Cleveland was awarded the 2014 Gay Games in an announcement made a minute ago in Cologne, Germany, at the Federation of Gay Games meeting. Cleveland beat out Boston and Washington D.C.
Valarie McCall, the chief of government affairs for the City of Cleveland, said the decision was “transformational” for the city. “When you come to Clev-e-land, O-hi-o, U.S.A., we will, we will, rock you,” she chanted.
Cleveland has committed a reported $4.5 million to the event, and 7,000 people showed up at a recent rally at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to make their pitch for the city. The financial pledges were a key factor since the Gay Games host has finished in the red in 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002, though Chicago in 2006 broke even.
“Cleveland demonstrated to the Federation of Gay Games that they understood the mission of the Gay Games and our principles of ‘Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best,’” said Kurt Dahl and Emy Ritt, FGG co-presidents in a statement. “We were highly impressed by the facilities and infrastructure, the widespread community sport, their financial plan and the city’s experience in hosting large scale sports and cultural events.”
On a live chat being held during the announcement, supporters of all three cities weighed in. After the vote, there were already some sour grapes from the losers:
Cleveland Grrrl : Cleveland’s City Council has already committed millions to this event, and threw a party that thousands showed up for… we earned this.
Reply: we will see : But they have to convince 12,000 participants and many more spectators to travel there…And I just don’t see that happening. You want to spend 8 days there?
I have never been to Cleveland and expect to go in 2014, but I ask those who have visited or lived there: Would you attend a Gay Games in Cleveland?
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Good for them. I’ve never before had a reason to go there and I hope they will do a sensational job.
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Having lived there for 7 years in the 1990’s - this is great for Cleveland. There is a thriving Gay community there and many things to do. The area is beautiful in the summer and the downtown is a vibrant area.
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Gay Games, first and foremost, is a community event. It should highlight athletics, instead of the gay resources of the town.
As a spectator in NY 1998, and competitor in Chicago 2006, I’m proud that the federation chose Cleveland over more popular gay destinations like Boston and DC. We’ll always flock to DC for rallies and inaugurations. Boston will be there to remind us of our history and college days. If you’ve been in either city for Gay Pride events, you know its a headache to get around and hurts the wallet.
Cleveland was the smart choice. Easy to get around, accessible financially (when was the last time you paid for a hotel in Boston and DC) our dollars will also help Cleveland’s rust-belt economy. Remember, government and higher education are relatively recession proof.
So, the question is not: would you attend Gay Games in Cleveland? The better question is: why wouldn’t you?
Now you have a reason to!
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I hope that everyone will support the Gay Games in Cleveland. If you think there’s no reason to come here then obviously you haven’t looked for the hidden gems.
I’m originally from Boston and sure Cleveland isn’t a huge city like Boston is, but we still have a lot going for us. Not the least of which is the financial aspect. How much cheaper will it be to travel and stay here for the games vs. a larger city? A lot!
We have culture too if only people would come see it. An old industry city like Cleveland has to work very hard to compete against cities that are more technologically advanced. We can’t do it without the support of larger events like the Gay Games which bring visibility and tourism dollars to our home.
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
even tho I was rooting for DC or Boston to win, yes I’ll attend a gay games in Cleveland, I’m curious to see what the community is like there and at the end of the day I’m really going to compete and have fun anyways
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Agreed with Tarheelboy.
I am a Cleveland resident. We will be welcoming all of you from around the world with open arms. I think people spending some time here rather than a quick day trip to the Rock Hall, or a game will prove that Cleveland has much to offer.
Welcome to Cleveland!
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I will definitely go! I lived in Ohio for a long while (a decade) and Cleveland will be a great site for the games. There’s tons to do (the lake, restaurants, museums, sporting events, art). It’s not as expensive as Boston or D.C. and we’ll have a chance to show Cleveland exactly what the GLBT community is about through an event that supports inclusion and is all about one’s personal best…I think that Cleveland would like to show itself off some, too, since it gets a bad rap. It’s a win-win.
I’ll be there.
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
While the primary reasons I go to the games are to compete and to support the other competitors, I’ll admit I also count the time as vacation. I’m a little hard pressed to think of any attraction other than the R-n-R HoF. And I’m not sure I want to rent a car to shuttle between Cleveland & Akron for different events. Fortunately, i’ve got four years to think about it.
