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GUIDE | Cleveland Indians Opening Day 2017

The magic is back at Progressive Field!

 
Fans celebrate after Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians hit a solo home run during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs during the Cleveland Indians World Series Watch Party at Progressive Field on October 30, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The magic is back at Progressive Field!

Whether you're heading downtown to the corner of Carnegie and Ontario, or you're watching with friends at a bar, we've got all the info you'll need for Cleveland Indians Opening Day 2017.

The Indians kicked off the season on the road with a pair of three-game series in Texas and Arizona, but the rally returns to Progressive Field Tuesday with the Chicago White Sox.

Here's everything you need to know:

What time is the game?:

First pitch is 4:10 p.m.

Can I still get tickets?:

Good luck. Home opener tickets sold out in minutes. However, a handful of tickets are available on secondary vendor StubHub, starting around $90 for standing room only.

How can I watch on TV/listen on radio?:

You can watch the game on WKYC-3, SportsTime Ohio and MLB Network, or listen to Tom Hamilton on WTAM-1100 and WMMS-100.7.

Be sure to catch WKYC's pregame show, which starts at 1 p.m. Our digital team will also host a web show on Facebook and WKYC.com.

Where should I park?:

Lots directly surrounding the ballpark will be pricey and packed. If you don't mind a short walk, consider parking in one of the lots on W. 6th and 9th streets. If you don't mind a slightly longer walk, consider parking near Cleveland State University's campus, on Prospect Avenue -- just be sure you don't park in a permit-only lot.

The City of Cleveland announced the following parking restrictions in a statement out Monday morning:

• East 4th Street from Prospect Avenue to Huron Road
• East 9th Street from Carnegie Avenue to Superior Avenue, both sides
• Prospect Avenue from East 14th Street to Ontario Street, both sides
• Huron Road between Ontario Street and Prospect Avenue, both sides
• Carnegie Avenue from East 14th Street to East 9th Street, both sides

Officials said anyone parked illegally in those areas will be towed. These rules go into effect beginning at noon Tuesday and ending at 10 p.m. that evening.

What about the RTA?:

The RTA is an ideal option, because you'll only pay for your ride fare and won't have to worry about downtown traffic. It's $5.50 for an all-day pass. But remember, the RTA will also be jam-packed, so give yourself extra time. For info on RTA maps and routes, click here.

Where should I eat?:

Bars and restaurants around the ballpark will be busy, so don't assume you'll get right in and out. The restaurants on W. 6th and 9th streets may also be packed. If you don't mind the crowds and just want to grab some pregame beers, the biggest party atmosphere will be at places like Thirsty Parrot, Panini's, The Clevelander, Harry Buffalo, Winking Lizard and City Tap.

If you want to grab some food and avoid the crowds, you'll probably want to stop somewhere outside the heart of downtown. Consider some of the bars and restaurants in Ohio City or Tremont. It's never a bad day for some Edison's pizza, right?

What time do gates open?:

All gates open two hours early, so 2 p.m. Give yourself some time to get through gate security. You'll have to pass through metal detectors and your bags will be searched.

Who is throwing the ceremonial first pitch?:

Three Cleveland legends will be step on the mound at Progressive Field. The trio includes former Indians player Jim Thome, former Cavs player Austin Carr and Browns Hall Fame running back Jim Brown.

What are the pre-game festivities?:

The Indians will raise their 2016 American League championship flag as the team receives their rings at 3 p.m. A championship banner will also be unveiled in the Right Field Terraces.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Orchestra string section will perform the national anthem, which will be followed by an Air Force F-16 flyover.

What can I bring into the game?:

Progressive Field isn't BYOB, so leave the Bud Lights cans at home. You can, however, bring a 20-ounce sealed bottle of water to keep hydrated. You can also bring your own food, but policy states it must be "single-serving." We'll leave that interpretation to your own good judgment.

You can also bring banners and signs, as long as they don't block the view for other fans and as long as you keep it clean.

Click here to read Progressive Field's policies.

What can I eat inside the ballpark?:

The bigger question is what can't you eat? Progressive Field's partnerships with local Cleveland eateries means you can get a taste of Cleveland without leaving the stadium. From Barrio tacos and Melt grilled cheese to Sweet Moses ice cream, we're sure you'll find something you like. Click here for a full list and of course, you can always get your traditional hot dog and nachos.

What's new at the ballpark?:

Progressive Field has upgraded to LED lights and installed new WiFi, meaning it'll be way easier for you to post pictures from the Corner bar to Instagram.

The stadium has also added a partnership eatery with Ohio City staple Market Garden Brewery. Watch the video below to learn more about the new additions to the ballpark:

What's the weather looking like?:

Good news, it doesn't look like fans will be sitting in snow this year. In fact, things are looking pretty pleasant, with an early chance for some rain.

Here's your full forecast. Be sure to follow our Betsy Kling on Twitter to get all of her updates.

What should I wear?:

Don't worry, we've got you covered with another guide. Check out our list of our favorite Cleveland clothing brands here.

What should I know about the team?:

Read up on some of WKYC's latest stories to be in the know prior to first pitch here.

Before You Leave, Check This Out