CLEVELAND — The city of Cleveland and Major League Baseball held a news conference Tuesday to preview safety and travel advice prior to next week's MLB All-Star Game.
City leaders discussed advice for fans and visitors, safety tips, traffic changes and more for All-Star Week events running July 5-10.
Downtown Cleveland will be bustling with activities for all ages. From zip lines to a Color Run and the Red Carpet Parade, baseball fans and Clevelanders will find plenty happening.
"If you can't have fun this week in Cleveland, that's kind of on you," Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley said during Tuesday's news conference.
Dave Gilbert, president and CEO to the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, added that the All-Star Week events are predicted to generate $65 million for the city of Cleveland.
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams assured the public that safety is a priority during All-Star Week, noting that pedestrians will be safe around the convention center, and that security measures will be in place at Progressive Field.
DiBiasio said visitors are encouraged to use public transit and walking to navigate the downtown area to lighten traffic. He also made a plea to fans to line the Red Carpet Parade route Tuesday prior to the game.
MLB Senior Vice President of Legal, Business and Club Affairs Ethan Orlinsky also warned fans to be wary of counterfeit gear, memorabilia and tickets. Orlinsky said his office is working with the city of Cleveland to combat counterfeiting during All-Star Week.
"There are no printed home tickets for the All-Star Week," Orlinsky cautioned.
Orlinsky also said representatives from his office and the city will be working undercover to monitor counterfeiting.
The 2019 MLB All-Star Game takes place at Progressive Field July 9, but festivities begin this Friday with the opening of PLAY BALL Park at the Huntington Convention Center and a kick-off concert featuring Twenty One Pilots.