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Affordability and accessibility will make Cleveland a great destination. There are a lot of people that can drive there easily within half a day from larger midwest cities, including Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and many others.
I was there about a year ago and had a great time. I’m happy that another midwest location (ref. Iowa) has shown that although conservative, the midwest often displays good judgment. Well, UPPER midwest, anyway.
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
First and foremost, I think this was an important decision just to draw attention that the gay community extends inland from the coasts; it’s an opportunity to really showcase to America that the community plays a vital role in their respective towns and cities across the country.
As for the tourism / vacation angle, I understand the hesitancy, but the Cleve does actually have a lot to offer. It’s wedged between Lake Erie and the midwest’s only national park, ringed by its Metroparks and bisected by a crooked river. In addition to the Rock Hall, the city is home to the Cleveland Orchestra, generally thought to be one of the top in the U.S.; Playhouse Square, the second largest performing arts complex in the country; and the Cleveland Museum of Art, again considered one of the top nationwide. There’s a slew of other cultural institutions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, the Great Lakes Science Center, the Western Reserve Historical Museum, the Cleveland Natural History Museum (the list goes on), as well as a plethora of more grassroots venues worth checking out, like the Beachland Ballroom or SPACES Gallery. Don’t worry, we’re not cultureless
A local tobacco excise tax generates $20 million annually for arts and culture each year, so our arts groups have weathered the recession better than most.
We’re also home to a burgeoning local food / urban agriculture scene … organic and local pretty much all over. And we’re also gaining recognition for our culinary scene, perhaps most notably from our beloved Iron Chef Michael Symon. And then you have three major sports franchises, unique neighborhoods like Gordon Square or Tremont or Collinwood or Shaker Square or Asiatown or …
Not saying everyone will love it, but it’s a WHOLE lot better than you might have been led to believe. I moved here for graduate school 7 years ago, had NO intention to stay and just accidentally fell in love with it. As a gay Clevelander, I’m excited to have everyone visiting, and believe me, we’ll be showing you some Midwest hospitality
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I grew up in Cleveland and live in Pittsburgh and have never been to the Gay Games, but you can guarantee that I’ll be going to show my support and attend the games & also drag 100 of my closest friends with me! As a community that understands adversity, we should be glad to support a region of the country that constantly gets neglected by bigger cities with more money and more to offer. Cleveland has great neighborhoods, the best orchestra in the country, and a picturesque setting on Lake Erie. It’ll never be Chicago or NYC, but it’s small town charm and friendly people will surprise you! Congratulations Cleveland!
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I live in DC and would have loved for the Games to come here, but if Cleveland can pull off a positive, cosmopolitan event then it will send a great message. If these posts are any indication, Cleveland gays will welcome competitors with open arms. Let’s hope the same is true for the rest of the city.
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I wonder how much of this was financial. If Cleveland committed $4.5 million toward the event, I have to believe it was a huge factor. But that’s not a bad thing! If the Gay Games can come out in the black for the 2014 Games, that would be awesome! I am waaaaay more likely to go to the Games in Cleveland than Koln, so I’m all for it. But, as I wrote earlier this year, I was already excited about the prospects of a Cleveland Gay Games because of the strength of the local community organizing they had already done. Congratulations, Cleveland!
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Brian Thornton at Spangle Magazine in Cleveland sent me this:
Before the team left for Germany, Doug Anderson, Cleveland Synergy Foundation, told me $4 million had been pledged in cash and in-kind donations. That included $700,000 in cash and $1.3 million in-kind from the city of Cleveland.
The group has also received significant support from Positively Cleveland (which is Cleveland’s convention and visitors bureau) and. the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Other sponsors are broken down here:
http://www.clevelandsynergyfoundation.org/FoundersCircle.html
That list doesn’t include Continental Airlines, which Anderson told me was on board as a sponsor, too.
A report I received from Cologne said the total pledged had now risen to $4.5 million.
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I was born and raised in Cleveland and absolutely encourage everyone to go there for the Gay Games (or before!). The people are very friendly, the city has so much to offer culturally and the gay community is small but very engaged. Ohio as a state is pretty backwards, but Cleveland glows a bright blue, for the most part.
To people who think they know Cleveland and have never been there before, please keep your outdated comments to yourself. Because you really don’t know what you’re talking about.
