CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians are back at Progressive Field on Monday to kick off the 2019 season. If you’re going to the game, here’s everything you need to know.
The game takes place on April 1 at 4:10 p.m. and will mark the team's 26th Home Opener at the ballpark.
Photo by: Drew Scofield.
Before you get to the stadium:
Parking and traffic restrictions
The City of Cleveland has the following parking restrictions in place.
- East 4th Street from Prospect Avenue to Huron Road, both sides
- West Huron Road from Ontario Street to West Superior Avenue
- 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
Erie Court, located between East 14th and East 9th streets, is designated as the drop-off and pick-up spot for Uber and Lyft. The area is authorized for ride-sharing from April 1 at noon until April 2 at midnight.
Lyft is offering 10 percent off two rides, to and from the stadium, on April 1. Fans can use the code GOTRIBE19 to get the discount.
Fans can use the "Best Parking" app to find the best deals in and around downtown.
More info on restrictions here.
Don't be fooled
Fans who purchase tickets from a secondary source are taking a risk. Only tickets sold and purchased through Indians.com or Cleveland Indians exclusive secondary ticket provider StubHub will be guaranteed Progressive Field access and a superior level of customer service.
PHOTOS: Celebrating the history of the Cleveland Indians on Opening Day
What you are allowed to bring inside Progressive Field:
- Banners
- Cameras
- Cell phones and similar devices
- Small bags
- Strollers
- Umbrellas
- Service dogs
- Small single-serving juice boxes and other small items
What you can't bring inside Progressive Field:
- Bags exceeding 16x16x18 inches
- Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs
- Cans, glass, squeeze bottles and thermos bottles
- Pets
- Hard-sided coolers
Will Good Morning Cleveland be broadcasting from Progressive Field on Opening Day?
Your bet your bobblehead we will.
Freebies
Free sandwiches: On April 1, Chick-fil-A will be celebrating opening day by giving fans who wear Cleveland Indians gear a free sandwich.
Food and Drink Specials
Collision Bend Brewery— The restaurant and brewery in the flats will have all day specials: $6 brats/burgers, $5 C-Town Ale and half-priced appetizers. Customers who show their game day ticket will get a free koozie. There will be a large-screen to watch the game. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. on April 1. Tag Collision Bend Brewery on Facebook or Instagram to be entered to win a $50 gift card.
Great Lakes Brewery— Cleveland's oldest brewery will celebrate the Home Opener with Rally Drum Red Ale all day long. Doors open at 11 a.m. The Fatty Wagon will give free round-trip rides to Progressive Field beginning at 2 p.m. and run until one hour after the game.
Papa John's Pizza—Indians Fans will enjoy 25 percent off regular menu price Papa John’s pizzas the day after every Indians’ win when they use the promo code TRIBEWIN on online orders at PapaJohns.com and on the Papa John’s mobile app.
Masthead Brewing Co.— The brewery is teaming up with Cleveland Kraut to give a special menu in honor of the Indians Home Opener. Options include a pulled pork sandwich topped with sharp cheddar cheese and cukes kraut, a Reuben sandwich with Cleveland Kraut's Whiskey Kraut.
Harry Buffalo on East Fourth—Doors open at 10 a.m. There will be food and drink specials, along with ESPN Cleveland helping fans kick-off the season.
The Greenhouse Tavern—Doors open at 11 a.m. with a food and drink specials on the rooftop.
Honoring a legend and first pitch details
The team will pay tribute to Hall of Famer and player-manager Frank Robinson, who became the first African-American manager in MLB history on Opening Day in 1975. Robinson went on to hit a solo home run in his first at-bat as a player-manager at Municipal Stadium.
Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor sustained an acute ankle sprain while running the bases during a minor league game Tuesday. He is not expected to play for the Tribe on Opening Day on April 1. Lindor received an MRI, and the time frame for his recovery is to be determined, according to Indians representatives.
The Indians will honor the ballpark's 25th anniversary with alum Wayne Kirby, who will throw the ceremonial first pitch to Indians Hall of Famer Sandy Alomar.
Weather on Home Opener
We've been known to have to reschedule or relocate the first games of the season. Mother Nature tends to have her own plans when it comes to spring in Ohio.
Typically, early April highs are in the lower 50s with mornings in the middle 30s. Although, our records are 83 degrees and 10 degrees, respectively. Needless to say, we'll be in between those numbers. In all honesty, plan on a chilly but sunny day. More info here.
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