Over the weekend, Cleveland experienced a convergence of major events that brought a significant economic boost to the city. With the eclipse, the NCAA women's final four, the Cleveland International Film Festival, and the Guardians home opener all taking place simultaneously, Cleveland was abuzz with activity.
According to Nick Urig from Destination Cleveland, Cuyahoga County welcomed around 200,000 visitors just for the eclipse event. The influx of visitors led to a surge in hotel rates, with prices reportedly two to four times higher compared to the same period last year.
For the eclipse viewing, various large-scale events were organized across Cleveland. The Great Lakes Science Center and NASA's Glenn Visitor Center were among the prominent venues, with an estimated 30,000 eclipse enthusiasts expected to attend.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame also joined the celestial celebration by hosting a solar fest. The iconic institution curated a playlist featuring sun- and moon-themed songs, including Pink Floyd's 'Eclipse' to coincide with the moment of totality.
With multiple major events overlapping in Cleveland, efforts are underway to assess the economic impact of each and determine which event had the most significant influence on the city's economy. Destination Cleveland and other organizations are conducting studies to analyze the benefits brought by these events and to identify the standout attraction that captured the attention of visitors.
