It was a busy day at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport as the last flight from Baltimore arrived. Bleary-eyed passengers made their way through the concourse, tired from their journey. The airport loudspeaker crackled to life, announcing the three major events happening in Cleveland over the next five days.
The Final Four of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, a total solar eclipse, and the Cleveland Guardians’ home opener were all converging on this city. It was a unique combination of sports and celestial wonders.
Cleveland was chosen as the host city for the Final Four in 2018, with the added bonus of being in the path of totality for a solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. However, no one anticipated the surge in popularity of the women’s game, particularly with the rise of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark.
The women’s game reached new heights of popularity, with record-breaking viewership numbers. Millions of people tuned in to watch Iowa’s games, culminating in a thrilling win once morest Connecticut in the Final Four. The city of Cleveland estimated that 20,000 to 30,000 people would visit for the Final Four, and an additional 200,000 visitors were projected for the eclipse.
The city was buzzing with excitement as hotels were fully booked for months in advance, and prices for rooms and flights skyrocketed in the weeks leading up to the events. Some Cleveland residents even cashed in on the influx of visitors by renting out their homes on Airbnb.
While the Final Four was certainly a major draw, the eclipse added a unique twist to the city’s festivities. Cleveland’s Great Lakes Science Center took the lead in planning eclipse-related activities, collaborating with NASA’s Glenn Visitor Center. They were determined to be better prepared this time following the chaos that ensued during the 2017 eclipse in Nashville.
The science center set up tables, tents, and stages for their three-day festival, which included a worldwide broadcast by NASA. They anticipated large crowds, with some visitors coming from as far as Australia to witness the eclipse in Cleveland.
As the city prepared for the events, one mightn’t help but wonder regarding the future implications of hosting such major attractions. The combination of sports and celestial phenomena brought international attention to Cleveland. It showcased the city’s ability to host large-scale events and attract visitors from around the world.
These events also had a significant economic impact on the city. Hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses benefited from the influx of visitors. The exposure from hosting the Final Four and the solar eclipse might lead to increased tourism in the future, as people become more aware of Cleveland as a destination.
Additionally, the surge in popularity of women’s basketball highlighted the growing interest in women’s sports. As more people tune in to watch women’s games, it presents opportunities for increased sponsorship and media coverage. The success of players like Caitlin Clark and the record-breaking viewership numbers demonstrate the potential for growth in women’s sports.
Looking ahead, there are several trends and predictions that can be made based on these events. First, cities that are in the path of totality for future solar eclipses can expect a surge in tourism and economic growth. These events capture the public’s imagination and offer a unique experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Second, the increased popularity of women’s basketball might lead to greater investment and support for women’s sports. This might include increased media coverage, sponsorship deals, and opportunities for female athletes to compete at the highest level.
Lastly, the successful hosting of major events like the Final Four and the solar eclipse positions Cleveland as a potential destination for future events. The city’s infrastructure, hospitality industry, and experience in hosting large-scale events make it an attractive option for organizers.
In conclusion, the convergence of the Final Four
