A lot has changed since 1994. In 1994 the Cleveland Indians played their first game in Jacobs Field, nicknamed “the Jake”. Fast forward 30 years and the Cleveland Guardians play in Progressive field, and despite the name changes the team and building are the same.
I got a chance to see a game at Progressive Field on Friday August 2 as the Guardians took on the Baltimore Orioles. There was a lot to note about the stadium.
Progressive field pregame
Gates at progressive field open an hour and a half before first pitch on Friday and Saturday games and an hour before games on Sunday through Thursday. Although my game was on a Friday, I believe the gate opening time for Sunday through Thursday is too close to game time. When you start that close to gametime it causes lines for security and food to become longer.
Photo via Matthew Mendives
The stairs to the first level seats are extremely difficult to get to go up and down from. This issue stems from two problems, the stairs are extremely steep and there is no railing. If you have difficulties walking you will likely need a cane to walk down the stairs. Another issue is the men’s and women’s bathrooms are far apart from each other. If you have a group it makes it difficult to meet with each other after a bathroom break.
One positive is that it was dollar dog night, where they were selling hot dogs for just one dollar. This is an extremely good deal, and it seems to be catching on at many ballparks. When you go to a place that charges eight dollars for a beer, getting a break on the hot dogs can be nice.
Progressive field in game
Unlike Rogers Centre, the jumbotron in Progressive field is in left field. The closer you are to left field, the more uncomfortable it is to look at it. If you’re in left field you’re just out of luck. The jumbotron does provide some very important information. Centerfield is usually the best place to put your jumbotron so that everyone can see it. Sometimes teams are forced to put the jumbotron elsewhere if other things like seating or walkways are in the center. Progressive field just as trees in center so they could easily move the jumbotron there.
Photo via Matthew Mendives
In the fifth inning there was a race between the condiments mascots, ketchup mustard and onion. They make several appearances in the stands and on the field throughout the game. Their race was very entertaining. Unlike other mascots they aren’t afraid to play dirty if that’s what it takes to win the race.
During pregame, they made an announcement saying that people who leave their seats should wait until the end of the inning to return. At one point this was an unwritten rule at the ballpark. However, in recent years people don’t seem to consider the impact their actions have on those around them. This is the first time I’ve heard this announcement at a game. Unfortunately, the enforcement of this rule was very weak. It’s not a very hard rule to enforce and would make the game experience ten times better.
Progressive field in game details
Although I want to make this article general for what the average experience at Progressive field would be like, I also want to talk about a couple specific things that happened at the game I went to. A top prospect for the Orioles, Coby Mayo, made his major league debut. When announcing the lineups before the game, this fact was not mentioned. He did not end up getting a hit, so I’m curious if they would’ve made an announcement for his first hit.
There were also fireworks after the game to music by the musician MGK. They had an event before the fireworks which just felt like an advertisement for his music more than anything. It took about half an hour for the fireworks show to actually begin. Once the show actually got going the firework show was very impressive, if firework shows are your thing. I couldn’t find out how often they do fireworks, beyond that they do fourth of July fireworks. I’d be curious if they advertise other musicians from the area.
