2024 National

[asoriano]

A couple pics I took from the ferris wheel back in 2018, showing one side of the show floor:

[calvindog]

The Cleveland venue is far superior to Chicago’s, although not connected to a hotel. All in all, traveling from NY, it’s slightly more difficult but the better venue makes up for it in my opinion. I was pretty disappointed with Chicago last year. No food onsite? WTH.

[Exhibitman]

Cleveland has a vibrant foodie scene, just nowhere near the IX Center.

Answering Steve's question directly, the center is airport adjacent, and last I checked, basically empty field and highway adjacent. So either pack in your vittles or eat whatever crap is served there. Last time the onsite food was really bad. You basically will have to rent a car, so budget that in. The VIP tickets to the show come with free parking at the show, so that's a plus.

Candidly, I am on the fence as well. I wasn't able to make CHI last year because of a work schedule issue, and I missed 2022 for a variety of family reasons (buried my father in May and my mother in August, so not a great time to go to AC anyway...plus I disliked AC the last time). If I go, I am tempted to stay downtown near the RR HOF and ballpark and food scene, and just commute back and forth every day. Might make for a nicer stay even with a drive on each end. I spend hours in my car anyway, being from LA.

[brass_rat]

Cleveland airport to IX Center is an 8 minute car ride. Lyft right now is $12.
IX Center to downtown Cleveland is 17 minutes by car. Lyft is $19.
You can schedule Lyfts and Uber in advance, so you aren't waiting.

The Guardians are in-town Monday through Thursday this year. Many people would say Guardians games are more affordable than Wrigley and in a much better location than Guaranteed Rate Field.

Hotels are cheaper than Chicago (if cost is the main variable of concern), even factoring in the Lyfts.

There are a ton of restaurants, bars, and even breweries within walking distance of the ballpark.

The IX Center has 20% more exhibition space than the Donald Stephens in Chicago.

[UKCardGuy]

I'm curious, how would the National in Cleveland compare to a show like the Chicago Sports Spectacular at Rosemont? I'm sure the National will be bigger. But how much bigger?

[theshowandme]

Originally Posted by UKCardGuy

I'm curious, how would the National in Cleveland compare to a show like the Chicago Sports Spectacular at Rosemont? I'm sure the National will be bigger. But how much bigger?

The card selection will surely be better!

[Snapolit1]

Thanks for all the info and opinions. Much appreciated.
Will depend a lot on work whether I ultimately go or not. Thanks for some great ideas.