Expert: Gina McDonough - 4/17/2000

Question
What is the best way to get to the Cleveland Indians Stadium, I am coming from Chicago for a game tomorrow. (Yes, I have tickets...I hear that every game is sold out this year!)  Have any insider info, like best places to park, where to go, where will call ticket office is, etc.? I know the "secrets" of attending Sox and Cubs games, but I`ll be a fish out of water in Cleveland!

Answer
Hello John!

Let me be the first to welcome you to Cleveland!  I think you'll love Jacobs Field because Wrigley Field was one of the models studied when they were designing the park.  I have yet to sit in a bad seat, and I've sat just about everywhere in the park!

Well, I assume you're coming to Cleveland via I-80 (Indiana Tpk./Ohio Tpk.)(at least that's the way I go when I go to/come from visiting my boyfriend in Chicago).  You'll want to continue until you see I-90/Rt.2 East.  Get off there and continue on 90 east. Continue across Main Ave. bridge (BIG bridge); exit right on W. 6th St. to area parking. That's how the Indians present it on their website, and that's pretty much it.  Jacobs Field is RIGHT by the highways, and right around there the exits start peeling off quick, so have your eyes open wide!  You can also get off at Ontario Street or 9th Street, but I don't know the exact roads to tell you to follow once you're off the highway (I usually take the train in...)-- I think they're all in the same general area.  I do think that your best bet will be to get off at Ontario Street.
http://www.indians.com/jacobs/direct.html

There is LOTS of parking -- it just depends on how much you care to pay.  I suggest trying the Parking Garage that is between Gund Arena and Jacobs Field (off of Eagle Ave., which is off of Ontario), or the Parking Garage that is on the other side of Ontario St. (you go *down* a driveway off of Ontario that I believe is marked TOWER CITY PARKING).  There are various other lots in the area that are within walking distance.
(From the Indians site:PARKING GARAGE: The Ballpark parking garage is located between Jacobs Field and Gund Arena. Enter off Huron Road or Eagle Avenue off Ontario Street. The garage is run by APCOA, Inc. Cost for parking: $10.00.)

The Will-call Window is right by GATE A.  There is a little terrace area between Gund Arena and the Jake (and there is a bizarre metal sculpture-thing, too).  This is also the best Gate to go in.  You get a GREAT view of the field and seats from left field.

As for there being any other "secrets".... I can't really think of any, other than the earlier you get there, the better.  Since every game is sold out, it's a ZOO!!!  Also, DO NOT try to buy/scalp tickets anywhere NEAR the stadium -- you'll spend the night in jail.  The problem is that nearly ALL the property there is GATEWAY property, and it's illegal to "do business" with tickets there.  Just a little FYI.  Oh yes -- DRESS WARM and IN LAYERS.  You're right on the lake and it gets CHILLY, especially when the sun sets.  Bring a camera -- lots of nice views.  If you bring a bag, be prepared to have it checked before entering the gates.  NO beverages are allowed, but I believe you can bring food.  There are also little restaurants all around, as well as the Hard Rock Cafe in Tower City (which is a very short walk from the Jake/Gund).  Also, you're not far from The Flats -- our great place for lots of cool bars/restaurants/night-life.

You might want to check out the Indians website real quick to see if I missed anything that might be of importance to you.
http://www.indians.com

I hope you have a great time!  I'd really like it if you would email me when you return home to let me know how your trip was, and if my info was helpful or not.  My email address is:  ginamari@core.com

Have a SAFE and FUN trip,
Gina McDonough