Cleveland, the city known for its rock anthem and industrial past, surprised me with its mix of charm and grit. During my first visit in more than 20 years, I tried to explore deeper than the clichés and discovered a city of contradictions. I shared with friends that I tried keeping an open mind.
But… it was difficult.
First off, let’s talk pavement. Cleveland is all about massive highways and concrete jungles, with parking lots that seemingly stretch for miles. It’s like greenery took a backseat to development. First Energy Stadium, where the Browns play, has what looks like six football fields of parking right along the lakeshore. And in the downtown core, flat-surface parking lots are everywhere.
And yeah, gentrification. It’s everywhere, including Cleveland. Revitalization is sometimes necessary, but we always lose the heart and soul of the place in the process. That’s the vibe I got in Ohio City — a neighborhood in the city that looked like it once was a cool place to visit but has since become the meme of the Edison lights, metal high-top barstools and industrial ambiance with $16 basic burgers and fries.
But hey, it wasn’t all gloom and doom in Ohio City.
I fell in love with West Side Market in the Ohio City neighborhood. I enjoyed it so much that I went back on my second day before leaving so I could get items to bring back with me.
I even found a Pittsburgh-based bread company (Mediterra) and a doughnut/coffee shop (Jack Frost) that used to have an Erie location.
Pittsburgh destroyed its building called the terminal by making it into a suburban strip plaza in the heart of the Strip District (another grossly gentrified neighborhood).
Cleveland redeemed itself with the House from A Christmas Story. Seeing the house was a blast from the past, giving me major nostalgia vibes from the movie. The home is nestled in the Tremont neighborhood.
In keeping with the “A Christmas Story” theme and my fondness for buildings that once served as not only a retail mecca for downtown centers but a gathering place where locals made memories, I walked around the outside of the former Higbee’s in Downtown Cleveland. It’s now JACK Cleveland Casino. The facade remains largely intact, and plaques mark the former department. There are no artifacts acknowledging “A Christmas Story” on the outside, sadly.
Sure, I missed out on some spots like The Arcade, but the 5th Street Arcades across the street offered a nice throwback vibe to when downtowns were the core of retail.
And let’s not forget the quirky sights, like the Free Stamp and the GE Chandelier, which, I learned when building my list of landmarks to see, was installed in 2014. The chandelier hangs from a steel structure that is 44 feet above the intersection of Euclid Avenue and East 14th Street in the city’s Playhouse Square district. (No, I didn’t see it at night. Yes, I will next time I’m there.)
As for the Free Stamp structure (art piece?), this roadside attraction is located in Cleveland’s Willard Park, at the corner of Lakeside Avenue and East Ninth Street. Though it’s near the road toward the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Voinovich Bicentennial Park, you might miss it on your way because — despite being considered the world’s largest rubber stamp — it is almost discreetly hidden behind Cleveland City Hall and several trees.
The roadside attractions might be a bit random, but they add that extra dash of personality to this Rust Belt city.
Cleveland’s a bit of a mixed bag for me. I was wowed by Detroit and thought my preconceived notions of Cleveland would have been all for naught. But, in the case of Cleveland, the stereotype rings true. But I’ll be back!
Pittsburgh…are you ready for it? With Taylor Swift’s two “Eras Tour” Pittsburgh shows at Acrisure Stadium (I still call it Heinz Field) approaching (June 16 and June 17!), here is a look at everything you need to know before going — from parking to transportation to bag policies and so much more.
Much of this information has been condensed from the Acrisure Stadium site. Visit that site for more information.
Who is opening for Taylor Swift?
Girl in Red and Gracie Abrams will open for Taylor Swift in Pittsburgh on June 16.
Girl in Red and Owenn will open for Taylor Swift in Pittsburgh on June 17.
When will Taylor Swift start performing?
Based on previous shows, it seems that Taylor Swift will probably take the stage around 8 p.m.
How long does the concert last?
The show begins at 6:30 p.m. Taylor Swift typically features 44 songs, meaning she performs for about three hours, including two secret songs that change each show.
Swiftburgh! From the Carnegie Science Center to Primanti Bros., here are 13 things to do during your June 16-17 weekend in Pittsburgh for Taylor Swift.
Oh, and here is what the stadium likely will look like with the stage.
Arrive early
While the show begins at 6:30 p.m., and Taylor Swift likely goes on around 8, it’s recommended to arrive early. This can ensure you have ample time to pass through security, find your seats, use the restroom, get something to eat and check out the Taylor Swift merch (more on that in a bit).
For Steelers games, the stadium opens two hours before kickoff. This site will be updated once the stadium opening time is known.
What is the Acrisure Stadium bag policy?
Acrisure Stadium enforces a “clear bag policy,” limiting the size of bags to no bigger than 12 inches by six inches by 12 inches. Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” are also permitted, with or without a handle or strap, and need not be clear. Bags must be made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC.
Small clutch purses — with a max size of 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches — with or without a handle or strap can be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
A 1-gallon reusable storage bag (think: Ziploc) is permitted.
An exception is made for medically necessary items with inspection at the gate. Diapers and wipes are permitted in a clear bag. Diaper bags are not permitted.
