CLEVELAND — Greeters have been working overtime at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, rolling out the red carpet for thousands of visitors coming into town for the NCAA Women’s Final Four and the total solar eclipse.
It was the first taste of the city for many people that 3News talked to Thursday and the nonprofit marketing group Destination Cleveland was ready. That included having a DJ welcome passengers off the plane, to the floors and halls decked out in signs, to the welcome desk, treats and live music in the baggage claim area.
“Just really welcoming people to the city of Cleveland. For some of these travelers, it might be their first time in the city and we want to make sure their experience here starts off on the right foot,” said Jen Brasdovich with Destination Cleveland.
LSU fan Donna Moore has been going to the Women’s Final Four for 20 years. She was here when Cleveland hosted the tournament in 2007.
“It’s what we call the adult spring break,” she said. “I’m rooting for a good game. It’s going to be good games. The matchups this year are fabulous.”
But this experience is expected to be much bigger. And she got a dose of that reality when she started booking her trip in September.
“I was shocked that the local hotels I would pick…nothing available. Nothing available,” she said.
Not only has enthusiasm for women’s college basketball soared in recent years, sparking huge viewership numbers for the games, but this tournament runs right up against the highly anticipated solar eclipse.
And Cleveland is once again center stage.
“It’s pretty cool what’s happening in Cleveland right now. There’s a lot happening. More than I’m used to. It’s really nice to see,” said Rick Bislich, who grew up in Cleveland and returned this weekend for the eclipse and to visit family.
“We’re trying to create as many memories and things we can record for our daughter. We’re trying to travel as much as possible and this seemed as good a time as any, a rare event like this,” he said.
Moore ended up buying a package deal, extending their stay into Tuesday so they can skip the outgoing Final Four crowds and enjoy the eclipse on Monday.
David Henderson from Pennsylvania was at the airport waiting to pick up his son, who he hasn’t seen in years. They came into town specifically for the eclipse. Others are heading out first thing Monday morning.
“We are here to see Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Final Four,” said Jessica Demaret, who has tickets to the game. We’re excited. We’re going to go check out some stuff, maybe the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
