Cleveland's I-X Center Draws 35,000 to Newly Collocated Auto-Rama Event
April 29, 2013
Cleveland-based I-X Center’s decision to buy the Cleveland AUTO-RAMA show and combine it with its existing I-X Piston Power Show for the first time this year paid off, with 35,000 attendees getting the opportunity to check out more than 1,000 piston-powered vehicles during the three-day event.
The newly named show - Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama – was held March 15-17 and covered 1 million square feet at the I-X Center.
“Tens of thousands of enthusiasts came to the show, including many fathers and sons, mothers and daughters and grandchildren, bringing an undeniable presence of the timeless knowledge in this industry and how that knowledge is passed along from generation to generation,” said Steve Legerski, show manager.
He added, “With the success of the 2013 show, we expect vehicle space to sell out quickly for the 2014 show.”
The event is billed as the “largest indoor showcase of custom cars, trucks, antique construction equipment, motorcycles, tractors, planes, military equipment and more.”
Vehicle registrations sold out in 2013, filling the entire I-X Center showfloor, and more than 600 ISCA and Piston-Power Driven Series trophies, plaques and cash prizes were awarded to participants.
Two special awards included the $2,500 Cleveland Gold Cup, for a 1965 Corvette, and the $1,500 Duck Award, for a custom motorcycle.
“After working with many of these participants over the past year to lay out the floor plan, and then see the I-X Center filled with such a variety of amazing vehicles, it was fitting that I was able to personally present such prestigious awards to the men, women, and even children who put forth so much time and effort to be part of this show,” said Bill Perrien, I-X Center director of operations.
The show also was a place to give back. Many community members donated to help support wounded soldier Nick Vogt, 21st U.S. Army, who was injured in Afghanistan.
The Medina VFW 5137, and many other local military troops, dedicated their time daily to raise $3,400 and also raise awareness of other fellow wounded warriors.
Next year’s show will be heldMarch 14-16 at the I-X Center.
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In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
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OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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