Each member of a family, including children, will be able to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse.
Among other bags not permitted include: Backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags, computer bags, other types of purses, cinch bags, tote bags and seat cushions.
What can I take into Acrisure Stadium?
In addition to following the bag policy above, guests are able to bring the following items:
Food — of any kind — contained in a clear plastic bag
Factory-sealed plastic bottles of water or soft drinks that are a maximum size of 24 ounces
Still photography cameras with a lens that is 6 inches or less in length not contained in a case
Hand-carried jackets, blankets or other items that will be searched
Leave these items at home or in the car
Any non-clear bag exceeding the bag policy rules
Apparel or signage displaying profane or abusive language
Alcoholic beverages
Balls of any kind, including full-size footballs
Banners/signs on poles
Battery-operated items (i.e. light up clothing)
Cans, coolers of any type, glass bottles or thermoses
Laser pointers
Noisemakers
Selfie Sticks
Single-purpose video cameras or still-photography cameras with a lens longer than 6 inches
Strollers or seat cushions
Weapons/any item that may be deemed to be a projectile
Any other item deemed dangerous or inappropriate
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Wheelchair policy
Acrisure Stadium has a limited number of wheelchairs available for use during events. Generally, these can be obtained at the Guest Service Locations located at Stadium Gates and Guests Service 104, located near the FedEx Great Hall. You will be required to deposit your driver’s license in order to use a wheelchair.
Guests looking to store a walker or wheelchair may do so at the Guest Services room closest to their ticketed seat.
Re-entry policy
Exit and re-entry is not permitted at Acrisure Stadium. In the case of a medical emergency, proceed to the Guest Services Kiosk at Gate B.
Stadium Wi-Fi
Guests can access free Wi-Fi by selecting the “Acrisure Stadium Public” option on your device.
Aisle obstruction
Standing or sitting in section aisles is prohibited. Guests may not stand in aisles or obstruct others from viewing the event. Aisles must be kept clear.
Banners/Signs
Banners and signs are permitted but must be in good taste, the stadium says. Management reserves the right to determine what signs are in violation of stadium policy and confiscate signs that are in violation stadium policy.
Signs or banners cannot obstruct another fan’s view and cannot cover any stadium signage. They may not contain commercial messages, logos or political endorsements.
Signs cannot interfere with any messaging placed by the event.
Banners or signs that are attached to poles will not be permitted. Banners are not permitted to be displayed in or outside the “Luxury Suites.”
Buy your merch online
Reports from other Taylor Swift shows indicate that wait times for merch lines can be as high as an hour. Save time, save your frustration and just buy online! Trust me!
Battery-operated items
Battery-operated items such as posters, lights or clothing are not permitted into Acrisure Stadium.
Individual cell phone chargers
According to an April 2023 story in the Beaver County Times, individual cell phone chargers, including a charging block and cord, and external rechargeable battery packs, are permitted in the stadium. Security staff members might ask to inspect the device when entering the stadium.
Cashless
Acrisure Stadium is a cashless facility. An accessible ATM is located inside Gate B. Credit and debit cards are still accepted, as well as Apple and Google Pay.
Comments and concerns
For comments and concerns on event day, text PITT33 to 69050 with your issue and location or call the guest hotline at 412-697-7766. For assistance on non-event days, call 412-697-7150 and press 4.
First Aid
There are five First Aid locations throughout Acrisure Stadium. Medical services are provided before, during, and after each event. In the event of a medical emergency, please notify the nearest stadium personnel.
Umbrellas
Umbrellas can be taken into Acrisure Stadium but are not permitted to be open.
“We Connect”
Guests can register members of their party with Acrisure Stadium team members to assist stadium staff in the event an individual becomes separated from their party.
Registration is available at all four Guest Services rooms: Behind Section 104 in the FedEx Great Hall, Lower Level North behind Section 123, Upper Level East behind Section 504 and Upper Level West behind Section 528.
Transportation to Acrisure Stadium
Sure, you can drive there. But between congestion and parking, good luck. Find details here.
Your best bet is to use public transportation.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit offers multiple bus routes and light rail transit lines near Acrisure Stadium.
Using PRT’s trolley/light rail: All lines (red, blue and silver) service Allegheny Station (closest to the stadium) and North Side Station (near PNC Park).
In addition, you could exit the light rail train at Wood Street Station or Gateway Station and walk across the Andy Warhol, Rachel Carson or Fort Duquesne bridges.
Single ride fare cost is $2.75. So, roundtrip would cost $5.50. Recommend getting a ConnectCard, but trains take exact cash. You can get a ConnectCard at most T stations. More details.
Bus routes near Acrisure Stadium: 14 and 18. Both have stops right outside the stadium. Additional routes within walking distance or with a transfer can be found here.
The end of 2022 will mark a first in my professional career: I will no longer be a full-time journalist.
That’s not an easy sentence to complete and an even more difficult one to process. Journalism has been the only career I’ve ever envisioned.
When fellow elementary school students dreamed of being astronauts or gymnasts or doctors or presidents, I wanted to be a reporter.
