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Tribal Headquarters
© 2002
by Darryl Musick
Under the streets of downtown Cleveland lies a sports fans paradise. Unfortunately, it's closed off and most people don't know about it. Inside are Zambonis, weight rooms, and virtual reality batting cages. Those who do have access here go by names such as Thome, Vizquel, Fryman, and Stevens.
Upstair sits the general public with little or no knowledge of the underground city beneath them.
Of course, what I'm talking about is Cleveland's baseball and basketball sports complex more commonly known as Jacobs Field and Gund Arena.
We got to see this underground wonderland as part of our tour of the Jake and you can see more details and pictures in our Cleveland report. Unfortunately, the Indians were in Detroit at the time so we didn't get to see a game.
The park sits right in downtown Cleveland along the Cuyahoga River. It's a unique looking park that doesn't have quite the retro look most other new parks have. The lights are of a toothbrush design and the whole park has a kind of neo-industrial look to it in keeping with the city's blue collar history.
Accessibility here is great as it is at most of the newer stadiums. Wheelchair locations with good site lines are scattered liberally throughout the park. All restrooms have accessible stalls and the park includes 3 unisex restrooms where an attendant can join you.
There are several pay parking lots nearby with handicapped spaces.
The RTA trolley line has an accessible stop nearby with a dedicated enclosed
walkway to the park (open only for games). You could park in the
River East area and eat before the game, catch the adjacent trolley, and
come back later for after game activities. The parking and food at
River East is much cheaper than at the stadium itself.
The hot dogs here are great, especially with the Original Bertman's
Mustard on them. The staff is very friendly and so are the fans.
Unfortunately, the team itself is a shadow of what it used to be, no longer
will you be able to see such Indian greats as Manny Ramirez or Roberto
Alomar. Tickets range in price from $7 to $40. During sellouts,
standing room only tickets are available for $6.
Without being able to see a game, it's hard to say just how good a place it is but with what we experienced, I'd say it is one of baseball's better parks. Maybe not quite as good as the stunning PNC park but better than Comerica Park in Detroit.
STADIUM FACTS:
Tenants: Cleveland Indians
Year Opened: 1994
Capacity: 43,368
Surface: Grass
Accessible via Public Transit: Yes, Trolley and bus
Box Office Phone: (216) 420-4240
HANDY LINKS:
Cleveland Indians: cleveland.indians.mlb.com/
Clevaland Regional Transit Authority: www.rideRTA.com
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