The first ever Cleveland Monsters Outdoor Classic is coming to FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m. The Monsters, top affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets, will face the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, top affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, in the first outdoor professional hockey game in the city of Cleveland.
Here’s some trivia: Which team broke Cleveland’s drought of 52 years without a professional sports championship? Here’s a hint: It’s not 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 You'll (Usually) See at Monsters Games
Besides championship-caliber hockey in a major-league arena, the Monsters are known for their creative and energetic promotional nights, which include a bring-your-dog night called “Pucks & Paws,” the welcoming and inclusive Pride Night, and the always-popular "1-2-3 Fridays!" where fans get $1 sodas, $2 hotdogs and $3 draft beer specials. Lively entertainment reigns when play stops. Look for “Sully,” the club’s selfie-magnet mascot, and other in-arena games and performances.
But this game? The field and FirstEnergy Stadium will freeze over to make way for a celebration of Cleveland winter sports unlike anything you've ever seen. Sure, the playing surface will be cold as ice, but, to be honest, it'll probably be warmer than a December Browns game.
Where to Stay
Hey, if you need a little liquid courage to warm you up for this one, we don't blame you. But if you're looking to go in on some winter spirits, make your life a little easier and crash at one of these world-class hotels, no further than a half-mile from FirstEnergy Stadium.