Cleveland Indians (Toledo, Camden: 2009, live, prices)

[bethany12]

Looking for opinions (not from locals in Cleveland) on the stadium and Indians. Is it worth the trip? Never been to Cleveland but love baseball.

[truemuck]

Its a nice stadium thats a great place to watch a ballgame. Not a bad seat in the house. Make sure you get some Stadium Mustard on your hot dog.
While, I love the Indians, they've been kind of underachieving so far this year, but their offense has really looked good at times.

[jam40jeff]

Although a local, I thought I'd throw my opinion into the ring since I've been to about 20 different stadiums across the country.

The park is very nice, being situated right downtown with plenty to do around it and nice skyline views from the seats similar to PNC Park in Pittsburgh. I have never been in a bad seat in the park, and there are many great seats that are fairly cheap, especially the bleachers in left field, which you can get for $9 with a Pepsi can right now, I believe. The park feels nicer (wider seats, better concessions) than PNC, I think it has more of a similar vibe to Coors Field. The Indians themselves have had a rocky start this year, but I think they'll turn out to be decent (and possibly even a contender in the weak AL Central). Overall, I don't think you can go wrong at Progressive Field (still known as Jacobs Field to a lot of the locals) if you like baseball and are interested in seeing a new park.

[lrfox]

Just saw this while checking on another thread here, so I though I'd add my own two cents.

I haven't been to Progressive Field, formally the Jake (though I hope to go in July), but I can comment on the team. I'll clarify first; I'm a Red Sox fan from Massachusetts... always have been always will be. I am not an Indians fan, but they're fun to watch. It's a talented bunch (who occasionally seem to underachieve) and they have a VERY entertaining cast of players. I look forward to seeing my team play the Indians more than just about all of the other teams (with the exception of the Yankees). I've been to Fenway Park, the old Yankee Stadium, Camden Yards, Shea Stadium, Tropicana Field and a few others. Jacobs Field was built around the same time and with the same principles that Camden Yards (a Fantastic field, btw) was and I've heard nothing but good things about Cleveland's ballpark. Even if the park weren't an attraction (that I can't wait to visit), I'd go just to watch the Indians play... IMO, one of the most entertaining teams in Major League Ball. If you like Baseball, you'll enjoy watching Cleveland's team play; I don't doubt that for a second.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by jam40jeff

Although a local, I thought I'd throw my opinion into the ring since I've been to about 20 different stadiums across the country.

The park is very nice, being situated right downtown with plenty to do around it and nice skyline views from the seats similar to PNC Park in Pittsburgh. I have never been in a bad seat in the park, and there are many great seats that are fairly cheap, especially the bleachers in left field, which you can get for $9 with a Pepsi can right now, I believe. The park feels nicer (wider seats, better concessions) than PNC, I think it has more of a similar vibe to Coors Field. The Indians themselves have had a rocky start this year, but I think they'll turn out to be decent (and possibly even a contender in the weak AL Central). Overall, I don't think you can go wrong at Progressive Field (still known as Jacobs Field to a lot of the locals) if you like baseball and are interested in seeing a new park.

Growing up as an Indians fan and going to games at the old Muni Stadium in the late 80s/early 90s, the Jake seemed like a palace! But having visited PNC during it's inaugural season, have to give the nod to that park, The setting I think is what sold it for me as you get a great view of downtown Pittsburgh and the bridge out in center field.

That said, the economics of baseball have really turned me off from the sport in the past 5 or so years, I kind of got into it a little bit 2 seasons ago when they were doing well, but it's hard to stay loyal to a sport where teams (New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago) clearly have an edge over the rest of the teams due to the economic set-up of MLB. The Indians and Rays can catch lightning in a bottle for a season or two, but as soon as their young stars become free agents, they head for greener pastures (and I don't blame them). Nevertheless, it would be a fun experience to head to now Progressive Field if you are going w/some friends/family as being at a baseball game (especially during the regular season) is as much about the atmosphere/environment as it is actually watching the game for most casual fans.

[NorthPoleMarathoner]

Originally Posted by bethany12

Looking for opinions (not from locals in Cleveland) on the stadium and Indians. Is it worth the trip? Never been to Cleveland but love baseball.

It is always worth the trip. It's the Indians.

Irfox,

Did you notice the Red Sox couldn't win a World Series until they started loading up on former Cleveland Indians. Manny, Coco, Julian, etc .......

Just Sayin'

[NorthPoleMarathoner]

Originally Posted by Buckeye in SC

Growing up as an Indians fan and going to games at the old Muni Stadium in the late 80s/early 90s, the Jake seemed like a palace! But having visited PNC during it's inaugural season, have to give the nod to that park, The setting I think is what sold it for me as you get a great view of downtown Pittsburgh and the bridge out in center field.

That said, the economics of baseball have really turned me off from the sport in the past 5 or so years, I kind of got into it a little bit 2 seasons ago when they were doing well, but it's hard to stay loyal to a sport where teams (New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago) clearly have an edge over the rest of the teams due to the economic set-up of MLB. The Indians and Rays can catch lightning in a bottle for a season or two, but as soon as their young stars become free agents, they head for greener pastures (and I don't blame them). Nevertheless, it would be a fun experience to head to now Progressive Field if you are going w/some friends/family as being at a baseball game (especially during the regular season) is as much about the atmosphere/environment as it is actually watching the game for most casual fans.

It is crazy how many players leave to other teams now. I think there were 600 plus players that switched teams from 2008 to 2009. I wish baseball would do something about it.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by NorthPoleMarathoner

Irfox,

Did you notice the Red Sox couldn't win a World Series until they started loading up on former Cleveland Indians. Manny, Coco, Julian, etc .......

Just Sayin'

Easy now!

I can't deny that some ex Indians, ESPECIALLY Manny played critical roles in those championships. However, I'll take them anyway we can get them. I tell you what, I'd be willing to give up a LOT to get Grady Sizemore in a Red Sox uniform. He's fun to watch, and it doesn't look like he's going anywhere else anytime soon. Not to mention, Manny's feelings toward Boston have been well publicized...

Anyway, Cleveland has a good team this year, they should do very well in the long run. Cliff Lee pitched a gem today and Papelbon almost cracked for us in the 9th (he got a HELL of a break on a strike three call to Peralta I think ). Enjoy the rest of the series.

Also, the Cavs are scary good this year. I don't know if there's a team that can beat them. You guys may have a championship in the near future.

[Hey_Hey]

I hate how expensive Major League Baseball is now. All things considered, I much prefer minor league baseball now. I can go to a game in Toledo for $8 a ticket and fairly reasonable concessions prices. It's a great atmosphere in a great stadium for about 20% of the cost of the Majors. The baseball is almost as good too, not to mention that you will be much closer to the field with better sight lines in minor league stadiums.

I grew up going to St Louis Cardinals' games, but my family (that still lives close to st louis) hardly ever goes anymore because of the price. It's sad how expensive and exclusive it's gotten.

[CortlandGirl79]

^Last time i knew you could get $6 seats in the upper deck in right field in Cleveland.........not sure about now though.