Visitor’s Guide to the Cleveland, Ohio, I-X Center

Our family has had the privilege to visit the International Exposition Center, or the I-X Center, in Cleveland, Ohio, on several occasions for events and we thought that we would provide a few tips and insights for those visiting the Cleveland I-X Center.

Advantages of the I-X Center Location.  The I-X Center is conveniently located minutes off of I-71 near the southern Cleveland suburb of Brook Park.  In fact, the facility hosts many family friendly events and activities in the Cleveland area—and is still convenient to both the Cleveland Hopkins Airport and a number of local tourist attractions—including Cavs and Indians games or visits to Lake Erie.

Parking at the I-X Center.  Our last 3 parking fees at the Cleveland I-X Center have been $8 for our events and activities.  The entrance gates are personnel monitored and we have noted security personnel patrolling the lots.  Many of the hotels in the Brook Park area that offer free shuttles to the I-X Center charge a similar parking fee—so visitors to the area should expect a parking/car storage fee from either an area hotel or at the venue.

Food at the I-X Center.  There are a lots of food vendors onsite depending on the activity.  Whether food is provided via an open cafeteria, or food court, or specialty vendors in I-X Center locations—there are onsite food options available to visitors.  Outside foods are prohibited for most events—so plan accordingly.

Things to see at the I-X Center.  The I-X Center is housed in an old airport hangar—in view of the Cleveland Hopkins Airport where the kids are able to watch planes taxi down the runways or circle about preparing for departure.  If that isn’t cool enough, the facility also houses the largest indoor Ferris wheel in the U.S.—which is either operational or, at least, open to the public during many onsite events.  There is also a water ball fountain display located just inside the East Entrance lobby—great for diverting a youngster’s attention from leaving fun events or for taking a soothing time out from hectic activities inside the main areas of the building.

What are a few things to consider during a visit?  The Cleveland I-X Center is large and often hosts more than one large conference or event at a given time.  Be sure to park in the appropriate parking area and enter through the correct entrance for a given event to avoid long walks and parking issues.  Plan to have cash on hand for the parking fees and expect to visit food and drink vendors during your visit as most activities prohibit outside food and drink.

What are our final thoughts on the Cleveland I-X Center?  We are always impressed with the Cleveland I-X Center during our visits.  The facility is always clean and well maintained and facility staff is always friendly and helpful.  As a mom, there is nothing worse than visiting a toilet-paper void bathroom in disarray.  Yuck!  And, it happens frequently in event centers that we visit. We have never found a problem during I-X Center events.  That speaks volumes to this family—and gives us peace of mind.