Cleveland Monsters

In a city as tough as Cleveland, of course we’d be into the smashmouth thrills of the Cleveland Monsters. Whether it was the Barons of the NHL in the ‘70s, or the IHL Lumberjacks of the ‘90s, this town loves banging the boards. This AHL affiliate even broke Cleveland’s professional sports title drought in 2016 — a little over a week before the Cavs brought it home.

Hockey fans in The Land love watching this team fight for every inch of that ice. Even when the puck stops, there’s so much fun to be had, with non-stop entertainment like postgame skating opportunities, Family Days and 1-2-3 Fridays ($1 sodas, $2 Hot Dogs, $3 Beers).

Want even more Black and Blue hockey? Download the Cleveland Monsters app today. Available on both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store.

What You'll See:

• With multiple specialty jerseys and recurring favorites, such as the bring-your-dog night called “Pucks and Paws” and the feel-good Teddy Bear Toss game, themed giveaways, and theme nights spanning every home game of the season, there is something for everyone with Monsters hockey at Rocket Arena.
• Here’s some trivia: Which team broke Cleveland’s drought of 52 years without a professional sports championship? Here’s a hint: It wasn't the Cavs. Here’s another hint: They play on ice. Hockey in Cleveland has a long and storied history. In 2016, just weeks before LeBron & Co. would become superheroes by winning the Cavs’ first NBA championship, the Cleveland Monsters won the AHL’s Calder Cup, marking the first time a Cleveland team had hoisted its league’s championship trophy since 1964.

What Else to Do?

• Since they play at Rocket Arena, Monsters games are no different than Cavs games when it comes to local, chef-driven food options. Taste what it's like to live in Cleveland with a burger or Polish Boy at Iron Chef Michael Symon's Burger Joint, gourmet sandwich selections at Karen Small’s P St. Market Café and inspired comfort food at Tiwanna Scott-Williams’ Pearl’s Kitchen, among other tantalizing options.

Where to Stay

Whether you’re headed to Rocket Arena to watch the Monsters bang the boards, or Progressive Field for some of the most fun you can have at a baseball game, you might not want to drive home after a night of fun. Luckily, these hotels are ready for you, each within a half-mile of the Gateway District.

• Hilton Garden Inn & Gateway Cleveland Conference Center
• Hotel Cleveland Gateway
• Residence Inn By Marriott (Cleveland Downtown)
• Kimpton Schofield Hotel
• Metropolitan Hotel at the 9
• Hyatt Regency (Cleveland at the Arcade)
• Holiday Inn Express (Downtown Cleveland)