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Ohio Basketball Topic
Topic: Official MAC Tourney Travel Thread
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Obc2
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Posted: 3/11/2013 2:40 PM
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I booked a suite at Intercontinental Suites by the Clinic for $77/night via Hotwire. Just an FYI.
Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 3/11/2013 4:10 PM
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InterContinental is a very nice hotel (I've stayed there for conferences), but some of your savings will be gobbled up by cab fare or parking unless you plan to use the HealthLine bus (frequent buses... um, interesting late-night ridership). http://www.riderta.com/schedules/rt65wk.html

The HealthLine stops on Euclid adjacent to the Cleveland Clinic, and the InterContinental is on the massive campus of the Clinic. Note that the Clinic is impressive and reasonably safe, but it is surrounded by some pretty rough neighborhoods.

I would consider the bus to get there, but spring for a cab on the way back.
Robert Fox
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Posted: 3/11/2013 4:32 PM
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Looking at two hotels. Can anyone give insight on the quality of these:

1. Hampton Inn (E 9th St.)
2. Renaissance Hotel (connected to the Q)

Edit: We may have gotten bad info on the Renaissance. It looks like it's really expensive, $199/night. Still interested in what the Hampton is like. Anyone stay there?

Last Edited: 3/11/2013 4:39:08 PM by Robert Fox
Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 3/11/2013 4:46 PM
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Never stayed in the Hampton here, but the location is solid and I've generally had good luck with Hamptons. Pretty good reviews, too.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g50207-d111524-Re...

You're correct about the Renaissance. I think it's the team hotel, which makes it even more overpriced than normal. Last time I looked, only suites were available anyway, and they were like $150 more than the Ritz. Renaissance has a beautiful lobby, but the rooms and amenities are outdated and in need of upgrades given the prices they want.
roar-room
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Posted: 3/11/2013 5:29 PM
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That Hampton just got finished being remodeled a few months ago.
Bleed Green & White
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Posted: 3/11/2013 6:27 PM
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Jeff McKinney wrote:expand_more
From the other thread: I'd highly recommend the Zocalo pre-game bashes if those are on again this year, lots of great (and free!) food there. Also highly recommend Dave's Cosmic Subs on 6th. Stumbled upon it last time I went to the tournament, loved the food and the vibe. The place would be totally at home on Court Street (and the guy who was in there when we went was an alum - not sure if he was the proprietor or not, though).

Also, regarding tickets, keep in mind that your Friday ticket is a session ticket, so you get to watch the Akron game that night, as well.


Problem with the Bashes are that when Ohio is playing the second game of the DH, the Bash takes place during the first game.  I'm there to watch basketball so I just skip those Bashes.

A problem last year was the overcrowding at Zocalo's.



I've heard that we'll have the entire Zocalo's this year... may have a bit less of a CI at Midnight type of feel.
Pete Chouteau
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Posted: 3/11/2013 9:25 PM
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I've also been informed that OBC has reserved the entire restaurant for the bash(es). That said, I must take The Boy to The Winking Lizard.

I also have to put in my plug for Saturday brunch at The Place To Be, 1391 Warren Road in Lakewood.

I can not say enough about the hangover that was busted by a Greek omelette in 2010. I will go to my grave knowing that without that, I'd have not brought the intensity for that OU-Akron final that made me a screencap darling.
bobcat695
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Posted: 3/11/2013 10:38 PM
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The Optimist wrote:expand_more
I was recently down in the Casino on a Saturday after a Cavs game let out. The place was packed and rocking. Awesome atmosphere. It probably helped that Kyrie put on a show that night and led the Cavs to an upset over win over OKC.

Anyway, I am really excited about the MAC Tourney in Cleveland this year. Whether you are a gambler or not, the Casino helps keep a crowd downtown at all hours. The potential for an Akron-Kent semi followed by an Ohio semi really could make for a special Friday.

Then we win the Saturday...

