logo
'Crown jewel of Cleveland': Guardians complete Progressive Field Reimagined renovations

'Crown jewel of Cleveland': Guardians complete Progressive Field Reimagined renovations

Yahoo28-05-2025

CLEVELAND — Progressive Field Reimagined, the project started a few years ago aimed at renovating and updating the 31-year-old ballpark, is complete.
When the team extended its lease with the city and Progressive Field through at least 2036 four years ago, that announcement came with an agreement of $435 million to be put toward renovations, repairs, upgrades and maintenance. Of that total, $202.5 million was set aside specifically for new renovations projects, and the club just concluded the final phase of those within the original set of plans.
Advertisement
With that $202.5 million, the Guardians renovated the upper deck areas in left field and right field, completely redid and expanded both clubhouse areas and added multiple seating/lounge areas, including one in left field and one behind home plate, among other projects. Additional improvements, like new, blue seats being installed, fell under the umbrella of capital repairs and maintenance, meaning they weren't included in that budget.
On Thursday, May 22, the club officially unveiled the brand new clubhouse areas and the Carnegie Club, three renovations that took up a significant chunk of the budget.
A major emphasis for the team with these renovations was not only improving the fan experience, but the player experience. The team used this opportunity to bring the clubhouse, meeting rooms, dining areas and workout/recuperation areas into 2025, rather than 1994. Of course, some improvements had been made along the way, but the space wasn't available to really do what they needed in terms of creating some state-of-the-art options.
"I think we've got a bright future ahead of us as the crown jewel of Cleveland," said Christy Corfias, Guardians vice president of business strategy and analytics, in a statement.
Guardians unveil new home, away clubhouses at Progressive Field
Last year, the renovation projects primarily centered around the upper deck areas in left field and right field. For 2025, the Guardians went to work maximizing the space available on the ballpark's lower level. The new home clubhouse area — including offices, meeting rooms, a much larger dining area, a hydrotherapy room, recuperation areas, batting cages and more — is roughly triple the size of the old setup.
The Cleveland Guardians unveil the new clubhouses, batting cages and the Carnegie Club at Progressive Field on May 22, 2025.
Technically, the clubhouse itself is slightly smaller than the original, but that's because the room was used for several things, which have now been moved into their own compartmental areas — like the game room that features the well-known, old-school Mario Kart setup. There's also now a top-shot basketball game, on which Steven Kwan holds the record.
The Cleveland Guardians unveil the new clubhouses, batting cages and the Carnegie Club at Progressive Field on May 22, 2025.
The team has said the player-led response to the new areas have been "over the top" positive.
Advertisement
The opposing team clubhouse, along with the surrounding areas, is roughly four times bigger than it was before, the result of the modern age of baseball in which traveling parties with clubs has doubled or tripled when you include more coaches, assistants, data-driven groups, translators, mental-health teams and a few other categories.
The Cleveland Guardians unveil the new clubhouses, batting cages and the Carnegie Club at Progressive Field on May 22, 2025.
The Guardians have heard from some opposing players, who will remain anonymous, that they wish their own home clubhouse was a nice as what Cleveland has for its visiting players.
"We knew when we started building this clubhouse, and then heard that, that we did this right," said Willie Jenks, Guardians visiting clubhouse manager, during a walk-through for local media.
The Cleveland Guardians unveil the new clubhouses, batting cages and the Carnegie Club at Progressive Field on May 22, 2025.
Of note, the Guardians have again placed a ping pong table in the visiting clubhouse. That hasn't been the case for roughly the last 15 years because, well, as Jenks said, "Some things tended to happen to it. That's all I'll say."
Advertisement
The visitors also have a game room, which includes a Golden Tee arcade golf setup, on which Justin Verlander holds the top score.
The Cleveland Guardians unveil the new clubhouses, batting cages and the Carnegie Club at Progressive Field on May 22, 2025.
Guardians batting cages include Trajekt system
The Guardians' home batting cages and weight room is three to four times bigger than the old setup, along with being updated.
The Cleveland Guardians unveil the new clubhouses, batting cages and the Carnegie Club at Progressive Field on May 22, 2025.
They actually went from four batting cages to three, but all four weren't necessarily needed, and the three new cages are loaded with technology and data-retrieving abilities. For example, the pitching mounds and batter's boxes have pressure plates underneath them that collect data on placement and force.
The Cleveland Guardians unveil the new clubhouses, batting cages and the Carnegie Club at Progressive Field on May 22, 2025.
The room also includes a Trajekt pitching system, which can replicate virtually any pitcher's pitches — velocity, movement, revolutions, break, etc. — in the league. The slot where the pitches are "thrown" even changes to match each pitcher's arm angle. That isn't entirely new to the team, as many MLB teams have bought into the technology, but the room as a whole is now up to date in how teams can collect and implement data.
The Cleveland Guardians unveil the new clubhouses, batting cages and the Carnegie Club at Progressive Field on May 22, 2025.
Guardians unveil Lexus Carnegie Club
The Carnegie Club is now the team's most premium ticket offering.
Advertisement
With this club — which was designed to invoke Cleveland's history of design and architecture and has a real "Great Gatsby" feel — the Guardians are aiming to create a "luxurious, members-only" space located right behind (and sort of below) home plate.
The Cleveland Guardians unveil the new clubhouses, batting cages and the Carnegie Club at Progressive Field on May 22, 2025.
The all-inclusive space features a bar, "elevated" food menu and some grab-and-go options. Tickets also include premium parking and extra-wide and padded seats in the first five rows of the lower bowl.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians unveil clubhouses, Carnegie Club at Progressive Field

