While the Browns prepare to leave downtown for a proposed domed stadium in Brook Park other sports investments are still moving forward throughout Cleveland.
CLEVELAND — While the Browns prepare to leave downtown for a proposed domed stadium in Brook Park, other sports investments are still moving forward across Cleveland.
From a new professional soccer team to a public space honoring the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship, city leaders say sports momentum in downtown Cleveland is continuing to grow. Standing outside Rocket Arena, new plans are already taking shape nearby, including a public plaza and other development aimed at keeping sports and entertainment energy in the area.
Cleveland’s new soccer team reveals its name
As Cleveland prepares to welcome new professional men’s and women’s soccer teams, the men’s club unveiled its official name Tuesday.
The team will be called Forest City Cleveland, a brand created with input from thousands of fans across Northeast Ohio. The club will begin play in 2027, adding to the growing sports lineup in the city.
Michael Murphy with the Cleveland Soccer Group says the number of professional teams in close proximity is something unique.
“We’re talking about six professional sports teams in less than one mile,” Murphy said, referring to the Cavaliers, Guardians, Monsters, and planned WNBA franchise in addition to the two soccer clubs.
He added that he expects the women’s team’s name to be unveiled in the spring.
New Cavs plaza planned downtown
Meanwhile, another sports-related project is taking shape just steps away from Rocket Arena.
City leaders recently unveiled plans for the “Meet Me Here Plaza,” a public space that will feature a Cavaliers-branded basketball court, seating, green space, and public artwork celebrating the team’s 2016 NBA title.
Jessica Trivisonno, deputy chief of staff and chief strategy officer for the city, says Cleveland;s sports and cultural assets continue to draw people in.
“Cleveland has been a place for decades now with really great cultural, sports institutions, arts that I think the more people see Cleveland and what we have to offer, the more that they want to be a part of it,” Trivisonno said. “I think what we’re seeing is a lot of people are choosing Cleveland.”
Sports events continue to drive visitors
That momentum also extends beyond new teams and development, as sports events continue to draw visitors from across the country.
Mike Mulhall with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission says 21 events are scheduled in Cleveland this year, with nearly $100 million in direct visitor spending expected. That includes this weekend, when the Mid-American Conference men’s and women’s basketball tourmanets will return to Rocket Arena.
“It’s no secret that Cleveland is a sports town,” Mulhall said. “I mean, it’s in our DNA.”
One of the biggest events coming up is the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, which are expected to bring thousands of visitors to downtown hotels, restaurants, and bars.
“It’s really a great example of the work that the sports commission does, bringing in these big events for economic benefit to our community,” Mulhall added.
According to Mulhall, the wrestling championships alone are expected to bring about $19 million in direct spending and up to 15,000 visitors to Cleveland.
Even as the Browns prepare for a future stadium outside downtown, city leaders say the investment and energy around sports in Cleveland is far from slowing down.
“These types of investments don’t just happen,” Trivisonno explained. “There are things that this administration has come out and said, ‘You should invest here,’ and I think we’re just seeing all of that work bearing fruit now.”
