Unless you've been living under a rock since the start of 2016, you know that it has been one of the best years in Cleveland, Ohio...EVER. As a city that is the punch line to many jokes across the country, it's fair to say that a lot of people probably didn't see this epic up-rise coming. But, everyone who lives in or around the "216" knows that the city of Cleveland has always been filled with magic. Here are just a few ways we proved it in 2016.
1. The Cleveland Museum of Art ranked the 2nd best museum in the country.
Ranked by Business Insider Magazine, the Cleveland Museum of Art was picked out of 35,000 other museums in the country. The building, that was built in 1916, has been compared to "look like a building right out of Greece. Some people may get it confused heaven" said Peter Marzio, director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
The museum is also FREE of charge. (Some special exhibits may have fees. Museum and the city of Cleveland has parking fees). To check it out, head over to: 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
2. The Cleveland Indians are American League Central Division Champions
And I'm guessing there's going to be an EPIC Party at Napoli's to celebrate.
The Cleveland Indians have been in first place in their division since JUNE. They had a 13 game winning streak that consisted of a game that went 19 innings. The team has 11 walk of wins, a pitching "rotation of domination", and, according to the new post-season gear, are "Made for October". We don't know yet whether the first post season series will take place at the Prog, or who they'll be vs, but either way the first game will take place on October 6th. The Cleveland Indians play at Progressive Field, which is located at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.
3. Cleveland hosted the Republican National Convention...and is still standing.
With such a controversial candidate being nominated as the Republican nominee for president, a lot of people were worried about how the convention would go. I think it's safe to say that regardless of political views, the city of Cleveland, and ESPECIALLY our police department, could not have done a better job representing the city. With the entire nation looking on us, everyone stepped up to the occasion.The RNC took place at Quicken Loans arena July 18-21, 2016.
4. East 4th Street Named one of the best "City Atmospheres"
With over 25 restaurants and bars, (including two of Michael Symons restaurants), a bowling alley, Jack Casino (previously known as The Horse Shoe), and so much more, It's easy to see why East 4th gets people talking. There are endless amount of things to do, and places to go. East 4th was named "One of The Best City Atmospheres" by buzzfeed, and is arguably the place to go when in Downtown Cleveland.
5. The Lake Erie Monsters Won The Calder Cup
Not only did the Lake Erie Monsters win their first every championship, but they did it in overtime, making the series a sweep vs The Hershey Bears.This was the first time the Calder Cup has been won by a Cleveland team since 1964! The Lake Erie Monsters play at Quicken Loans Arena. Catch their next game on October 14th, 2016.
6. Stipe Miocic Defended his UFC Title in Cleveland
The UFC fighter went out of his way to request that he defend his Championship belt in Cleveland, and he did just that on September 10th, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena.
7. Playhouse Square is the Second Biggest Theater District in the Country
Okay, this isn't just for 2016, but it's still a huge deal.
Playhouse Square is home to nine theaters, all of which hold over 40 shows and non-profit productions and events that take place over the course of 2016. Perhaps the biggest news hitting Playhouse Square this year is that the Tony Award winner for best Musical Hamilton, announced that it will be coming to Cleveland. Check out any of their plays or musicals at the Bulkley Building, located at 1501 Euclid Ave #200, Cleveland, OH 44115.
8. The Cleveland Cavaliers Won The NBA Championship
Don't let any of these Cleveland facts let distract you from the fact that The Golden State Warriors blew a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals Despite having the first ever unanimous MVP.
Coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA finals had NEVER been done before. And with a los to The Golden State Warriors in the finals the previous year, almost all hope seemed lost...to everyone else. The people of the city of Cleveland, and Cavalier fans everywhere knew better than to doubt LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Matthew Dellavedova, JR Smith, and the rest of the roaster. Then, on June 19th, 2016, Kyrie Irving had "The Shot" that ended the city of Cleveland's 52 year championship drought. A few days later at "The Parade of Champions", over 1 million people stood on the streets of to celebrate, and honestly, I don't think Cleveland will ever be the same.The Cleveland Cavaliers play at Quicken Loans Arena and their next game is preseason on October 5th.
Note: This article was written on September 27, 2016. Dates, locations, and rankings are all subject to change. Except The Golden State Warriors blowing a 3-1 lead. That is timeless.