnight Media). 

The game will serve as the 21^st meeting all-time between the two teams. In three meetings last season, Quad City swept the series.

Iowa-Quad City all-time Series

Head-to-head: 10-10

First meeting: April 19, 2008 (Iowa W, 53-38)

Longest streak: 4W, Iowa

Last Iowa win: June 15, 2024

Last Quad City win: July 19, 2025

Current streak: Quad City 3W

Saturday will also mark the first game in the Andre Coles Era in Des Moines, as the new head coach takes the reigns for his second full season of coaching in his career. Coles comes into the game with a 13-4 record.

Iowa returns five players to the 2026 roster from last year in defensive linemen Tyler Tate and Jarid Johnson, offensive lineman Tyler Castaneda, and wide receivers Raheem Harvey and Demonte Martin.

The home portion of the schedule will kick off on Saturday, April 4 when the Green Bay Blizzard come to town. 2026 Season Tickets remain on sale for a slow as $128 per seat. Call the Iowa Barnstormers front office at 515-633-2255 to lock in your membership. Individual game tickets can be purchased online here.

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