Groundbreaking for new Cleveland Convention Center, venue for several Gay Games IX events

Construction began January 3, 2011 and the facility is expected to open in September, 2013. Upon completion, the Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center will include a 100,000 square foot medical mart at the northeast corner of St. Clair Avenue and Ontario Street in downtown Cleveland and an adjoining convention center with 230,000 square feet of exhibit hall space. The facility is also set to include more than 92,000 square feet dedicated to meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom overlooking a picturesque Lake Erie.

Gay Games IX events currently scheduled for the Convention Center include Badminton, Billiards, Bodybuilding, Darts, Martial Arts, Powerlifting, and Wrestling.