Progressive Field skyrockets to MLB’s fifth best ballpark in 2016

With the Cleveland Indians preparing for the 2016 World Series next week, sold out Progressive Field’s toothbrush lighting, massive left field scoreboard, and multi phase renovations will be on full display for the nation to see.

Stadium Journey named Progressive Field the fifth best ballpark in Major League Baseball, ahead of such league-wide staples as Fenway Park in Boston, and Wrigley Field in Chicago. While Progressive Field has always been lauded as one of the better stadiums, the end of the Retro-Park movement, 20-years of age, and well…emptiness…have diminished its appeal over the past ten years.

A renovation project, initiated by former team president Mark Shapiro in 2014, have re-energized the park to visitors over the past couple years. Shapiro and current Indians’ President, Chris Antonetti, focused on improving the fan experience at the park for everyone.

While the scoreboard addition is the most obvious, the guts of Indians’ baseball home is where the meat of the fan intimacy really is. The right field and infield Districts (‘The Corner’ in right field and ‘The Home Run Porch’ in left field) have created a party atmosphere that attracts many fans, even during games with little attendance. Local food and beer delicacies rule concessions, with Great Lakes Brewing, Ohio City Burrito, Fat Head’s Brewery, and The Brew Kettle just a few of the neighborhood favorites.

Added to the mix are a much more open concourse, a fantastic walk-around view of the stadium and the city that still gives it that retro-feel, and a true fan-and-kid-friendly experience that seems to incorporate the incredible diversity that Cleveland has to offer.

Past the renovations, the Indians’ promotions (bobbleheads and jerseys), between innings entertainment, and—to be quite honest—rabid core fan base make each game as entertaining as it gets. From beer pyramid towers, to Parties at Napoli’s, to @hipstertito‘s signage, and social media connections, each game feels like a happening, even if there should be more fans there.

The added resurgence of downtown Cleveland’s Market District, The Flats, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Public Square only enhance any trip downtown, and have breathed much life back into the fan experience. When you add the World Champion¹ Cleveland Cavaliers right across the plaza to the equation, heading to a baseball game becomes something more than just watching a game.

The jump to fifth in the standings is a seismic improvement from 2015, which saw the stadium ranked 19th even after phase I of the renovations. Much of this ranking was likely a mirror of the team finishing 29th in attendance, with just under 18,000 fans a game. While this year’s first place club saw a bit of an improvement (up to 28th, with 19,600 a game), it certainly doesn’t seem to match both the performance of the club, and the improvements of the stadium. While tickets to any event can be expensive, Indians tickets remain among the most most affordable in baseball, so the struggle to fill the stands remains a massive question mark. One thing we can say for sure is that it’s not the stadium or the team that’s the problem.

With the World Series at hand, Progressive Field will finally be filled to capacity, as it has been for the playoff games in both the ALDS and ALCS. This, combined with the Cavaliers opening their 2016-2017 World Title defense, the fan experience should be nothing short of electric. With the Indians’ core under club control for years, and a stadium that feels new again, perhaps the “championship” run will continue for downtown Cleveland’s toothbrush’d jewel.

1. I still can’t get used to that. [↩]