CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO)—The City of Cleveland has a big and exciting sports-packed weekend, and local businesses are enjoying the boost in business.
On Saturday, a record crowd of 60,614 packed Huntington Bank Field for Major League Soccer’s game of the year between the Columbus Crew and Inter Miami. Superstar Lionel Messi was the main attraction for fans.
A man named Luca from Akron told 19 News, “We’re pretty excited. Honestly, though, we came to see Messi. We’re Crew fans, but we’re here to see Messi — he’s the GOAT.
One family from Columbus couldn’t contain their excitement, “We’re excited for the Crew game.”
When asked what they thought of Cleveland, one family member said, “It’s beautiful. I mean it’s not a beautiful day — but it’s a beautiful city.”
Even with major traffic backups on the Shoreway, parking that wasn’t ideal, and the rain, fans were not discouraged.
While soccer was the word of the day on Saturday, basketball will rule the day on Easter Sunday. The Championship Chase will take place at Rocket Arena with the Cleveland Cavaliers taking on the Miami Heat.
The Monsters are also extending their season into the playoffs with a home game on Thursday.
Gabriel Sidoti of Harry Buffalo’s next to Rocket Arena downtown says, “We’re definitely going to be open. It’s very exciting to have all three teams play at the same time. The Monsters in the playoffs, the Cavaliers in the playoffs, it’s absolutely amazing for business. We’re super excited.”
Sidoti says the food, drinks, fans, and sports are the perfect recipe for a real boost to the local economy, “Gotta make sure our liquor’s stocked and prepared for the big weekend, and for Easter as well. We get a lot of guests coming out for Easter lunch.”
The best part of a weekend filled with sports and entertainment, people from all over the country will get a taste of Cleveland, and if they enjoy the experience, they’ll be back, and that’s a win-win for everyone.
Copyright 2025 WOIO. All rights reserved.