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.