The Indians Friday are announcing a series of new parking and concession promotions designed to boost attendance for the club, which currently ranks 30th in MLB average home gate. Among the new offers are free parking, rail service or city shuttle service for the Indians' July 20-22 games, and discounted rail and city shuttle service for the remainder of the '12 season. The club also has partnered with concessionaire Delaware North Cos. to offer a new series of combo deals, including a hot dog, large popcorn and soda for $8, and another package of a bratwurst and 12 oz. beer for $8. The moves arrive after club research showed concession pricing and access to Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland from the city's suburbs are impediments to ticket sales. The Indians' home average attendance of 19,256 is more than 1,000 less than any other team, despite a 44-41 record that has the club in second place in the AL Central and in the postseason chase. "Transportation and food have been recurring themes in our conversations with fans," said Indians President Mark Shapiro. "In response to those conversations, our main goal is to provide convenience and value, so that these concerns don't interfere with the ability for our fans to have memorable experiences at Progressive Field."
