(CLEVELAND) - The International Exposition (I-X) Center and the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) announced today Wargaming as the title sponsor for The World of Tanks Cleveland Tank Plant Homecoming Military Show and Swap Meet at the I-X Center June 22 – 24, 2017.
Throughout the three-day long event, World of Tanks will offer attendees the ultimate playing experience as gamers are surrounded by real-life armored warfare during their head to head battles. Players of all skill levels can participate at no charge. “It’s an honor to team with the Cleveland Tank Plant and the Military Vehicle Preservation Association,” says Jake Neri, Wargaming America’s Director of Customer Relations. “World of Tanks players are passionate about history, and for us to help generate this opportunity for them to see the tanks they drive in our game up close and personal really creates a unique occasion that they won’t want to miss.
Known originally as the Cleveland Tank Plant, this I-X Center event will showcase vehicles built at the former tank plant including the M41 Walker Bulldog Tank, M42 Duster, M56 Scorpion, M108 and M109 self-propelled howitzers, and M114 and M551 Sheridan armored vehicles. Also featured will be military aircrafts, the Liberty Air Museum’s B-25J Mitchell, “Georgie’s Gal,” along with other member-owned aircraft.
Historian and Cleveland native, Bill Meixner who was a tank commander in Korea will discuss how Cleveland played an important role during World War ll and the Korean and Vietnam Wars along with the development of the B-29 Superfortress. Show attendees will also be able to go where no man has gone before as they make their way through the “Making Tracks Historical Tour” happening daily during the event. These guided tours take place daily, last approximately one hour and offer attendees the opportunity to learn about the history of the tank plant.
Veterans and active military personnel will be recognized daily for their sacrifices as they proudly serve our nation’s Armed Forces. Special recognition will be given to more than 67,000+ female veterans from Ohio with a look back at their courageous service plus the Krazy Paint pinstripers will create custom artwork to be sold with proceeds supporting the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center.
“The I-X Center is a piece of American and Cleveland’s history,” says Bill Perrien, Senior Vice-President for the I-X Center. “We know this show will capture the interest of the community by attracting prior employees and families of the two plants and members of our armed forces. With feature displays of the vehicles manufactured here, the show is expected to draw thousands back to where it all started.”
Cleveland Tank Plant Homecoming Military Show and Swap Meet Show Hours: Thursday, June 22, 2017: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm Friday, June 23, 2017: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm Saturday, June 24, 2017: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tickets On-Sale: Advance tickets to the World of Tanks Cleveland Tank Plant Homecoming Military Show and Swap Meet are on sale now for $13 with applicable fees at IXClevelandTankShow.com. Discounted tickets are also available in advance at select Discount Drug Mart locations for $13 (no service fee included). General Admission at the I-X Center Box Office are $15. Children 12 and under are FREE. Military discounts with valid military ID are $12 and available only at the Box Office. Group tickets are available by contacting Cyndee Young at cyoung@ixcenter.com or by calling 216-265-2657.