CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Fans will no longer be permitted to wear headdresses or wear native American-themed face paint at Progressive Field.
The Indians, who began the process of changing the name of the franchise in 2020 after considering objections to racist overtones of the nickname, have instituted the policy for the upcoming baseball season.
Violations could result in the refusal of admission or ejection from the ballpark.
“Abusive or inappropriate language or conduct deemed disorderly, unruly or disruptive including inappropriate dress may constitute grounds for ejection or refusal of admission,” the policy released by the team reads. “This includes headdresses and face paint styled in a way that references or appropriates American Indian cultures and traditions. Inappropriate or offensive images, words, dress or face paint must be covered or removed, and failure to do so may constitute grounds for ejection or refusal of admission.”
Solicitation of contributions and or the distribution of literature is also now prohibited at Progressive Field the team said.
Historically, Indians fans have worn headdresses and painted their faces to mimic Chief Wahoo, but that will no longer be permitted as the American league charter member moves away from any association of Native American culture or dress.
The new policy does not include the wearing of attire featuring Chief Wahoo.
Non-offensive, generic face paint such as a player’s number, baseball, Slider etc. is still permitted.
The franchise phased out its use of the controversial Chief Wahoo logo following the 2018 season, however merchandise featuring the logo remains available for sale.
Last summer, following the decision by Washington’s NFL team to drop their nickname “Redskins,” the Indians organization announced a review of their team name and in December announced that they would drop Indians as their name and proceed with a rebranding of the franchise.
Team officials have decided against using generic branding like Washington did in calling itself the ‘Washington Football Team’ until a new name and branding has been finalized.
While the organization will continue to wear their ‘Indians’ home uniforms in 2021, the expectation is that the team’s ‘Cleveland’ uniforms will be more visible this year. The team wore their blue ‘Cleveland’ uniforms throughout spring training and for their annual team photo shoot.
Earlier this year the team began surveying fans on retaining the existing red-white-blue color scheme as well as potential influences of a new name without soliciting new name suggestions.