News Summary
Businesses in downtown Cleveland are expressing their desire for the return of tailgate events during Browns home games. Last season’s cancellation due to safety concerns from a car incident has sparked mixed opinions among business owners and city officials. Some advocate for the revival of these events, emphasizing their community spirit, while others raise concerns about crowd behavior and safety. The Mayor’s Office has yet to receive official requests for tailgates, and discussions are ongoing about balancing public safety with fan enjoyment for the upcoming NFL season.
Cleveland – Businesses in downtown Cleveland are eagerly hoping for the return of tailgate events during Cleveland Browns home games. These events were canceled midseason last year due to safety concerns following an incident where a woman ran down people in a car during a tailgate in October. As a result, local business owners collectively decided to cease all remaining tailgates for the season to ensure public safety.
Lola Jacha, owner of the local business Acqua Di Dea, is a proponent of bringing back the tailgates, despite the issues that arose last season. She believes that the decision to cancel tailgates was necessary and insists that previous years had fewer problems, questioning why the previous season was different. Other businesses share her sentiment, recognizing the potential benefits of the return of the lively tailgate atmosphere.
However, not all opinions are favorable. Some anonymous workers along West 6th Street are advocating against the reinstatement of tailgates due to the chaos that occurred last year. Their concerns about unruly crowd behavior and safety have added another layer of complexity to this issue.
The Mayor’s Office has confirmed that it has received no requests for the return of tailgate events and reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety. Earlier in the year, the city had discussions with tailgate organizers to find a balance between ensuring a positive fan experience and managing safety, but there have been no follow-up conversations after last year’s incidents.
West 6th Tailgate organizers have announced on Instagram that all future tailgate events scheduled for 2024 have been postponed due to ongoing safety concerns regarding crowd behavior. This development is a disappointment for many, including Drew Walker, General Manager of The Ivy, who lamented the end of a tradition that has been celebrated for the past 14 years. Walker underscored the collaborative effort among local businesses involved in these events, highlighting their impact on community spirit during game days.
Chase Rhodes, General Manager of Oliva Steakhouse, voiced concerns about how increased crowds during tailgate events have led to issues of unruliness and substance abuse. These factors have contributed to the hesitancy regarding tailgate permits from the city. Cleveland spokesperson Tyler Sinclair indicated that the resources required for managing crowds near multiple bars were a significant consideration in the decision not to issue permits for tailgates.
Not all tailgates are affected by this recent decision, as events at locations like the Muni Lot and The Pit will continue as planned. The city is currently in discussions with event organizers about potential future collaborations, which may include the possibility of hiring private security to maintain safety during large gatherings.
Despite the uncertain future of large-scale tailgates, festivities are still planned for game days. For instance, a Taylor Swift-themed tailgate event is scheduled at Sora in The Flats for an upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs, reflecting an ongoing enthusiasm for community celebrations linked to the sports culture in Cleveland.
As the start of the NFL season approaches, the conversation surrounding tailgates and public safety remains a focal point for downtown Cleveland businesses and city officials alike, with the hope that solutions will be found to revive beloved game day traditions while prioritizing the well-being of the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Businesses Push for Return of Tailgate Events in Cleveland
Hope for Tailgate Events to Return in Downtown Cleveland
Additional Resources
- Cleveland 19 News
- Cleveland Browns Official Site
- News 5 Cleveland
- Cleveland.com
- Google Search: Cleveland Browns tailgate events
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
