Sure, there are plenty of Baseball-genre movies. For the split couple (fan and nonfan), try "For Love of the Game" with Kevin Costner and Kelly Preston. The movie covers an aging pitcher's attempt to throw a perfect game as he flashes back to his love life. The fan will enjoy the realistic perfect-game moments; the nonfan might like the love story. Or celebrate the 20th anniversary of "Major League." Yes, it's been 20 years. . . . Can't make it to the park? Virtually every game is on SportsTime Ohio or WKYC Channel 3, with the exception of eight games slated for Fox only. And WTAM/AM 1100 has the games the old-fashioned way.

2. Down on the farm

From Progressive Field, the Class AA Akron Aeros (akronaeros.com or 330-253-5151) are 35 miles away, while Eastlake's Class A Lake County Captains (lakecounty.captains.milb.com or 440-975-8085) are 15 miles out. Add to the mix the Lake Erie Crushers (lakeeriecrushers.com, 440-934-3636), the independent team that begins play at home Tuesday, June 2, in Avon, and you have less-expensive options for the family.

3. Warming up

For drinks, the patio at Panini's (840 Huron Road, near East Ninth Street, a block from the field, 216-522-1510, paninisgrill.com) is the place to be for 20-somethings on a nice night. Don't forget about the right-centerfield bullpen vantage where you can watch pitchers throw. To be that close, to hear the pop of the ball in the catcher's mitt, puts pitches in perspective.

4. Promos on deck

Yes, there'll be dollar dogs to eat, bobbleheads to collect, discounts to take, and themed Friday-night fireworks to watch. The three-game interleague homestand Friday-Sunday, June 26-28 against Cincinnati is chock full of promotions, including the annual Indians Wives Association Mystery Ball fund-raiser for Saturday's game, when you can buy a ball guaranteed to be signed by a major leaguer. Which one? It's a mystery. Proceeds go to Providence House and the Domestic Violence Center. Others include Slider Slippers for Mother's Day (Sunday, May 10) and a Surfin' Sizemore (Saturday, July 18). Check Indians.MLB.com for updates.

5. Extra innings

The Gateway District is loaded with options, but one area worth wandering through this time of year is East Fourth Street. With its beckoning pedestrian alley, saunter from Flannery's Pub (323 E. Prospect Ave., 216-781-7782, flannerys.com) to House of Blues (308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, hob.com) and catch an eclectic mix along the way, including Lola (Michael Symon's chic eatery), Zocalo (Mexican, with open-air front), La Strada (pizza, kabobs, more) and Corner Alley (bowling and martinis, yum).

6. Out of the ballpark

Here's an eatery you might have missed: Ginza Sushi and Steak House (1105 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, 216-589-8503) for a hibachi-style meal or sushi near East Ninth Street and Carnegie Avenue. It's quiet, service is good, and it's a block from the park. . . . Local Heroes (2217 East Ninth St., 216-566-8100, localheroesgrill.com) has a kid-friendly menu, giant televisions and plenty of beer specials, but get there early. . . . On Saturday, April 18, NASA Glenn Visitor Center will host The Science of Baseball, a family event that will cover everything from how a curveball breaks to how science affects the grand old game. Exhibits and activities are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 216-433-9653 for reservations, or go to www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/events. . . . For coverage and stats from Plain Dealer beat writer Paul Hoynes and others, go to cleveland.com/Indians. The Indians' site is cleveland . Indians .MLB.com.

7. For kids

A claw machine is new in Kidsland inside Progressive Field. For a buck, kids grab at plush prizes; proceeds benefit Cleveland Indians Charities. . . . Sundays are Kids Fun Days, and youngsters can run the bases. . . . Good grades, reading books and going to class can land kids in the Indians High Achievers Kids Club. Call 216-420-4487 or go to Indians.com/highachievers.

8. Inside the park

Food is the name of the game. All-you-can-eat seats are available in upper-deck locations. For the entire game, a $32 ticket (discounts for groups) includes unlimited hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos and soft drinks. Combo-meal deals (up to 35 percent discount), smaller-portion items (lower priced) and healthy options (fruit cups, veggie chili, gluten-free items) also are new. . . . The Terrace Club, the glass-enclosed restaurant high up past third base, now will be open for Fridays at the Field. Every nongame day Friday, they will serve an $11 buffet lunch. Bon appetit. . . . T-Shirts and caps are passe. New merchandise includes Oakley sunglasses, vintage flip-flops and designer golf shoes.

9. Play ball!

Today is the 16th Opening Day at Progressive Field. . . . Always worth a stroll is Heritage Park, the centerfield, open-air museum-tribute to past players. It is tucked near the Batter's Eye Bar, a good place to hang before games. . . Don't miss the nationally televised game vs. the Yankees at 12:40 p.m. Sunday, May 31. . . . Seeing the Indians but still have hoops fever? After the game today and Sunday, find a bar and catch the Cavs; they play at 7 tonight at Philadelphia and at home 3:30 p.m. Sunday vs. Indiana.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mbona@plaind.com, 216-999-5012