Ballpark Digest is previewing what every MLB team is doing to begin the season, both on and off the field, as the 2018 campaign is underway. Up next: the Cleveland Indians and Progressive Field.
In their ever-evolving push to shakeup the fan experience at Progressive Field, the Cleveland Indians have always made concessions a focal point. That trend is continuing this year with unique new food items, but the Indians have made other tweaks around Progressive Field to give fans more amenities.
That Progressive Field would feature new unique food items is not a surprise, given that the ballpark’s concession offerings have been met with plenty of acclaim in recent years, including our Food Item of the Year for the Parmageddon in 2016. However, this year’s additions from the Indians are some of the most unique yet. One of the items that is attracting plenty of attention is the Flamethrower, a pork belly and pulled pork sandwich topped with bacon jam, barbecue sauce, green apple slaw and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
In some other unique offerings, Progressive Field will feature Pizza Logs—three deep fried pizza sticks that feature cheese and pepperoni, served with marinara sauce. At the Melt Bar and Grilled stand at section 113, fans will find a Cheesy Bacon Mac Melt, while the Home Plate Club will feature a unique mix that includes Club Tacos, Club Nachos, and Torta De Pollo. The Torta De Pollo is an achiote chicken strip sandwich topped with lettuce, sliced tomato, chipotle mayo and guacamole.
Meanwhile, this season will also see new items at the Terrace Club, including North Coast Nachos, Pop Fly Salad—featuring mixed greens with toppings that include candied pecans and poppy seed vinaigrette—Mac Daddy Dog, and Chicken and Tater Tot Waffles. On the beer side, Progressive Field will welcome MadTree Brewing, Butcher and the Brewer, and White Claw to its slate of offerings for 2018. The Cleveland-based Butcher and the Brewer will have a fairly large presence in the ballpark, serving food and beer options at a stand in section 158.
The Indians have not limited their changes at Progressive Field to concessions. The Home Plate Club has a new presenting partner, as it is now known as the Lexus Home Plate Club. Part of a broader partnership with Lexus, the revamped club will see new interior and exterior signage, along with a Jameson-branded bar.
Another interesting touch at Progressive Field is the addition of storage and phone charging lockers. Located in section 169, the lockers are free to fans on a first-come, first serve basis. Of the lockers, 45 can be used for personal belongings, while the 72 phone-charging lockers will all be equipped with four charging cords.
Photo of the Flamethrower courtesy Cleveland Indians.
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