Cleveland is a monster sports town. Sentiments are heightened, no doubt, by the fact that all the city's pro teams play in first-rate venues within walking distance of one another in the heart of the city. When a game is on, downtown becomes electric with excitement (especially when the home team is winning).
Popularly known as "the Tribe," the Cleveland Indians play at state-of-the-art, 42,000-seat Jacobs Field, at Ontario Street and Carnegie Avenue (tel. 216/420-4636; www.indians.com), a retro-modern ballpark that's the envy of many a Major League owner. It's impossible to underestimate the effect that "The Jake" has had on the city's renaissance. Next door is Quicken Loans Arena, at Ontario Street and Huron Road (tel. 216/420-2200; www.theqarena.com), home to the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers (tel. 800/332-CAVS or 216/420-CAVS; www.nba.com/cavs). The American Hockey League will have a new minor league team (no name had been determined at press time) to begin play in fall 2007 (tel. 216/420-0000). The NFL's Cleveland Browns play at Cleveland Browns Stadium, lakefront on Erieside Avenue (tel. 440/891-5050; www.clevelandbrowns.com).
The Gods of the Gridiron
True NFL fans shouldn't leave Ohio without visiting football's ultimate shrine, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2121 George Halas Drive NW, in the city of Canton (tel. 330/456-8207; www.profootballhof.com). Just 60 miles south of Cleveland (an hour's drive) off I-77, the hall features exhibits on the history of the sport, loads of memorabilia, and, of course, monuments to the heroes of the game. Special events often feature former and current NFL greats. The annual Hall of Fame weekend (usually the end of July or beginning of Aug) kicks off the NFL pre-season and is when new members are enshrined.
General admission costs $15 adults, $8 kids under age 14; a family ticket is available for $45. The Hall is open daily 9am to 5pm; hours are extended in summer. For more information and event schedules, call or check the website.
