CLEVELAND — For the sixth time, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is happening in Cleveland.
The ceremony itself is Saturday, Oct. 30, but all week long there have been events leading up to the big show, which is bringing a surge to the local economy.
Many consider Cleveland the birthplace of rock 'n roll. This year’s induction ceremony is special for a few reasons. First, it’s in-person - coming off of last year’s virtual ceremony due to COVID-19. It also marks the first time it's being held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
“We feel it’s the best venue in the country and no more appropriate place for the Rock and Roll Induction Ceremony to be than be in the FieldHouse,” said Len Komoroski, chief executive officer of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Red carpets and glam have taken over the FieldHouse to transform the venue just for this event.
“The enthusiasm is off the charts,” said Komoroski.
Komoroski is thrilled to be part of history.
He is proud Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse will host the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the first time.
“The FieldHouse will feel like this event was made just, this venue was made just for this event,” said Komoroski.
Komoroski sits on the board of directors for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and he’s attended many induction ceremonies at other venues.
The event now comes to Cleveland every other year, but before that Los Angeles played host twice and New York has hosted the ceremony 26 times.
“Our whole city really stops for this whole ceremony, to celebrate it, and unlike when you look to a large market of that nature, it’s another major event amongst some. But this one is really one of the iconic gems and jewels we have here in northeast Ohio,” said Komoroski.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse underwent massive renovations in 2019.
Komoroski showed Spectrum News around the atrium to check out the expansion of the now all digital building.
“We added 45,000 square feet,” said Komoroski.
“It's been something we've been striving to have here,” replied Komoroski. “We feel this is one of the best venues in the world to be able to host Rock Hall Inductions. We know it will be showcased, you know, in a terrific fashion for people who are coming from all over the world to be able to come here and it really helps put Cleveland's best foot forward to be able to showcase it on this type of platform.”
The 36th annual event isn’t just a big deal for the FieldHouse, it’s huge for the city of Cleveland as a whole, by providing a significant economic boost.
“About an estimated $36.5 million economic impact,” said Komoroski. “So, when you couple that with the economic impact of the Rock Hall itself is estimated to be $200 million annually and that 13 million visitors they've had since it's open, it's pretty special. So, not only does it shine an international spotlight. You know, Rock and Roll permeates worldwide and all genres of Rock and Roll, and the eyes of the world will be on Cleveland, Ohio.”
While it's the first time at the FieldHouse, Komoroski is confident it won’t be the last.
He expects that when the induction ceremony happens again in Cleveland, it will be at the FieldHouse.
“Two years from now, come on back,” he said.
Komoroski called it a record-setting year for concerts and events at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and he said the momentum is building in downtown Cleveland for a big comeback following a COVID-19 setback.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to pack Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for the induction ceremony at 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Everyone needs to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to entering the venue. Masks are recommended but not required.