Fans coming through the turnstiles at Progressive Field this coming season will be treated to several new upgrades as part of the second phase of renovations in the home of the Indians in downtown Cleveland. One of the more noticeable improvements will be a new scoreboard above the bleachers in left field to replace the current one, installed in 2004.
The scoreboard will be provided and installed by Daktronics. The high-definition screen will measure 59 feet high by 221 feet wide, a display area of 13,000 square feet.
The new installation, part of the team’s major capital repairs project, is already underway.
“The new boards will significantly enhance our fans’ experience at Progressive Field,” said Indians Senior Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer Neil Weiss. “This project increases our ability to deliver a world-class in-game experience, delivering stats, highlights, and player profiles in large, high-definition formats.”
In addition to the primary scoreboard, other ones around the ballpark will be updated to provide more statistics and scores. A new sound system is also part of the project and is slated to be added to the structure in time for the 2016 season, replacing the well-outdated present system that is the original one installed when the park was built.
“We’re proud to partner with the Cleveland Indians to provide Progressive Field with a premier, high-definition video display system,” shared Daktronics CEO Reece Kurtenback via a press release from the Indians. “As venues hosting live sporting events continue to strive to improve fan entertainment, Daktronics continues to provide industry-leading technology to stay in front of these trends. This installation will deliver an impressive and memorable game-day experience for Indians fans in 2016.”
In addition to the scoreboard updates, the Indians are looking to bring into the ballpark more local food flare, similar to last offseason’s additions of local Cleveland favorites Melt, Barrio, Sweet Moses, Dynomite Burgers, and the Great Lakes Brewing Co.
The area behind home plate is undergoing a dramatic transformation, as a new club is being installed there in a prime viewing area within the ballpark. This construction project will also provide fans with an improved view of the field from the main concourse.
Signs around the park will be updated to follow suit with last season’s updated signage in the Right Field District area. More team history will be shared around the stadium.
The renovations and updates are a continuation of the work started last offseason, when the club upgraded the bullpens, added The Corner bar and restaurants in the designated Right Field District, expanded the Kids’ Clubhouse, created a gathering place in the upper deck area of right field, and restructured Gate C to provide a unique view into and out of the ballpark.
Photo: Cleveland Indians promotional material
