Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians, is set to receive a round of upgrades before the 2017 season.
Over the last several offseasons, renovations to Progressive Field have focused on improving concession operations, offering new seating options, revamped social spaces, and other aspects of the fan experience. Those changes have helped to modernize sections of Progressive Field, which will receive numerous odds and ends repairs this offseason.
Renovations are expected to take place in 26 suites, while elevators throughout the ballpark will be repaired and the sod on the playing surface will be replaced. These upgrades will take place alongside other Progressive Field projects, including concrete repair, press box upgrades, painting of steal beams, an upgraded security system, and a new first aid station.
The upgrades are a partnership between the Indians and Progressive Field owner Gateway Development Corp. More from Cleveland.com:
The board of the Gateway Development Corp., the non-profit agency that owns the baseball facility and enforces the team lease on behalf of Cuyahoga County, discussed the improvements Wednesday. Gateway pays for capital improvements to Progressive Field from revenue from a sin tax on beer, wine, liquor and cigarettes.
While Gateway has budgeted $37 million for major repairs to the 22-year-old ballpark, the Indians have spent $36.8 million over the past two years for upgrades.
For the Indians and Gateway Development Corp., these changes represent a continuation of the effort to enhance Progressive Field, which opened as Jacobs Field in 1994.