CLEVELAND — The giant script “Indians” logo that rests atop the Progressive Field scoreboard was in the process of being removed on Tuesday as crews could be seen dismantling the sign. 

What You Need To Know

  • The script Indians logo on top of the main scoreboard at Progressive Field

  • The logo has been atop the scoreboard of the stadium since its 1994 opening

  • The ballclub is transitioning its nickname from the Indians to the Guardians during this offseason

  • A new sign is expected to be installed during the offseason

Indians officials went before the Downtown/Flats Design Review Committee in September to present a new main scoreboard sign featuring the Guardians’ logo. 

The team is expected to replace the Indians sign during the offseason with the Guardians’ logo. 

The sign is being removed as the club prepares to change its name to the Cleveland Guardians next season. Cleveland’s MLB team has been known as the Indians since 1915. 

The club’s name has not officially changed yet and Guardians merchandise has not gone on sale. The club still uses the “Indians” on its website and social media platforms. 

The club announced in July the name change after a year of weighing its nickname. The ballclub has received criticism from some Native American advocates for having an insensitive nickname. The Indians previously phased out its “Chief Wahoo” logo, fully retiring the emblem in 2018.

The club is facing a potential lawsuit over its name change from a local roller derby group that also uses the Cleveland Guardians nickname.

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