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Way to go Cleveland. I had a posting in the discussion board the other day wondering if Cleveland’s proximity to Chicago - 2006 host city might hurt their chances. Well I guess I have my answer.
I know it is a secret ballot - and I know nothing about the other two bids - but I wonder if many internatoonal votes went to Cleveland because it had such huge government financial support - something most non-Americans are very comfortable with - and in fact expect for such events.
From a Toronto perspective this is fabulous news because Cleveland is actually closer to Toronto than Montreal is. Cleveland about 475km from Toronto - whereas Montreal is about 540km. Toronto sent almost 500 to the Outgames in Montreal (and close to 100 more to Chicago) in that ugly Schism summer of 2006. I would expect Cleveland will be welcoming a huge delegation from Toronto come 2014.
Congrats Cleveland!
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I would have gone if it were in Boston since I live in Boston, but don’t see myself traveling to Cleveland for this. Not that there’s anything wrong with it there!
I do wish Boston would at some point get a major game. I’ve always hoped for an Olympics in my fair city. It seems fitting for one to be there. We are, after all, the Hub of the Universe.
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Cleveland, about a two-hour car ride from the New York State line, rests on the shore of one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. It’s orchestra is one of the best in the world; it’s main art museum is one of the best in the country; it’s theater district is apparantly second only to NYC’s; it’s transit system (rail, bus) was rated the best in the country (not my vote, but there’s a national award to prove it); it has some of the most definitive neighborhoods between the coasts, including Little Italy, AsiaTown and Slavik Village; it has one of the biggest gay bath house/hotel complexes in the U.S.; and it’s DIRT CHEAP to travel there!
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I am so excited about this. I live in Downtown Cleveland and I’m a lifetime resident of Northeast Ohio.
It’s cheap here which will encourage a lot of people to come! I mean, you can stay at the Ritz or the Renaissance downtown for half the price of a Holiday Inn in Manhattan. Well maybe that’s stretching it but you get the point. It will be great for our city!
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Being from Ohio this FUCKING ROCKS!!!!
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
In 2000 my partner and I were looking to move from New York City to a place that really met our lifestyle, needs, justice commitments, and personalities. While interviewing for some jobs in May of that year in Cleveland, we fell in love with the city. We ended up moving here before either of us had secured employment! Luckily, both of us found perfect jobs.
The city is dynamic, diverse, and manageable. We were impressed that during our very first visit the new Gay and Lesbian Community Center was being dedicated, and the Executive Director was very smart, highly skilled, and extremely personable (as is the current ED!)
Other pluses: I’ve rarely been caught in anything close to a traffic jam, and the neighborhood in which I live and work has incredible restaurants I can walk to AND know the wait staff by name (and they know me!) We have an incredible public library, Open & Affirming Churches, access to public transportation that gets me downtown in minutes. It is racially and culturally diverse, has strong and interesting neighborhoods, great health care facilities, some of the finest arts and culture institutions in the world (Cleveland Museum Of Art and the Cleveland Orchestra being two stunning examples!), and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame!
As I’ve often said, the biggest thing wrong with Cleveland is its own self-image… but that’s changing! With our selection for the 2014 Gay Games, we’ve got one more wonderful thing to feel good about!
We can’t wait to have you all visit!
on Sep 29th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I left NYC for Cleveland too..loved NYC, but Cleveland as a midtown city, it has alot to offer…I can drive to Chicago in less then 6 hours or NYC in 7.5 hours…and flying time rocks…cost of living rules too…Welcome to Cleveland, the Forest City…lol
on Sep 30th, 2009 at 5:19 am
As someone who lives in Cleveland…I’m soooo happy to hear about this!!!! This will be such a huge boost to the entire area!!! Cleveland really does have a lot of amazing things happening here and I’m happy the Gay Games will be a part of this revitalization!
