Jacobs Field Stadium

Built in 1994, Jacob's Field is a baseball stadium located in downtown Cleveland , Ohio . It was built after Oriole Park and was considered to be HOKs best. Built as a part of the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex, along with Gund Arena, the stadium was built to replace the Cleveland Stadium/Municipal Stadium. The stadium houses the Cleveland Indians, a MLB team placed in the American League. The Indians played their home opening game on April 4, 1994 against the Seattle Mariners. In 1995, Jacobs Field hosted its first World Series, where the Cleveland Indians were bested by the Atlanta Braves. In 1997, the ballpark was the site of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and the host of the 1997 World Series where the Cleveland Indians were bested by the Florida Marlins. The ballpark completely changed the destiny of the Cleveland Indians. From one of the most pathetic and losing teams in the Major League, the Indians emerged out as one of the best teams in the American League.

While in the Municipal Stadium located on the banks of Lake Erie , the Indians were criticized for their performance. Though the stadium had a seating capacity of 72,000 it could seldom attract 5,000 fans during a night game. It was also famous for producing an unpleasant odor found in rotten eggs because of its proximity to Lake Erie , which was a bit stinky. With an awful team and poor attendance, Richard and David Jacobs purchased the Cleveland Indians in 1985. They tried to get a new ballpark built for their newly acquired, but it was eight years before construction began. In May 1990, in order to raise the funds for the new stadium, the voters imposed a 15-year sin tax on alcohol and cigarette sales. In June 1992, the ceremonial first pitch was thrown at the site of the new Jacobs Field before construction of the facility took –place. Jacobs Field was built in co-ordination with downtown Cleveland so that its exposed steel design could blend with that of the many bridges on the North coast, and the vertical light towers and the high-rise office buildings in downtown Cleveland . With the opening of Jacobs Field the Indians started selling every single game for each and every season. In 1 single season, the Indians from a small market team became a powerhouse. The Indians suddenly founded themselves in the post season almost every year and after in 1995, they finally made it back to the World Series after 40 years. Built at the cost of $175 million, the stadium has the capacity to accommodate 42,865 guests.

The stadium has three tiers of stands that stretch from the left field foul pole to homeplate, and around into right/center field. A small section of lower level seats stretch to the beginning of center field. In left field, a section of bleachers seats are located above a 19 foot high wall, nicknamed the mini Green Monster. Above these seats is a 120 foot by 200 foot scoreboard. The 3 tiered luxury boxes hang a sharp left turn, which gives the ballpark a unique and classy look. Jacobs Field is surrounded by walking areas and concourses, and is one of the first ballparks to have this feature. Groups of fans can "hang out" and lean over the concourse fence and can see the game in a more relaxed way. The stadium has been given a chiseled look and there aren't any "rounded" areas in the "Jake", except behind homeplate. The stadium has 19 vertical light towers that stand 200 feet above street level, 218 feet above the playing field.

The Jacobs Field has undergone renovations three times since its inauguration. The bullpens are elevated 4 feet 6 inches above playing field, which allows the fans to see who is warming up. Super Sluggers Albert Belle, Kenny Lofton, Roberto Alomar, Manny Rameriz and Jim Thome are some of the Indians players who contributed their best since Jacobs Field opened. Jacobs Field has many facilities including the Davey Tree Backyard Picnic Area beyond centerfield, the Miller Lite Patio Area, an Indians Team Store, Wahoo World where fans can challenge there Major League arm at the Speed Pitch Machine, swing for the fences at the virtual Home Run Derby, or use the bats at the Bat Attack cage. The Jacobs Field set a major league record between 1995 and early 2001for selling out the tickets completely for 455 straight games. The stadium is owned by Cuyahoga County