Town painted green to celebrate the Ohio win and for Cleveland's big St. Patricks day celebration Sunday.



edit:
Probably should have mentioned that St Patricks day was this upcoming Sunday sooner. Solid chance the hotels fill up a bit for people wanting to party friday then walk to the parade and drink more Sunday morning...
I did the OU/Akron - Cavs/OKC doubleheader that night, too. We stayed at the Ritz Carleton attached to the casino. If anyone likes the action at the casino, you can get a pretty good rate at any of the hotels attached to the Horseshoe if you go to the casino website. The 2-3 hours after the Cavs game was rocking downtown. It was a really fun atmosphere.
Jeff McKinney
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Posted: 3/11/2013 11:00 PM
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Doubletree for $85 through Priceline.  Something of a hike, but a nice hotel.  I've stayed there numerous times over the years, especially back when it was a Holiday Inn.
Obc2
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Posted: 3/12/2013 8:28 AM
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Thanks for the information regarding the areas surrounding IC Suites. I had three CLE roomies in Athens but haven't been to northern Ohio in a decade. I remember dropping off one of my roommates in east Cleveland (he went to Shaw HS, if memory serves) and I still remember his advice to drive directly to Lakewood before the sun set. I brushed it off until I saw a shirtless gentleman walking down the street with a loaded shoulder holster.

The Bobcat Bash in STL last March was pretty cool, but very crowded. I expect to pregame at a local pub. I'd like to hit up Great Lakes Brewery at least once this weekend. Any advice on Fri vs Sat visit there? is the Lizard a better postgame option?
MedinaCat
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Posted: 3/12/2013 10:09 AM
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If any students are coming and looking for cheap rooms, they might check out the new hostel in Ohio City(W25th St.).  No frills, but you can pile into a room on the cheap.  It's close to the rapid station, so no drinking and driving worries from Downtown and you are right in the midst of the W25th attractions mentioned above.

http://theclevelandhostel.com/
roar-room
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Posted: 3/12/2013 1:24 PM
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Obc2 wrote:expand_more
Thanks for the information regarding the areas surrounding IC Suites. I had three CLE roomies in Athens but haven't been to northern Ohio in a decade. I remember dropping off one of my roommates in east Cleveland (he went to Shaw HS, if memory serves) and I still remember his advice to drive directly to Lakewood before the sun set. I brushed it off until I saw a shirtless gentleman walking down the street with a loaded shoulder holster.

The Bobcat Bash in STL last March was pretty cool, but very crowded. I expect to pregame at a local pub. I'd like to hit up Great Lakes Brewery at least once this weekend. Any advice on Fri vs Sat visit there? is the Lizard a better postgame option?


 Great Lakes is good for the tour, but you'll have to have reservations.

In my humble opinion the food and beer is better at Market Garden Brewery, which is practically next door.
Bleed Green & White
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Posted: 3/12/2013 2:07 PM
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 If I were in college now, this would become Bobcat Central.  Luckly I have friends in Lakewood.

MedinaCat wrote:expand_more
If any students are coming and looking for cheap rooms, they might check out the new hostel in Ohio City(W25th St.).  No frills, but you can pile into a room on the cheap.  It's close to the rapid station, so no drinking and driving worries from Downtown and you are right in the midst of the W25th attractions mentioned above.

http://theclevelandhostel.com/


roar-room wrote:expand_more
Thanks for the information regarding the areas surrounding IC Suites. I had three CLE roomies in Athens but haven't been to northern Ohio in a decade. I remember dropping off one of my roommates in east Cleveland (he went to Shaw HS, if memory serves) and I still remember his advice to drive directly to Lakewood before the sun set. I brushed it off until I saw a shirtless gentleman walking down the street with a loaded shoulder holster. 

The Bobcat Bash in STL last March was pretty cool, but very crowded. I expect to pregame at a local pub. I'd like to hit up Great Lakes Brewery at least once this weekend. Any advice on Fri vs Sat visit there? is the Lizard a better postgame option?


 Great Lakes is good for the tour, but you'll have to have reservations.

In my humble opinion the food and beer is better at Market Garden Brewery, which is practically next door.


Both are great if you haven't been, but Market Garden seems like its easier to get service as Great Lakes gets busy.
ClevelandCat '11
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Posted: 3/12/2013 7:57 PM
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A couple of questions.

