Where Did the Guardians Play Before Progressive Field? A Look at Their Historic Home Games

Before the Cleveland Guardians made Progressive Field their home, they played at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

Cleveland Municipal Stadium served as the team’s home from 1932 until 1993, before they transitioned to the new ballpark designed for a modern baseball experience. This earlier venue was not only a baseball park but also hosted various events, including football games for the local NFL team.

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland Municipal Stadium held many memorable moments in baseball history. The stadium witnessed the Guardians’ (then known as the Indians) triumphs, including World Series appearances and numerous playoff games.

Fans flocked to this iconic location, but by the early ’90s, it became clear that a new, more intimate setting was needed to enhance the game-day experience.

The move to Progressive Field in 1994 marked a significant change for the franchise, bringing a fresh atmosphere and modern amenities to attract fans.

As the Guardians move forward, their legacy at Cleveland Municipal Stadium remains an essential part of their rich history in MLB.

Historical Overview

Before relocating to Progressive Field, the Cleveland Guardians played at several significant venues.

League Park served as the home field from 1891 until 1946. This historic ballpark was known for its intimate atmosphere. It witnessed many memorable moments, including great performances from legends like Bob Feller and Jim Thome.

In 1931, the Guardians, then known as the Cleveland Indians, moved to Cleveland Municipal Stadium. This large stadium also served as the home of the Cleveland Browns. During its time, the stadium hosted multiple major events and celebrated the team’s numerous Central Division titles and World Series championships.

League Park and Municipal Stadium were vital to the franchise’s history and development. League Park, in particular, represents the early days of Major League Baseball in Cleveland.

Additional landmarks, such as Heritage Park, honor the contributions of baseball legends to the sport. After leaving Municipal Stadium, the Guardians transitioned to Progressive Field in 1994, marking a new era while maintaining ties to their storied past.

Both League Park and Cleveland Municipal Stadium played essential roles in shaping the identity of the franchise. The rich history of these venues continues to resonate with fans and the community today.

Transition to Progressive Field

Before the Guardians moved to Progressive Field, they played at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. This venue was home to the team for over 60 years, beginning in 1932.

As attendance grew, the need for a modern facility became clear.

In the early 1990s, plans were made to construct a new ballpark. Jacobs Field was built as part of the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex, which aimed to revitalize downtown Cleveland.

Groundbreaking for Jacobs Field occurred in 1992, and the stadium officially opened on April 4, 1994. The new ballpark featured a retro-modern design, which included open concourses and a fan-friendly atmosphere.

Initially, Jacobs Field had a seating capacity of approximately 42,000, making it a popular destination for baseball fans.

The stadium was later renamed Progressive Field in 2008 after the team signed a naming rights agreement with Progressive Insurance.

To fund the construction and renovations, a sin tax was implemented in Cuyahoga County. This funding model contributed to the Gateway Economic Development Corporation, which managed the project.

The successful transition to Progressive Field marked a new era for the franchise, allowing the Cleveland Indians, now the Cleveland Guardians, to thrive in a modern setting.