Progressive Field has served as the home ballpark of the Cleveland Guardians since it opened as Jacobs Field on April 2, 1994. Located at 2401 Ontario Street in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, the park was designed by HOK Sport (now Populous) and built at a cost of about $175 million. Longtime fans still affectionately call it ‘The Jake,’ a nickname carried over from its original name.
The ballpark took on its current name in 2008 after Progressive Corporation signed a naming-rights deal. Over the decades it has hosted three World Series (1995, 1997, and 2016) and the 1997 and 2019 All-Star Games, and it set an MLB record with 455 consecutive sellouts between 1995 and 2001. A recent multi-phase ‘Progressive Field Reimagined’ renovation, completed in phases ahead of the 2024, 2025, and 2026 seasons, refreshed seating, clubhouses, and premium spaces throughout the venue.
Stats at a Glance
- Team: Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Location: Cleveland, Ohio
- Opened: April 2, 1994 (as Jacobs Field)
- Capacity: About 34,820
- Architect: HOK Sport (now Populous)
- Notable fact: Named Progressive Field in 2008; nicknamed ‘The Jake’
The Ballpark Experience
Progressive Field is known for its distinctive 19 white vertical light towers, often likened to oversized toothbrushes, that ring the upper deck. In left field, the 19-foot outfield wall echoes Fenway Park’s Green Monster on a smaller scale, while the center and right field walls stand a more modest 9 feet high. The park’s navy-blue seating and Kentucky bluegrass playing surface give it a classic, intimate feel that has made it a fan favorite, including a top ranking in a 2008 Sports Illustrated fan opinion poll.
Downtown Cleveland surrounds the ballpark, putting it within easy walking distance of the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and the city’s Gateway sports district. That urban setting, combined with the park’s relatively compact capacity, gives games at Progressive Field a closer, louder atmosphere than many larger modern stadiums.
History and Renovations
The ballpark opened in 1994 as Jacobs Field, named for then-Indians owner Richard Jacobs, and quickly became one of the sport’s most acclaimed venues, hosting World Series games in 1995 and 1997. After Progressive Corporation acquired naming rights in 2008, the park has continued to evolve, most recently through the ‘Progressive Field Reimagined’ project. Phase one, finished for the 2024 home opener, added the Terrace District and Pennant District along with new lower-bowl seating, while phase two in 2025 delivered upgraded clubhouses, premium club spaces, and a new team store.
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Progressive Field FAQs
What was Progressive Field originally called?
It opened on April 2, 1994 as Jacobs Field, named for then-owner Richard Jacobs. It was renamed Progressive Field in 2008 after Progressive Corporation acquired the naming rights.
What is Progressive Field’s seating capacity?
As of 2025, the ballpark seats about 34,820 fans, making it one of the smaller stadiums by capacity in Major League Baseball.
Why is Progressive Field nicknamed ‘The Jake’?
The nickname comes from the park’s original name, Jacobs Field, and has stuck with fans even after the 2008 renaming to Progressive Field.
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Photo: Erik Drost / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.