CLEVELAND — It’s back!
The Cleveland Auto Show revs up this weekend and races all the way through March 9 at the I-X Center.
More than 1,000 vehicles will fill 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space with several popular features.
“Our exhibit space is up and we have Ride-N-Drive events for more than 14 brands during the show, including the return of Camp Jeep and a brand new Ram Indoor Ride-N-Drive,” says Louis A. Vitantonio, president of the Cleveland Auto Show.
A Ride-N-Drive allows you the chance to get behind the wheel and take a test drive on the roads around the I-X Center. The companies included are Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Toyota, Scion, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Kia, Mazda, Subaru and Volkswagen.
This year’s show, which opens to the public Saturday, will also feature some exotic brands, including McLaren, Aston Martin, Maserati, and Rolls Royce, which will be featured in the return of Millionaire’s Row, one of the fan favorites of last year’s show.
In a Cleveland Auto Show first, someone will win a two-year lease of either a brand new 2014 Buick Verano or 2014 GMC Terrain every day the show is open.
“The Car-A-Day Giveaway is ground breaking for the Cleveland Auto Show,” says Ed Babcock, chairman of the Cleveland Auto Show. “We have never given away more than two vehicles during the Show, until this year. The winner also has their choice of either the Verano or the Terrain, which makes it a lot more exciting.”
LOOKING BACK: Photos from last year’s Auto Show
LOOKING BACK: Photos from last year’s Millionaire’s Row
If you’re looking for a new car, this is the place to be.
“With the slightly later timing of this year’s Show, our show management ensured that we would get the very latest displays and vehicles from virtually all manufacturers,” Babcock adds. “At the I-X Center, we also have the room to display all the vehicles, while still offering our show attendees a very relaxed and comfortable environment.”
On the last day of the Show, a drawing will also be held for one winner who will receive a year’s worth of natural gas for the home, a value of $2,000, courtesy of IGS Energy.
During the Show’s nine-day run, there is also a full calendar of celebrity appearances and experiences for the whole family.
Kyrie Irving, MVP of the NBA All-Star Game, visits the show on Monday, March 3 in the Buick GMC Display as will Cleveland Browns Quarterback Brian Hoyer and new Head Coach Mike Pettine in the Ford display.
Tuesday is T-Shirt Tuesday, March 4 with the first 5,000 attendees getting free T-shirts while supplies last.
On Wednesday, March 5 children 15 and under get in free as a part of Family Day. There’s also a $5 meal deal on Family Day only.
Cleveland football legends will be in the Honda display that evening, signing autographs. Expect to see Hanford Dixon, Doug Dieken, Kevin Mack, Dick Ambrose and Al “Bubba” Baker.
On Thursday, March 6, Richard Rawlings of the Gas Monkey Garage stops by the show to sign autographs.
The Cleveland Browns will be back in the Ford display Thursday evening, this time with Barkevious Mingo greeting fans.
Saturday, March 8, the judging of the Classic Car Competition takes place, with one vehicle taking home Car of the Show. There will also be five runners up.
LOOKING BACK: Photos from last year’s Classic Car competition
Show hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets cost $13 for adults and $11 for seniors aged 62 and older and preteens aged seven to 12. Children six and under get in free. Parking is also free
The Cleveland Auto Show marks the start of the spring selling season in Northeast Ohio. Featuring concept, pre-production and production vehicles from the world’s auto manufacturers, the show is held annually at the I-X Center.
For more information, visit www.clevelandautoshow.com.
WKYC-TV