1. I bought tickets for Friday and Saturday through Ohiobobcats.com. Does my ticket for friday get me into the Akron game too or just our game?

2. How big of a crowd are we expecting for Friday from OU?
JSF
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Posted: 3/12/2013 9:37 PM
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Both games. Crowd should be strong.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 3/13/2013 10:39 AM
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Obc2 wrote:expand_more
The Bobcat Bash in STL last March was pretty cool, but very crowded. I expect to pregame at a local pub. I'd like to hit up Great Lakes Brewery at least once this weekend. Any advice on Fri vs Sat visit there? is the Lizard a better postgame option?


Any time you're pouring free drinks like they were in STL, you're going to have a crowd.  Cash bar at this bash.
Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 3/13/2013 3:13 PM
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Obc2 wrote:expand_more
 I'd like to hit up Great Lakes Brewery at least once this weekend. Any advice on Fri vs Sat visit there? is the Lizard a better postgame option?


Great Lakes officially closes at 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, but I've found it often winds down earlier. It's really more of a restaurant than a bar, but the bar is nice. It can be annoyingly crowded at any time... If you hate crowds, I'd go early on Saturday (11:30 a.m. is the opening). You could make a nice day over in that neighborhood by starting in the morning with breakfast and strolling at the Westside Market (I recommend the falafel or brat, but the coffee, pastries and the smokies and jerky from Czuchraj Meats are divine). Then have your beer at Great Lakes before the crowds arrive before beer-bar hopping at the three other beer-themed joints in the immediate area. (http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2012/04/market_...)

There are plenty of good restaurants at all budget levels along that route as well. Hint: you can do better than any of the beer places.
The Optimist
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Posted: 3/13/2013 3:47 PM
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I highly recommend visiting the Westside Market Saturday morning.  It is in Ohio City 1 train stop down the line from Tower City (the main station that connects to Public Square, Terminal Tower and Casino).

I expect a phenomenal crowd.
The Optimist
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Posted: 3/13/2013 5:51 PM
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Can anyone explain the Bobcat Bash?

Last year in Cleveland, it was at Zocalo, no registration required, but really packed.
In STL, registration was required.

Will registration be required?  Time? Still at Zocolo? More room this time?
JSF
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Posted: 3/13/2013 6:00 PM
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I was able to find a meter a block from The Q. With time in it, no less! It's worth a try.
mcbin
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Posted: 3/13/2013 6:44 PM
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The Optimist wrote:expand_more
Can anyone explain the Bobcat Bash?

Last year in Cleveland, it was at Zocalo, no registration required, but really packed.
In STL, registration was required.

Will registration be required?  Time? Still at Zocolo? More room this time?

Pretty sure it's still Zocalo, free(appetizers), but they rented the whole place this time. The bummer is to attend you need to skip the 6:30 game.
Scott Woods
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Posted: 3/13/2013 7:42 PM
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What section are the Ohio tickets in?

Thanks.
OUs LONG Driver
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Posted: 3/13/2013 8:36 PM
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Last year Zocalo's was packed.  Appetizers were devoured in about 30 seconds any time they appeared.   Don't recall the drink deals.  We didn't last long there.

Thought someone else said the entire place was rented out this time instead.  Maybe that will help.
 
Would much rather we explore other options in the area.  Flannery's, Corner Alley, Cadillac Ranch, Tilted Kilt (kidding, kind of) etc. are larger venues that could handle Bobcat Nation.  I do like Zocalo's just not for an event like this.
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Posted: 3/13/2013 8:50 PM
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Cadillac Ranch and the adjacent Barroom closed a couple months ago. Not many people mourned.
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Posted: 3/13/2013 9:24 PM
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Jeff McKinney wrote:expand_more
Doubletree for $85 through Priceline.  Something of a hike, but a nice hotel.  I've stayed there numerous times over the years, especially back when it was a Holiday Inn.


That's a nice hotel, but definitely not walking distance to the Q.

The downtown Hampton is just like any other Hampton. I think both of these hotels require valet parking.
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