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Terry Francona returns to Cleveland as Reds manager, jokes about getting lost in renovated ballpark
Terry Francona returns to Cleveland as Reds manager, jokes about getting lost in renovated ballpark

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Terry Francona returns to Cleveland as Reds manager, jokes about getting lost in renovated ballpark

CLEVELAND (AP) — Terry Francona could have used his old scooter to get around the renovated service area beneath Progressive Field. Instead, Francona made do with walking and joked about the changes that have occurred at the ballpark he called home for 11 seasons. Advertisement Francona returned to Cleveland for the first time since being named Cincinnati's manager as the Reds opened a three-game series against the Guardians on Monday. 'I got lost about three times. That's the longest (clubhouse) hallway I've ever seen,' Francona said. 'I don't think I've seen the whole thing yet just because I don't feel like icing down my knees. But from what I've seen in the ballpark, it looks good.' Francona — who used to ride a scooter from his downtown apartment to the ballpark — isn't the only visitor who has joked about the long tunnel from the clubhouse to the dugout on the first-base side. Both clubhouses were renovated during the offseason, more than tripling their size. The 66-year-old manager enters the series unbeaten against his former team: The Reds swept a three-game series at Cincinnati last month. Advertisement Francona was at the helm in Cleveland for 11 seasons and is the franchise's leader in wins (921) and games managed (1,678). Cleveland made the playoffs six times under Francona and lost the 2016 World Series to the Chicago Cubs in seven games, falling just short of the franchise's first title since 1948. He was a senior advisor for the Guardians last year, but only made a couple of trips to Cleveland. He didn't want to get in the way of manager Stephen Vogt and his coaching staff. 'There were a couple times during spring, two hours away I wanted to come up, but I didn't think it was right,' Francona said. 'I just thought for the new staff here, they needed to be able to do things. They don't need me telling 'em how to do it or acting like I'm going to tell 'em how to do it.' 'During the season I watched a lot of baseball, probably more than I have in a long, long time. I'd turn on games that were in the eighth inning tied and I'd watch the end of it and flip to another game and really enjoyed it.' Advertisement While Francona was happy to be back in Cleveland, his focus was on trying to help the Reds extend their winning streak to four games after a weekend sweep of Arizona. 'I had 11 really fun years here and I had some great relationships. That never changes, but now we're trying to figure out a way to beat 'em tonight. That's why we're here. That'll never take away how I feel about people here,' he said. Francona was among several Reds staffers making their return. Bench coach Brad Mills and hitting coach Chris Valaika were on Francona's Cleveland staff, while first-base coach Collin Cowgill and major league coach Mike Napoli played for the franchise. Reds left fielder Will Benson, who hit four home runs during the sweep of the Guardians, was Cleveland's first-round pick in 2016. ___ AP MLB: Joe Reedy, The Associated Press

Cincinnati Reds at Cleveland Guardians odds, picks and predictions
Cincinnati Reds at Cleveland Guardians odds, picks and predictions

