The Cleveland Guardians have established themselves as a competitive force within Major League Baseball (MLB). Previously known as the “Cleveland Indians”, The team has won two World Series Championships so far. They have also tasted success in divisional games by becoming the AL Central Division Champions 11 times and earning the Al pennant 6 times. Their main competitors in the league are the Cincinnati Reds (Buckeye Series or Battle Of Ohio), Detroit Tigers, and the Chicago White Sox.
Moreover, Larry Dolan serves as the present owner of the Cleveland Guardians team. Paul Dolan is the President, Chairman, and CEO of the team. The President of baseball operations is Chris Antonetti while Mike Chernoff serves as the General Manager. Stephen Vogt will take over the role of manager for the team for three years from the 2024 MLB season after former manager Terry Francona departed from the team. In the 2023 MLB season, the team’s ranking was #3 in the AL Central Division with a record of 76-86-0.
Cleveland Guardians Stadium- Progressive Field
Progressive Field is the official stadium for the Cleveland Guardians in Major League Baseball (MLB) as per the MLB official site. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States, the team has been using this stadium for their home games since 1994. This stadium is notable for reviving baseball in Cleveland.
Read More:- Cleveland Guardians Mascot
Progressive Field’s History: Progressive Field Construction and Cost
The preparations for the construction of a new baseball stadium for the Cleveland Guardians started in 1984 as per Baseball in Stadiums. There was a proposal for a baseball stadium that would be publicly funded. Accordingly, by 1986, the land and the stadium designs were made available. Although the people of Cuhayoga County rejected the idea of an increase in property taxes for the stadium construction, they accepted a “sin tax”. Accordingly, the sales tax on alcohol and cigarettes was increased by 15% to get 45% of the construction cost. The remaining 55% of the cost was provided by the Cleveland Guardians team. January 1992 witnessed the start of the construction of the new stadium, which was initially named Cleveland Indians Baseball Park. Ricard Jacobs, the owner of the team back then, however, purchased the naming rights until the end of 2006 and hence, the park was renamed as Jacobs Field. The stadium was made accessible to the public on April 2, 1994. In 2008, Progressive Corporation purchased the naming rights of the stadium for 16 years by paying $58 million. Thus, the stadium came to be known as Progressive Field.
Progressive Field started the era of retro-modern baseball stadiums in MLB. The stadium has asymmetrical fences, whose height varies and offers an impressive view of the downtown skyline of Cleveland. The stadium has 19 light towers resembling toothbrushes. The smaller upper deck of the stadium has stepped tiers with hunter-green colored seats. It overlooks the 12-acre field. In 2007, the Heritage Park was added to the stadium. This area honors the 38 greatest players of the team and the most memorable events in team history.
A new Daktronics scoreboard of 59 feet in height and 221 feet in width was added in 2014. Moreover, the right field gate area was also reconstructed, LED field lights were installed, and more open areas as well as enlarged terrace areas were created. The steel design of the stadium symbolizes the industrial heritage of Cleveland. In 2015, the luxury boxes were reduced to 115 from 125. For kids, there is the Kids’ Clubhouse, which has an art and crafts studio, a climbing wall, a mini baseball area, and a batting cage. The concession area has notable restaurants like Terrace Club, which allows the fans to have a spectacular view of the game while dining. It also hosts corporate and private events. The multi-story bar is also a notable addition to the stadium.
The field surface has been created by using Kentucky Bluegrass. Additionally, the left field has bleachers. The left field is 325 feet and the left center field is 370 feet. The right field is 325 feet and the right center field is 375 feet. The center field is 400 feet and the deep center field is 410 feet. The backstop is 60 feet.
The construction of Progressive Field cost $175 million in 1994, which was equal to $346 million as of 2022. Populous, Whitley & Whitley Architects and Triad Design constructed the stadium.
Progressive Field’s Capacity
Progressive Field has the capacity to support 35,041 fans as of 2024. However, the stadium saw a record attendance of 45,274 fans on October 4, 1997, in an ALDS Game 5 between Cleveland Indians vs New York Yankees. In that game, the Cleveland Indians defeated the New York Yankees 4-3.
Progressive Field Seating Chart
The following is the seating chart available for fans for a baseball game at Progressive Field as per the MLB official site-
The Cleveland Guardians have informed their fans that netting/screening is available in the stadium for Sections 128-174 as per the MLB official site. However, fans seated in these sections can still be injured by bats or bat fragments or by balls thrown or hit. In such cases, they are responsible for the injuries. However, they should contact the Cleveland Guardians ticket office for better seating options, netting, or screening coverage.
What is the parking cost at Progressive Field? Parking Map
The Cleveland Guardians, unfortunately, have not provided a parking map for the fans at Progressive Field as per the MLB official site. However, they have five main parking lots and have suggested their fans visit their parking page at SpotHero and park according to their convenience.
As per ParkMobile, these are parking prices at Progressive Field for baseball games:
| Parking Lots | Prices |
| Gateway East Garage | $10 to $15 |
| Euclid Prospect Gateway Garage | $10 to $20 |
| Tower City Garage | $10 to $20 |
| Dallas Building Surface Lot | $15 |
| Public Square Garage | $10 to $20 |
Progressive Field’s Notable Events
Progressive Field as the home of the Cleveland Guardians has seen several notable events. They are summarized below with further details:
| Dates | Events |
| April 2, 1994 | The first exhibition baseball game was played at the stadium. The Cleveland Indians lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-6 |
| April 4, 1994 | The first MLB game was played at the stadium. The Cleveland Indians defeated the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in an 11-inning game. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton threw the ceremonial first pitch |
| 1995 season | The Cleveland Indians became the AL Central Division Champion for the first time in this stadium. They also earned their 4th AL pennant in this stadium (the first AL pennant earned in this stadium) |
| July 8, 1997 | The first MLB All-Star game was hosted at the stadium (68th MLB All-Star game) |
| October 18, 1997-October 26, 1997 | The first MLB World Series was hosted at the stadium. The Cleveland Indians lost to the Florida Marlins 3-4 |
| July 3, 1999 | Jim Thome of the Cleveland Indians scored the longest-ever home run of 511 feet in this stadium |
Other Sports
Collegiate Ice Hockey
Progressive Field hosted its first collegiate ice hockey game under the NCAA on January 15, 2012. The Ohio State Buckeyes squared off against the Michigan Wolverines in the first outdoor ice hockey game.
Snow Days
Progressive Field was also the home for two seasons of “Snow Days”, from 2010-2012.
Music Concerts
Progressive Field has also been home to music concerts by notable performers like Brad Paisley & Blake Shelton (2011), Billy Joel (2017), Luke Bryan (2017) and Elton John (2022).
FAQ's On Cleveland Guardians Stadium
A. The official stadium for the Cleveland Guardians is Progressive Field.
A. Progressive Field’s construction cost $175 million in 1994.
A. Progressive Field can support 35,041 fans.
A. The first MLB game at Progressive Field happened on April 4, 1994.
A. Cleveland Indians Baseball Park and Jacobs Field were the earlier names of Progressive Field.