on Sep 30th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Greetings from Indianapolis,
As a neighbor of Ohio, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Cleveland with be the site of the 2014 Gay Games. From a personal standpoint, it will be much easier in many ways for Team Indiana to bring our contingent to a Gay Games so close. I have been to Cleveland, and I had alot of fun. I don’t know about the venues, or the public transportation, however, but I have high hopes! The questions that everyone asks is, “Will people be disappointed that Boston or Washington D.C. were not chosen?”. I competed in the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago and the 2009 Outgames in Copenhagen, so I think that I have some valid views. Firstly, the true individual and/or team that is serious about training for and competing in the Gay Games does not care whether the site is New York City or Gnaw Bone, Indiana. They will compete where ever the games may be. Secondly, public support is HUGE!!! And I don’t just mean GLBT support. In Copenhagen, I frequently heard the comment that the Outgames were for all of Copenhagen, and this came from gays and straights alike. Thirdly, at the closing ceremonies in Copenhagen, I met visitors from Cleveland, but not from D.C. or Boston. God willing, I will be in Cleveland, and I wish then the best.
on Sep 30th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Congratulations to Cleveland. I was really pulling for DC or Boston. I’m glad I read the comments before posting because I was about to be real indignant. Truthfully, I have no reason to be because I’ve never been to Cleveland, but in my mind I think I formed this opinion that as much as I travel, if I haven’t yet been to Cleveland there must be a reason why.
Who knows? Maybe my opinions will change by then and I will have to do my research about Cleveland. Do they have a mix of casual and upscale nightlife? Any nice hotels? And by nice I mean a hotel w/spa service. Good restaurants? By good I don’t mean “this place serves the best burgers in town” Good shopping? By good I mean are their just malls or are their boutiques? Thats basically what I have to know about when I travel somewhere…nightlife, lodging, restaurants, and shopping.
on Sep 30th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Wow, when an athlete from the USA or another country makes the commitment to travel to Cleveland to compete in the Gay Games, I don’t think that spa services are a real deciding factor.
on Sep 30th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
^^^But when I go as a spectator in support, knowing that I won’t be spending the whole time watching the games….I need to know that there will be activities that I like that will keep me occupied. Of course the athletes don’t take that into consideration. I was talking about myself.
on Oct 1st, 2009 at 5:17 am
I DONT KNOW WHO YOU ARE.THAT WROTE QUEERS HERE.BUT I SURE IN THE HELL WOULD BE WORRIED FOR YOU.YOU DONT SAY SHIT LIKE THAT IN THE PAPER.HOW DID YOU GET THAT JOB.O BY THE WHY AM NOT GAY. DID YOU JUST GET THAT JOB.YOU WONT BE TALKING SHIT ABOUT THEM .WHEN THEY BRING IN ALLOT OF DOLLARS INTO ARE STATE. HOW DID YOU GET THAT JOB ANY WAY TARLA
on Oct 1st, 2009 at 8:00 pm
I quickly scanned a few of these posts and I started to get choked up!
I’ve lived here in Cleveland all my life and I’m so grateful to all the people who’ve said so many kind and optimistic things.
If everyone who shows up for the games is as friendly and positive as I believe they’ll be, this is going to be a wonderful event!
I’m a straight guy, but I know gay people to be some of the most charitable people on earth.
I would never pretend to be some sort of ambassador of Cleveland or anything, but….
Let me just say welcome, and thank you in advance!
I’m humbled by your enthusiasm.
-A Clevelander
on Oct 1st, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Ron … In a nutshell: Just check any Web site for hotels and spas. The recently renovated Ritz-Carlton and the Intercontinental hotels are top on many lists for five-star varieties. There are the usual gay B&Bs in nearby Ohio City, but the city’s biggest gay bath house, Flex, also has a full-service hotel as part of the main complex. Spa West is supposed to be good.
And the downtown brims with dozens and dozens of restaurants on East Fourth Street, West Sixth Street and West Ninth Street (where there’s also a wonderful gourmet grocery store). A Nearby spot on the RTA Red (rail-partial subway) line is West 25th Street, where there’s one of the oldest and largest continually operated indoor food markets in the country, plus lots of ethnic eateries.
Other cool gay-friendly spots are Tremont Village, Conventry (original hippie area in the 1960s), Shaker Square (early 1920s shopping enclave), Little Italy, Slavik Village (just be careful at night), AsiaTown (yes, some surprisingly gay-okay Tawainese and Hong Kong owners), University Circle, the certain sections of the half-mile-long Lakeview Beach and the very-gay west side of Clifton Boulevard.