USA Today

time3 hours ago

  • USA Today

Cincinnati Reds at Cleveland Guardians odds, picks and predictions

Cincinnati Reds at Cleveland Guardians odds, picks and predictions The Cincinnati Reds (33-33) face the Cleveland Guardians (34-30) in the opener of a 3-game set Monday. First pitch from Progressive Field is set for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Reds vs. Guardians odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets. Season series: Reds lead 3-0 with a sweep May 16-18 at home The Reds completed a 3-game sweep over the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 4-2 victory Sunday. SS Elly De La Cruz went 1-for-8 in the series, but the team scored 21 runs in the 3 games. 1B Christian Encarnacion-Strand homered in each game and is 8-for-17 (.471) with 3 HRs and 8 RBIs over the last 4 games. The Guardians avoided a 3-game sweep by the Houston Astros with a 4-2 winner Sunday. C Bo Naylor went 3-for-4 with his eighth homer to lead the charge. The Guardians are 5-5 over the last 10 games. They scored 4-plus runs in each of those wins and 3 or fewer runs in each of the losses. Reds at Guardians projected starters LHP Wade Miley vs. RHP Luis Ortiz Miley (0-0, 18.00 ERA), who had Tommy John surgery in 2024, makes his first start (second appearance). He has allowed 4 ER, 6 H and 0 BB with 0 K's in 2 IP. He was 1-2 with a 8.84 ERA, 1.86 WHIP and 15 K's in 19 1/3 IP at Class A Dayton and Triple-A Louisville this season He's 3-4 with a 3.51 ERA in 10 career GS against Cleveland. He's 2-2 with a 2.59 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 17 K's in 24 1/3 IP at Progressive Field Ortiz (3-6, 4.02 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.40 WHIP, 4.6 BB/9 and 9.8 K/9 in 65 innings. Last start: Win, 5 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 7 K Wednesday in a 4-0 victory at the New York Yankees In 4 career starts vs. Reds: 1-1, 1.19 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 24 K's in 22 2/3 IP Win your fantasy baseball league with For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning! Reds at Guardians odds Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:51 p.m. ET. Moneyline (ML) : Reds +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Guardians -160 (bet $160 to win $100) : Reds +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Guardians -160 (bet $160 to win $100) Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS) : Reds +1.5 (-160) | Guardians -1.5 (+135) : Reds +1.5 (-160) | Guardians -1.5 (+135) Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100) Reds at Guardians picks and predictions Prediction Guardians 5, Reds 4 I like the GUARDIANS (-160) in this spot, despite them being 4-11 against left-handed starters. Miley struggled to get minor league hitters out, and he's clearly not the same pitcher that 3B Jose Ramirez is 2-for-15 (.133) against at the age of 38. The magic number is 4 for Cleveland, and they'll hit it Monday. I'm not interested in either option. PASS. The wind is blowing out at the park formerly known as "The Jake." So I'm a little surprised to see the number only at 8.5. Both teams are 3-7 O/U in their last 10, but I'll take the OVER 8.5 (-120) based on the weather and less-than-tantalizing pitching matchup. Play our free daily Pick'em Challenge and win! Play now! For more sports betting picks and tips, check out and BetFTW. Follow @rdodsonsports on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Terry Francona returns to Cleveland as Reds manager, jokes about getting lost in renovated ballpark
Terry Francona returns to Cleveland as Reds manager, jokes about getting lost in renovated ballpark

Fox Sports

time3 hours ago

  • Fox Sports

Terry Francona returns to Cleveland as Reds manager, jokes about getting lost in renovated ballpark

Associated Press CLEVELAND (AP) — Terry Francona could have used his old scooter to get around the renovated service area beneath Progressive Field. Instead, Francona made do with walking and joked about the changes that have occurred at the ballpark he called home for 11 seasons. Francona returned to Cleveland for the first time since being named Cincinnati's manager as the Reds opened a three-game series against the Guardians on Monday. 'I got lost about three times. That's the longest (clubhouse) hallway I've ever seen,' Francona said. 'I don't think I've seen the whole thing yet just because I don't feel like icing down my knees. But from what I've seen in the ballpark, it looks good.' Francona — who used to ride a scooter from his downtown apartment to the ballpark — isn't the only visitor who has joked about the long tunnel from the clubhouse to the dugout on the first-base side. Both clubhouses were renovated during the offseason, more than tripling their size. The 66-year-old manager enters the series unbeaten against his former team: The Reds swept a three-game series at Cincinnati last month. Francona was at the helm in Cleveland for 11 seasons and is the franchise's leader in wins (921) and games managed (1,678). Cleveland made the playoffs six times under Francona and lost the 2016 World Series to the Chicago Cubs in seven games, falling just short of the franchise's first title since 1948. He was a senior advisor for the Guardians last year, but only made a couple of trips to Cleveland. He didn't want to get in the way of manager Stephen Vogt and his coaching staff. 'There were a couple times during spring, two hours away I wanted to come up, but I didn't think it was right,' Francona said. 'I just thought for the new staff here, they needed to be able to do things. They don't need me telling 'em how to do it or acting like I'm going to tell 'em how to do it.' 'During the season I watched a lot of baseball, probably more than I have in a long, long time. I'd turn on games that were in the eighth inning tied and I'd watch the end of it and flip to another game and really enjoyed it.' While Francona was happy to be back in Cleveland, his focus was on trying to help the Reds extend their winning streak to four games after a weekend sweep of Arizona. 'I had 11 really fun years here and I had some great relationships. That never changes, but now we're trying to figure out a way to beat 'em tonight. That's why we're here. That'll never take away how I feel about people here,' he said. Francona was among several Reds staffers making their return. Bench coach Brad Mills and hitting coach Chris Valaika were on Francona's Cleveland staff, while first-base coach Collin Cowgill and major league coach Mike Napoli played for the franchise. Reds left fielder Will Benson, who hit four home runs during the sweep of the Guardians, was Cleveland's first-round pick in 2016. ___ AP MLB: recommended

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store