Pan-American Masters Games brings athletes, economic impact to Cleveland
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Yes, it's a sport. Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
With the Paris Olympics just two weeks away, Cleveland is hosting a smaller showcase of international competition via the Pan-American Masters Games.
Why it matters: The multisport event will bring 4,000 athletes from 70-plus countries to Northeast Ohio from Friday through July 21, with a projected local economic impact of $15 million, according to the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
How it works: The Games features athletes from around the world ages 30 and older, competing in events like track and field, volleyball, swimming, cycling, basketball, tennis and pickleball.
- Participants are older athletes who compete in events designed for their age groups.
- The competition, which moves to a different country every four years, started in Vancouver in 2016. This marks the first time it will take place in the United States.
What's happening: Contests in over two dozen sports will take place at 28 venues, including Cleveland Metroparks, Edgewater Park, Kent State University and Wade Oval.
- The Huntington Convention Center downtown serves as home base.
The intrigue: Notable events include an 11-team baseball tournament this weekend at League Park, rowing on Sunday on the Cuyahoga River, and disc golf next week at Veterans Memorial Park.
What they're saying: David Gilbert, president and CEO of the sports commission, says the organization has worked since 2017 to bring the event here.
- "As far as we can tell, it's going to be the largest international gathering in Cleveland's history," Gilbert told Crain's Cleveland.
The big picture: Cleveland has become a hotbed for major sporting events over the past decade, including the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, 2021 NFL draft and 2022 NBA All-Star Game and the NCAA Women's Final Four this past April.
If you go: A free welcome celebration will begin at 5:30pm Saturday at Mall C and feature an athlete procession from Public Square, live entertainment, food trucks and a beer garden.
- All sports competitions are free to spectators.