‘Progressive Field Evolution’ project includes expanded Kids Clubhouse, two-story bar with expansive views, dramatic new Gate C entry and concourse, and redesigned bullpens in center field for more intimate fan connection
Cleveland, OH—The Cleveland Indians announced on Thursday that the club would make major enhancements at Progressive Field this offseason aimed at adapting to fans’ expectations for their ballpark experience.
The significant enhancements to the ballpark will create new attractions targeting multiple fan segments; create dramatic new connections to a revitalized Cleveland and Indians players; and celebrate our club’s rich history and heritage throughout the ballpark. The project, with support from our partner Delaware North Companies, is completely privately funded.
Developed after extensive research into the team’s fan base and its preferences and demands, the project will include:
- Expanded Kids Clubhouse: First introduced in 2012, the Kids Clubhouse will grow to two levels. The Mezzanine concourse area also will be renovated, with new, improved attractions for families.
- Social gathering space: A climate-controlled, two-story bar in right field with views unmatched in Cleveland.
- Dramatic new Gate C: The new Gate C area will be a dramatic entrance with visual connection to the field from the exterior and dramatic views of the Cleveland skyline from inside the ballpark. This will be enabled by removing The Market Pavilion and Batter’s Eye Bar and reorienting the fan entrance, allowing for a better connection with a revitalized part of the city and allowing residents and downtown workers better views of the field.
- Connection to players: Redesigned bullpens in center field provide unique interaction with players and a new exclusive seating area.
- Connection to Cleveland: Popular city neighborhoods like Ohio City and Tremont will be incorporated into the new Gate C concourse space.
- Historical connection: More of the franchise’s storied history will be incorporated throughout the ballpark, especially at the new Gate C; the Bob Feller and Jim Thome statues will be consolidated there, and will be joined there by future statues – including in 2015 by a Larry Doby statue.
- New Group seating area: The Upper Reserved area in right field will feature terraced decks for group outings with sweeping views of the playing field, which previously were limited to the Carnegie Tent area on the ballpark’s exterior.
“Fans have changed the way they interact with baseball and other forms of entertainment. As a result, we have to adapt by creating new, compelling experiences to evolve our ballpark to align with fans’ interests,” said Indians President Mark Shapiro. “We’re proud to provide targeted, new experiences that enhance the connection between Progressive Field and revitalizing city around us.”
Complete project details, including renderings of the planned changes, can be found at www.Indians.com/ProgressiveField. High-resolution renderings and a video depicting project details are available by clicking here.