In middle school and high school, as sciences and math were increasingly pushed, I pushed back and focused on writing, journalism and communications courses.
This sounds cliche, but I was first drawn to news for its ability to share important information people needed to know.
Newspapers, at the time, were stuffed full of so much valuable information.
I would lose track of time reading the Sunday edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — back when it seemed thicker than an encyclopedia. And I always found myself focused on local and regional stories — stories that had an impact or were of interest to areas I lived in or near.
I read the then-Moon Record from front to back — a newspaper that’s related publications would later have a profound impact on my career and life.
I was also drawn to news for its sense of immediacy and that rush of adrenaline when breaking news happens, watching television reporters and anchors bring information to people in real time.
While news stories were of interest to me, so was understanding the art of making news — whether it be for print, television, radio or, later, digital.
To this day, I consume the information while also analyzing the coverage. Ask anybody who has ever watched a newscast with me, and they’ll tell you how enjoyable (my word, not theirs) it is to hear me discuss the coverage.
As a kid, I can remember many times writing “stories” about and anchoring “newscasts” to my stuffed animals. I would even make “incidents” happen in my Micro Machines setups to have newspeople go cover.
Outside of interviewing toys, my first major interview was then-Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Gary Anderson, who I tracked down in an elementary school office following an assembly. I was in third grade.
In high school, my principal threatened to keep me from walking at graduation following the publication of an editorial I wrote that he disagreed with.
As a journalist in college, I helped tackle a groundbreaking legal case of a college nun who sued a Catholic university over sexual discrimination. I helped to uncover sources that were quoted by The New York Times.
My time at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review allowed me to live out those childhood dreams of sharing stories that mattered to communities and families through the Sewickley Herald and The Signal Item — two newspapers I will forever be grateful to have been part of.
For the last few years with Hearst Television, I have had the responsibility of managing a team tasked with copy editing news and media content across more than two dozen local news digital platforms.
And while it is incredibly difficult to step away from what has long felt like a calling, it was time.
The coronavirus pandemic has allowed me to refocus my life and do something I’ve never done before: Put myself and my life first.
It’s not been easy to say goodbye to working full-time in news. There have been a lot of tears shed.
But I’m reminded of a line in one of my favorite musicals — “Avenue Q” — that is simple and true, and helped me to again understand that nothing is forever: “Everything in life is only for now.”
If you live in the Western Pennsylvania region, be sure to check out the site for all sorts of holiday events. This holiday calendar lists so many things. Here are some featured events.
Even if you’re not in the holiday spirit just yet, it’s never too early to scan events. December does go by very quickly. And if it’s not your thing, I bet someone you know (besides me, obv) would enjoy it!
Taylor Swift tix
Were you able to get Taylor Swift tickets? Somehow, I lucked into tickets. I am still pretty shocked. A friend organized a group, so I’ll actually be going to both Pittsburgh shows.
John Aniston was a stalwart “Days of our Lives” cast member. The legendary actor died Nov. 11, his daughter, Jennifer Aniston, announced Monday.
Of course, we know him as Victor Kiriakis, a mafia leader with Greek and Italian ties who butted heads with Stefano DiMera and other villains in the fictitious town of Salem.
But few people know that Aniston’s ties to “Days of our Lives” actually began in 1970 when he portrayed Eric Richards.
Anyhow, here are a few things I’ve read this week:
Why Everything in Tech Seems to Be Collapsing at Once (The Atlantic)
CVS and Walgreens became fixtures of 21st century city life. Their time may be up. (Slate)
Gen Z announces itself in midterms with Democratic boost, historic wins (WaPo)
Trump called a protest. No one showed. Why GOP efforts to cry foul fizzled this time. (WaPo)
I’ve always enjoyed social media and the information sharing, community building and friendships that has come with it.
Before we knew what “social media” was, I was connecting via blog writing and AOL chat rooms. In the early 2000s, I made digital friends via blogging. Then MySpace, then Facebook, then Twitter.
As a journalist and community builder, finding ways to engage, build relationships and share information runs central to who I am.
Twitter, by far, has had the most impact on my digital life and, quite honestly, my real life.
I used to enjoy saying, “Most of my friends are from Twitter.” And it was true!
Before most journalists knew what Twitter was, I was already finding sources and searching for story ideas via tweets. Over the course of several years, I taught fellow journalists to use Twitter.
As time went on and more people began using Twitter, the social media site went from a thoughtful cafe to a rowdy bar. I still found community, but finding and keeping those strong connections took more effort — like trying to move through a crowded bar and shout, “WHAT DID YOU SAY?” each time your friend says something. You know the scene.
From a news perspective, Twitter has been nothing more than a vacuum of people whose thoughts and words mean very little off the platform.
But with the real-time demise of Twitter, people are jumping ship and seeking new places to set up digital residences.
I dusted off my Reddit and Discord accounts; I tried navigating my way into an account on Mastodon; I opened accounts on Tribel, Cohost, and counter.social; and even considered giving LinkedIn more of a shot.
I’m not sure what my end game is — except that I plan on using Twitter less often.
I may go retro and blog more (here or maybe on Substack).
BobbyCherry.com 