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Cleveland Auto Show to open
IF YOU GO
What: Annual Cleveland Auto Show at the I-X Center.
Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.
Admission: Adults, $12; seniors 62 and older, $10; children 7-12, $10; children 6 and under, free. Parking is free.
Source: Cleveland Auto Show
Photo
YOUNGSTOWN
Those looking for something to do this weekend — or even next week — can add the Cleveland Auto Show to the list of possibilities.
The show, sponsored by AutoTrader.com, runs Saturday through March 6 at the Cleveland International Exposition and Convention Center, better known as the I-X Center.
“It’s a great time to come down and see what’s new this spring,” said Lou Vitantonio, auto-show president. “With over 1,000 vehicles from 40 makers, of course the cars are the stars.”
Vitantonio said the show also will feature appearances from other stars — a NASCAR driver and players from the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Ohio State University.
Both weekends, patrons will have the opportunity to test drive select Jeep, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Kia, Subaru and Toyota models, Vitantonio said.
For the duration of the event, Vitantonio said people also will have a chance to win a 2011 Chrysler 200, this year’s “Car of the Show.”
The Chrysler 200 will be one of 16 new models on display as part of Chrysler’s revamped offerings. Chrysler also earned the title of “Truck of the Show” with its 2011 Dodge Durango, Vitantonio said.
General Motors will show new vehicles from all of its brands, including three Buick models — the Verano, the LaCrosse and the Regal GS, according to a press release.
Under the GMC brand, folks will see the new Sierra All Terrain HD concept pickup truck, Vitantonio said.
GM also will feature the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the LTZ Camaro, the Sonic, the Stingray concept car and the Lordstown-built Chevrolet Cruze Eco in its lineup.
GM’s Cadillac brand will display the new CTS-V Coupe and CTS-V Sport Wagon.
German automaker Volkswagen will showcase its roomier 2012 Passat, which according to a press release will be built at a new Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Ford’s I-X Center display will include fuel-efficient vans and minivans, such as the C-Max Energi and the C-Max Hybrid. Both models are expected to hit markets in 2012.
Cavs nights will run throughout the event. Vitantonio said players scheduled to appear at the show include Antawn Jamison and Anderson Varejao on Monday and J.J. Hickson on March 5. The Cavs Girls and coach Byron Scott will be at the show Saturday. Mascots Moondog and Sir C.C. will make appearances Thursday.
Vitantonio said Cleveland Browns players Peyton Hillis and Brian Robiskie are scheduled to appear Thursday, and T.J. Ward will be at the show March 6.
Wednesday is NASCAR night, and patrons will have the opportunity to meet Chevy driver Ron Hornaday, according to the auto show’s website.
Vitantonio said Ohio State football players will be at the show next Friday.
Monday is Family Day, and the auto show will feature bounce houses, face painting and balloon animals.