Even with the departure of their beloved LeBron "King" James from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat, Ohio has one of the country’s most vibrant sports scenes. Its heritage of past greatness spurs images of Cleveland’s Jim Brown plowing through linebackers or Cincinnati’s "Big Red Machine" dominating baseball in the mid-’70s.
Today, much of the state’s sporting pride stems from its remarkable venues, which run the gamut from the legendary Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton to the state-of-the-art Progressive Field in Cleveland.
Here’s a look at some of the best sporting sites in Ohio for groups.
1. Canal Park, Akron
Planners wanting to take their groups out to the ballgame in Akron will find some outstanding event spaces at Canal Park, plus a commitment to service and satisfaction their attendees will appreciate while watching the Aeros in action.
"We at 3M have held events at other venues—including major league parks—but we come back because the Aeros’ ‘family’ and Canal Park allow us to entertain our guests in the best baseball environment," says Ross J. Vukovich, senior account representative with 3M, based in Canton. "We consistently receive appreciation for the events we have held at the park. I have to remind folks that it’s not me doing all the work. The staff has been outstanding, consistently—praise not handed out easily in the sports world."
Among the group outing possibilities at the park for the Cleveland Indians’ Double-A affiliate are throwing a picnic, entertaining groups in a private suite, or even taking over the exclusive "Owner’s Suite" for a truly special affair.
2. Progressive Field, Cleveland
The home of the Cleveland Indians has been a source of local pride since its 1994 debut, and along with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum has served as a catalyst for the city’s remarkable ongoing renaissance.
Patricia Sedlak of Cleveland-based PNC took a group of about 30 to Progressive last August for a private dinner in a corporate suite, and the experience and feedback from attendees simply couldn’t have been better. Sedlak scheduled the gathering for a night when "The Tribe" was out of town, freeing up the stadium for a behind-the-scenes tour that served as a nightcap to the delicious dinner.
"It was very entertaining and we received rave reviews," Sedlak says, adding that the evening began with a delightful dinner in a special suite overlooking the field. "The tables were beautifully set, there were wonderful salads and other dishes, and everything was very decorative."
The group was then taken around the facility by an Indians rep, where they received an insider’s view few fans ever experience—through the press box, in the Indians’ dugout and past the batting cages by the team’s locker room.
"It was still light enough outside to see the field really well, and it was just a gorgeous scene," Sedlak says. "The service was great as well, and it was just a joy to be there."
3. Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton
There are plenty of reasons why the Pro Football Hall of Fame (HOF) hosts close to 400 events a year at their legendary site in Canton. And its convenient location about an hour from Cleveland and two hours from Columbus is just for starters.
"The history is unbelievable," says Gail McLaughlin, event marketing specialist for the HOF, who is already preparing for the site’s biggest annual event: August’s electrifying induction ceremony. "The museum remains open for a group’s entire event, including our museum store, and we encourage attendees to stay late and explore."
The facility and its grounds can host groups and events small and large, with options such as a plaza accommodating up to 650.
The hall also just launched a major expansion project, spending roughly $24 million to make sweeping upgrades and additions that include a 3,200-square-foot event space. The new areas will be available for rental in July 2012.
4. Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington
If the thrill of watching—or even driving—some of the fastest vehicles on four wheels would suit your group, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the state’s most substantial motorsports facility. Conveniently set between Columbus and Cleveland, the venue treats spectators to nationally sanctioned racing action ranging from the high-charged IZOD IndyCar Series to the thrills and spills of the American Motorcyclist Association.
The facility’s Mid-Ohio School even offers 16 driving and four performance track riding programs for drivers of all skill levels.
"Mid-Ohio is a great idea for groups, as the backdrop of a racetrack is much more exciting than just another boardroom," says Jesse Ghiorzi, media and communications coordinator at the facility. "Bring a group of coworkers to one of our spectator events to feel the thrills of open wheel or sports car racing, or enroll in a Corporate Driving Experience and learn how to drive on track like the pros."
The course also offers meeting space, and the nearby Comfort Inn and Suites-Bellville and Quality Inn and Suites-Bellville are the preferred lodgings used by the course during driving events.
5. Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati
Resting on the banks of the mighty Ohio River, the Cincinnati Reds’ home stadium offers groups a sublime mix of baseball heritage and modern comforts.
Embracing the Reds’ standing as the first professional baseball squad, Great American offers an extensive Hall of Fame and Museum that serious fans will savor. But even casual spectators will have a "field day" at the stadium, and planners will appreciate its wealth of group amenities and experiences.
"Great American Ball Park is the perfect venue for groups," says David Ziegler, director of group sales. "Groups of 25 to 15,000 have enjoyed all of the sights, sounds and amenities that baseball’s first professional team has to offer. Whether enjoying one of our 13 hospitality areas or simply a block of tickets in the bleachers, we have options for groups of all sizes and budgets."
Ziegler adds that the stadium is also available for rental on off-days, when it has been used for everything from corporate events to weddings. Planners can even arrange a "team batting practice," in which the Reds supply the warm-up pitcher and attendees take a swing at things.
6. The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills, Batavia
While it’s a relatively new facility built in 2004, Stonelick Hills—just a stone’s throw eastward from Cincinnati—already has the feel of a classic course. Well-manicured fairways undulate through wooded panoramas, with prominent water hazards adding scenery and challenge to several holes.
"Stonelick Hills is the perfect location for corporate groups from 16 players to 64 players and more," says Mike Sowards, general manager of the facility. "From our beautiful patio overlooking the lake you can watch as your friends and colleagues putt out on the 9th or the 18th green. And the course provides a challenging and fun layout that includes five par-3s, five par-5s and water coming into play on 14 holes."
Planners will appreciate the event space options, which range from a banquet room perfect for a luncheon or meeting to a large lakeside patio.
7. Fifth Third Field, Toledo
Toledo’s Fifth Third Field is a hopping hot spot for baseball fans and offers numerous options for group seating and experiences. And as the Triple-A affiliate for the Detroit Tigers, the host Toledo Mud Hens are loaded with talented players striving for a shot at the "bigs."
The stadium is a superstar in its own right, offering a gamut of festive group seating areas that include luxury suites, party decks and a special banquet seating area known as The Roost—voted the "best seats in the minors" in an ESPN poll.
"All those that attended our company outing had a great time and were very impressed with The Roost," says locally based Knight Crockett Miller Insurance Group’s Allison Hammons, who brought a group of 125 to the Roost, where they enjoyed the Baseball Barbecue.
8. Crew Stadium, Columbus
Soccer just keeps getting bigger and better in the U.S., and taking a group out to Crew Stadium for a Major League Soccer game is the perfect way to get in on the excitement.
"Columbus Crew Stadium, the first major league stadium built specifically for soccer in this country, is the perfect venue to create a unique experience for your event," says Mark McCullers, president and general manager for the Columbus Crew and Crew Stadium. "Whether you’re bringing your group to one of our premier events or utilizing our premium hospitality space, the Upper 90 Club, for an on-site meeting, you can expect to receive world-class service."
Among the possibilities are the Crew’s Party on the Pitch hospitality area, which puts groups right by the action behind the goal, and a Stadium Club area where groups can host meetings before taking their game-time seats.
