Another offseason MLB ballpark renovation project underway: the Cleveland Indians have begun work on changes to Progressive Field’s Gate C and right-field areas.
The project, expected to be completed by Opening Day 2015, enhances the fan experience at Progressive Field with an expanded Kids Clubhouse for young fans, new social spaces, and a dramatic new Gate C Entrance that will better connect the city and ballpark.
You can see all the renovations here, complete with renderings and enhanced descriptions.
The Indians also announced a relocation plan of the commemorative bricks from the Gate C plaza area to Gateway Plaza outside Gate A. The commemorative bricks will be re-located to Gate A to accommodate the 2015 ballpark renovations occurring at Gate C.
“We are very excited about the dramatic new Gate C entrance for our fans to enjoy in 2015,” said Indians Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio. “We are very cognizant of the emotional connection many fans have to our ballpark. We appreciate the sentimental value and memories those brick pavers represent to our fans. The Indians worked in partnership with Gateway to continue the tradition of those bricks being a piece of Progressive Field history by relocating them to Gateway Plaza.”
The improvements, undertaken with concessionaire Delaware North, will be mostly completed at the beginning of the 2015 season, though some work is expected to extend into the regular season. The changes are to only one part of the ballpark: center field to right field and Gate C. The result will be a slightly smaller ballpark when it comes to seating capacity, but one with a greater emphasis on group areas, families, and distinct neighborhoods. This is not a new trend, but it’s one that will be welcome to see at Progressive Field, which opened in 1994 as Jacobs Field.
As part of the work, around 200 mounted pairs of seats were removed and are on sale in the Indians Team Shop at Progressive Field. Each pair is $600.
Image courtesy Cleveland Indians.
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