Guardians business chief Brian Barren speaks on future of Progressive Field

Jim Kahler, left, Director of the Sports & Entertainment Management Program at Cleveland State University and Brian Barren, right, Cleveland Guardians President of Business Operations before Barren interviewed Kahler, Feb. 20, 2024, at Cleveland State University. (credit: Alex Martinez)

Behind the Scenes at the Brain Barren interview at CSU, Feb. 20, 2024. (credit: Alex Martinez)

Brian Barren gets a mic check ahead of the interview, Feb. 20, 2024. (credit: Alex Martinez)

From left to right: Brain Barren, Alexandra Blankfeld, Robert Whitbred, Jessica Strimpel and Lauren Schwan, following the interview, Feb. 20, 2024. (credit: Alex Martinez).

Jessica Strimpel, left, and Lauren Schwan direct cameras at CSU, Feb. 20, 2024. (credit: Alex Martinez)

Brain Barren, left, Cleveland Guardians President of Business Operations, Robert Whitbread, Ph.D., center, and Jim Kahler, Director of the Sports & Entertainment Management Program at CSU, Feb. 20, 2024. (credit: Alex Martinez).

Brain Barren, left, Cleveland Guardians President of Business Operations, Robert Whitbread, Ph.D., Chair of the CSU School of Communication, center, and Jim Kahler, Director of the Sports & Entertainment Management Program at CSU, Feb. 20, 2024. (credit: Alex Martinez)

Brain Barren, right, discusses his favorite food at baseball games, Feb. 20, 2024. (credit: Alex Martinez).

By ALEX MARTINEZ - posted February 22, 2024

Cleveland Guardians President of Business Operations, Brian Barren, on Tuesday discussed his vision of reimagining Progressive Field in an interview with Jim Kahler, Director of the Sports & Entertainment Management Program at Cleveland State University.

Barren said the Progressive Field project has two phases that will take place this year, with the first phase completed in time for opening day, on Apr. 8, 2024. The interview was part of the CSU and Classic Teleproductions series, Cleveland Conversations.

The project focuses on the Upper Deck with a new Pennant District in the right field of the ballpark, with the left field focus on revamping the Terrace Club for ticketed seating, with a new beer garden on top.

Barren said he was excited about both Upper Deck projects for Opening Day 2024, because it will be the first dedicated group space at Progressive Field.

He was also asked about the challenges of being the President of Business Operations, especially with both the front office and administrative buildings being temporarily relocated to the Oswald building in downtown Cleveland.

Barren and Kahler closed out the interview with a discussion of food and concessions at the ballpark. Barren said his favorite was Dante’s Inferno, a local pizza restaurant with an outlet at the ballpark. Other local restaurants Progressive Field features include Marco’s Pizza, Ohio City Burrito and Melt.

Follow Cleveland Conversations on YouTube for the full Barren interview, when it becomes available.