Best Sports Business Cities: No. 14 — Cleveland

No. 14 Cleveland

Score: 39.9

Cleveland has the respect of governing bodies in search of an event partner. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse will host future NCAA Division I postseason men’s basketball and wrestling tournaments. Next-door neighbor Progressive Field, host of the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, is in the midst of a $203 million renovation. A unique WTA event is played at a temporary stadium in Flats West Bank with stunning views of the Cleveland skyline and the Cuyahoga River, and the NCAA 2024-26 Division III World Series will be at MiLB’s nearby Classic Park. The city’s $137 average hotel room rate is below the national average.

Sponsors (13): The city’s brand roster is small, but includes Progressive, Cleveland Clinic and the Mid-American Conference’s headquarters.

What they’re saying: “I’ve always been impressed with Cleveland’s hosting abilities. It’s the perfect size city for marquee events. The city does a great job for sponsors and fans alike, and the event completely takes over the city so the energy is all about the event itself wherever you go.” — D.B.