Progressive Signs 16-year Deal for Cleveland Indians Ballpark

Cleveland — In the ever-increasing competitive personal lines car insurance market, it appears that Progressive is serious about obtaining “home field advantage.” The story begins with some unlikely neighbors: In March of 1937, Steve O’Neill was managing the Cleveland Indians, the team was at Spring Training in New Orleans and preparing for another season at League Park at Lexington and East 66th Street in Cleveland. At the same time, just a few blocks away on Euclid Avenue, two young Clevelanders, Jack Lewis and Joe Green, were starting a car insurance company known as Progressive.

Now, 70 years later, two Cleveland institutions—the Cleveland Indians and Progressive—are joining forces to change the naming of what is currently known as “Jacobs Field” to Progressive Field. 

Progressive, which partnered with the Indians on a 16-year deal for the naming rights to the ballpark, will also become the official auto insurer of the Cleveland Indians.

“This is a story about two Cleveland-based organizations making a long-term commitment to the city, the fans and our people,” says Progressive President and CEO Glenn Renwick. 

Those questioning how serious Progressive is about its commitment to this branding initiative should know that the company’s payments to the Indians over the 16-year term of the agreement will average approximately $3.6 million annually.

Source: Progressive