The real 1994 Cleveland opener: ‘It still had that new-car smell to it’
By Marc Bona
Published on April 2, 2026.
On April 2, 1994, the Cleveland Indians held an exhibition game at Jacobs Field, their new home, in preparation for their home opener on April 4. The game was held at Carnegie Avenue and Ontario Street and marked a significant change from the team's previous lakefront home, the 60-plus-year-old Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Fans Jim and Valerie Tanzilli of Avon Lake recalled the pristine park and its new-car smell. Despite the stadium being brand new, there were still some flaws, including a lack of ventilation system and a mine field. The new stadium was met with criticism from fans, players, and media for its lack of grass and maintenance.
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