CLEVELAND — With renovations at Progressive Field underway, on Friday, the Cleveland Planning Commission approved new exterior signage at the ballpark that is expected to be in place by the time the Guardians open the 2024 season.
"Really what we're trying to do is revitalize and refresh the exterior of our ballpark," Guardians Senior Vice President Tim Salcer told the commission during the team's presentation.
So what will change when you come to Progressive Field next year? Here are renderings that the Guardians presented during their review:
Ontario-Carnegie side
There will be a large "Progressive Field" sign at the top of the ballpark, plus an additional "Welcome to Progressive Field" sign below as fans file into the stadium. Salcer said that plans for a digital marquee board on this side of the park (seen in below photo) have been put on hold for now.
East 9th Street building side
Salcer says the East 9th Street side changes come as a result of feedback from the city asking for "building identification." There will be a "Progressive Field" sign along with banners of Guardians players.
Upper Deck Lighting
Salcer says similar to other new lighting schemes going on in downtown Cleveland, including at Playhouse Square, Progressive Field is adding uplighting under the seating in the upper bowl area. The rendering below shows alternating blue and red lights, although Salcer says any variance of color will be available.
Electronic Message Board
Located at the corner of Carnegie and East 9th Street, Salcer says the electronic messaging board will bring some "futuristic digital ability" to the outside of Progressive Field.
Construction work on the renovations to Progressive Field began after the All-Star break and has picked up with the Guardians now in the offseason. The initial focus has been on the new East 9th Street building beyond left field, “which will serve as a new kitchen and commissary for the Guardians concessionaire, as well as additional storage facilities for the ballpark.” That project is expected to be ready prior to Opening Day 2024.
Meanwhile, work has also begun on the Upper Deck and Terrace Hub projects at Progressive Field.
The 400 level of the Terrace Hub will be transformed into an expansive market hall open to all fans. The market hall will include authentic-to-Cleveland food and beverage items. Fans will be able to access the hall from all levels of the stadium via a new escalator and stair system.
The upper deck of Progressive Field. will be revamped to include multiple social spaces for fans. A beer garden will be put down the left field line. The current shipping containers in the right field will be replaced with a group outing space. New concession spaces, including grab-and-go spaces, will also be present in the upper deck.
According to the team, the renovations are expected to be fully completed by Opening Day 2025.