CLEVELAND — While questions remain regarding what the 2021 MLB season will look like, at least one yearly staple for Cleveland Indians has been put on hold.
On Monday, the Indians announced that they have made the decision to cancel Tribe Fest 2021 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In a statement, the team also said that it remains hopeful that fans will be permitted to attend games at Progressive Field next season.
“Keeping the safety and health of our fans, players and front office personnel top of mind, the Cleveland Indians will not be holding Tribe Fest in 2021," the Indians said. "Our organization deeply misses the Tribe community and is hopeful to see fans back at Progressive Field next season in 2021 and bring back Tribe Fest in January 2022.”
The Indians' decision to cancel next year's Tribe Fest comes less than two weeks after the team's 2020 season came to an end with a two-game sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees in the American League Wild Card Series. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, fans were unable to attend games at any ballpark throughout the shortened 2020 season, although some tickets will be made available for the National League Championship Series and World Series, each of which will take place in Arlington, Texas.
Dating back to 2013, Tribe Fest has served as the Indians' annual offseason fan fest. The event includes autograph and Q&A sessions with players, coaches and team alumni as well as baseball-related activities.