Indians President Mark Shapiro said that the Progressive Field renovations "will be done on time for the home opener April 10" against the Tigers, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. Shapiro added that the "only thing that could stall construction" would be "a severe frost where the ground freezes." Hoynes notes the renovation "is taking place mostly in center and right field," with "over 7,000 seats" having been removed from the upper deck. Progressive Field's capacity was listed at 42,404 last season, and Shapiro "estimates that there will be about" a 15% reduction. He said, "One of the main reasons for the renovations was to create a lot more standing room, a lot more common space." Shapiro said that he "didn't think the team or fans would get a true read on the popularity of the renovations until the weather warmed in June, July and August." The Indians and Delaware North Cos. "are privately financing the project," but Shapiro "has not put a dollar figure on it." He said, "We're still making decisions as we go. A number isn't a priority for us. People want to know if it's impacting the players' payroll and it's not." He added that Delaware North "will not purchase a portion of the team." Shapiro: "It's not a structure being talked about. When we negotiated the extension with them there was a structure to allow for some allotment of partnering with us in the ballpark to enhance the fan experience" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 1/26).