The new RTA “Health Transit Line” connects all of Cleveland’s major cultural institutions including Playhouse Square theater district, Cleveland Clinic and the afore-mentioned Ritz and the Intercontinental. The city still has its share of rough patches, but with a little research, you can have more than a great time (which even my NYC friends concur).
on Oct 2nd, 2009 at 9:17 pm
the 2014 gay games are in Cleveland. it is now “our games”. we can make it what we want. i am so f@@king excited!!! if we are excited, the world will be excited. i challenge everyone reading this to pick a sport and compete. walking in the opening ceremonies could be the most extraordinary experience of your life. don’t waste the opportunity. many of you may think that you couldn’t possibly compete, but you are wrong. try it!!!
on Oct 4th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
As exciting as this is for Clevelanders, and as much as other Americans will pick up their socks and head to Cleveland out of duty, curiosity, or legitimate understanding that it’s a much nicer city than most people think…
The unfortunate truth is that Cleveland has a HUGE uphill battle to get people to come - especially the Europeans - and especially after another large games will be held the year before in Antwerp (another questionable choice - but the Europeans will go to the games there, and the Americans here.)
Cleveland has a huge task ahead to convince anyone outside of the US to visit.. especially knowing that (untrue) stereotypes often prevail…
on Oct 4th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Well I just got back from Koeln, took a deep breath, and was all set to get on here and read people the riot act if I saw unjustified criticisms of Cleveland. Thankfully, it looks like we are all growing up as a community. Thank you all, I feel proud.
I have voted in -every- GayGames bidding process. This was the most detailed, professional, and honest process imaginable, something that GLISA and the IOC could take a queue from. I have to specifically thank Darl, Roz, and Dennis for an amazing job.
Regardless of my own city preference, what absolutely excites me about Cleveland is the reality that GayGames will finally be very accessible and affordable to the young, old, and less affluent athletes. Instead of another GayGames (or OutGames for that matter) giving lip service to the ‘Mission’ of the the GLBT Sports Movement, and then creating another over priced rich white boy Gay Ghetto playground event, Cleveland has legally put its $$ where its kumbaya is. What a concept! Imagine the possibilities. I am so motivated to make absolutely sure Cleveland is a smashing success.
Of course many have the right to prioritize their preferences so that their competition be paired with their desired vacation spot. Of course many have the right to prefer glitz to substance. But it must be noted that the GayGames were designed with a very specific ‘Mission’ in mind: Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best (for all, not just a few). Certainly we can all see the egalitarian benefits here, and put aside our personal snobbishness.
Cleveland? Try it, you will love it.
on Oct 5th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
I echo all that Gene said and have a few things to add.
Vote totals are not announced for a year and it is not known at the time who voted for what city unless the voter reveals it. (I always tell my constituents who I voted for and why.)
I was concerned about the job Cleveland will have ’selling’ their city to Europeans and others. So I asked a few of the European voters and all of them said they thought Cleveland was the right choice and that they will be telling their constituents why. So I am not so worried about that, especially knowing Cleveland plans to market heavily, beginning with promoting next year’s Games in Köln.
I am probably one of the few people on this blog who has sunbathed on Cleveland’s shores on Lake Erie, cheered rookie shortstop Julio Franco in the old stadium when there were so few fans you could pretty well tell the ticket sellers the exact seat you wanted, and eaten in the Italian Feast in the Streets. Let me assure you folks who are looking places to dine well during the Games: Cleveland is a cosmopolitan home to more than 20 ethnic groups and has plenty of excellent places to dine. Fear not!
And Cyd — shame you are thinking of NOT going to Köln. It’s another inexpensive city, has phenomenal restaurants (I concentrated on the Italian restaurants this trip, which were as fine as any I ate in in Italy) and the city is just frigging gorgeous. Miss a Gay Games on the Rhine? You’ve got to be kidding.
As for the R&R HoF, I am more likely to take a trip to Canton for the NFL HoF.
on Nov 7th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
I’ve participated in 5 of the eight Gay Games Ya know, Gay Games in Cleveland will be no less GAY no matter where it takes place. Good for Cleveland. I’m glad it’s back in the U.S. of A. My husband is from Akron Ohio and looking forward to going to Cleveland where I’ve never been. just look at it as an Adventure into uncharted for a big GAY Event. We’re jazzed for 2014 but till then, we will see all of you in Cologne, Germany 2010.