The Indians will turn Progressive Field into a winter playland starting in late November. The organization wants to get more use out of its facility.
View full sizeThe Batterhorn, a snow tubing hill, will rise 60 feet, 6 inches (the distance from the pitcher's mound to home plate) from Progressive Field's bleachers during winter wonderland at the park starting in late November. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Come winter, Clevelanders will have a reason to enjoy going to Progressive Field again.
The Indians, struggling to draw fans in another rebuilding year, will turn their ballpark into a five-week wonderland starting Friday, Nov. 26. You can ice skate, play on a 10-lane snow tubing hill that starts in the bleachers and stroll along a lit walking trail in the outfield. Kids will have a special play area.
Each day, 150 tons of artificial snow will be poured over the field, said Bob DiBiasio, the Indians vice president of public relations. He said the fake snow can withstand temperatures over 60 degrees.
In colder temperatures, people can look forward to a fire pit and concessions to warm themselves.
"We've been trying to come up with some concept that can maximize the use of the facility outdoors," said DiBiasio. He said the wonderland idea came after watching the popularity of outdoor hockey in other cities.
"We explored trying to do some hockey, and from that blossomed the Snow Days," he said.
Some of the new daily snow will be packed onto the Batterhorn, the 60-foot, 6-inch high snow tubing hill.
Activities will be kept away from the baseball infield.
DiBiasio would not reveal the budget nor projected revenue. He said good results are expected.
"I think it will be popular. It's family affordable," he said.
General admission is $5 with limited activities. The cost can go to $100 for a pass for a family of four.
Snow Days ends Jan. 2, giving the organization plenty of time to prepare the field for the Indians season opener in April.
"Snopening" day on Nov. 26 goes from noon to 10 p.m. The stadium will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. New Year's Eve. Hours vary, depending on the date.