CLEVELAND — The Cleveland City Council Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee approved a recommendation to use city dollars to fund a renovation project at Progressive Field.
The proposal still needs approval from the full City Council before going into effect. If approved, renovations of Progressive Field could begin in 2022. The council’s Finance Committee is also set to review the proposal before it gets full council approval
As part of the agreement, the Indians would commit to staying in Progressive Field through 2036, with several options of staying through 2046.
If the City Council fails to approve, the Indians’ lease at Progressive Field ends in 2023. Once the lease expires, the team would be free to explore a possible relocation.
“I think we have heard pretty clearly the impact the Gateway District has had, not just downtown but throughout our city,” said committee Chair Anthony Brancatelli. “We’ve heard very clearly the economic impact of the team, not just downtown but throughout the city with its community outreach and its participation.”
Members of Cleveland City Council raised questions over how city tax dollars would be collected. With the city expected to contribute more than $8 million annually over the next 15 years, the funds will come from specific pots of money.
City leaders noted that the club currently provides the city with $9 million in direct revenue through payroll, admissions and other various taxes.
For instance, the legislation would call on using 50% of the club’s attendance tax revenue, which is estimated at $2.55 million annually, to go toward the project. But members of council were concerned about what would happen if team attendance and the revenue from tickets would drop in the coming years.
Another concern expressed by council members was over using $2 million in parking garage money. Members were concerned that a potential rise in ride share and other modes of transportation could reduce parking garage tax revenue.
Another issue members raised was ensuring that the benefits the club provides to the community is in writing.
Last week, Cuyahoga County agreed to its portion of the deal. For the next 15 years, the city and county would spend $17 million annually on stadium renovations. The state of Ohio is set to chip in $2 million annually. The agreement calls on the team to pay for 35% of the renovations and any overages.
At 27 years old, officials said the stadium lacks some of the amenities found in newer stadiums. Progressive Field is the 11th oldest stadium out of 30 in MLB. Several older stadiums, including Wrigley Field in Chicago and Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, have undergone significant renovations in recent years.
The club says that improvements to the stadium would include an expanded team clubhouse and facilities, opening the left field terrace and knocking down some of the concrete walls in the upper deck to provide a view of the field from the concourse.
