by Being a kid from Pittsburgh, Cleveland always got a bad rap. When visiting events in Cleveland I never appreciated the area to its fullest extent. Progressive field was the second ballpark that I ever visited growing up and have been there six times. This will be review number two and stadium number two in my journey to visit and review all 30 MLB stadiums.
Each stadium will get a letter grade depending on five different categories, Location, aesthetics, atmosphere, food, and bells and whistles. These rankings come from my experiences at the ballpark. With, your experience may differ from mine.
Park info: Progressive field (formerly known as Jacobs) has been home of the Cleveland Indians since 1994 replacing Cleveland Municipal Stadium which was a dual use stadium for the Cleveland Browns and the Indians. In 1997 45 thousand fans gathered to watch the Tribe compete in the ALDS game three on an October night.
Location: Progressive field is in the center of downtown Cleveland and directly next to Rocket Mortgage arena. It is extremely easy to reach even considering how bad the traffic can be entering the city. Parking is a little more hidden compared to Pittsburgh, Taking the East 9th downtown exit gives you the best parking options. A parking garage that is placed between the ballpark and stadium is a prime parking spot even considering how backed up the line to enter can be. A quick walk-up East 9th and you will find plenty of restaurants, bars, and concert venues. If you keep driving to the lake, you will see the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, which is a must visit in Cleveland. There is always something to do in Cleveland, no matter if it is before or after the game.
Location is an A+
Aesthetics: Aesthetics will be based on how the stadium looks inside and out, grass and field dimensions will be in play as well as the background of the city.
Progressive field is a pretty looking ballpark but nothing about it stands out. It reminds me of Detroit’s stadium, they both have plenty to do but the view is easily comparable to other ball parks. The view of the city is nice, and you can see the skyline, sadly it will not take your breath away compared to PNC. The stadium has a modern look, the color white is used a lot in the stadium, and it helps that modern/future look stand out. The dimensions are unique even though I am not a fan of how high and deep the left field wall is. Right field is closer to the field and has spots you can eat/drink and have a great view of the game.
Aesthetics is a B-
Atmosphere: Atmosphere usually depends on if the team is competitive or not. Every time I attend a game at Progressive I have a blast. Even when the stadium is at half compacity the atmosphere is top notch. You can tell how much the fans care and know about their team, no matter the year the fans are always invested in Cleveland baseball. You can be loose and have fun time at Progressive and the Cleveland natives will join along.
Atmosphere is a clear-cut A
Food: unlike Pittsburgh, Cleveland does not have many “world famous” foods that you need to try. There are your ballpark foods and of course they do not disappoint. They have loaded nachos that are customizable, you can add queso, chicken, and a variety of other toppings. If you want normal ballpark nachos do not go to these stands, they are very pricey, especially if you are getting a drink as well. They are worth a try, and you can find these in right and left field (left field stand was closed last time I went). Of course, I must talk about ice cream helmets, I sadly did not get one the last time I went but they do have them all around the lower bowl.
Food gets a C+
Bells and Whistles: Progressive ballpark is a great place to watch a ball game, that being said I never experienced all the bells and whistles it has to offer. They have a kids club house where kids can do a various number of activities like an interactive locker room, circus catch, and many more. You can find these activities online where they give you a full break down on what they have to offer. If your goal is to get a verification stamp, they have those in the team shop. There are a few things to do on the surface but nothing that will blow you out of the water.
Bells and Whistles is a C+
Progressive is a beautiful ballpark and is worth a visit, you will not be disappointed watching a game here, but it will not knock you off your feet. It is a middle of a pack ballpark that slightly separates itself by its location in downtown right in the heart and soul of the city.
My final grade for Progressive field is a B. A fun night at the ballpark for any fan.
Nice! I didn’t know about about all the food customizations. I’ll have to check it out next time I go
All he mentioned was nachos. There’s so much more than nachos. And Pittsburgh doesn’t have world famous foods. Especially not more than Cleveland. This article seems way too biased from a Pittsburgh perspective.
When was the last time he visited Progresive Field?
There is sooooo much food there. One of the best selections in baseball. Probably better than Pittsburgh IMO.
This was such a fun article to read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the stadium, it sounds like a good one to attend games at.
yeah i agree with the other comments they have some of the best local restaurants there and the new bar area is like a social event. all I remember from PNC is basic food but its been years for me. great article other than that bit