Now Open: The Stadium Sports Bar And Grill in the Gateway District

The Stadium Sports Bar and Grill is now open in the Gateway District. Credit: Courtesy photo

Cleveland Guardians fans have a new option for food, drink and fun in the Gateway District. Just in time for the sold-out home opener on Tuesday, April 8, The Stadium Sports Bar and Grill (721 Bolivar Rd.) has opened its doors in a space that has seen a bit of turnover in recent years.

The property, just steps from Progressive Field and Rocket Arena, was once home to Tops and Bottoms, a gentleman’s club former councilman Joe Cimperman helped get shut down after a string of incidents. More recently it was Victory Alley Sports Bar. After that bar closed in 2021, it was briefly home to Fin & Feathers. And after that, the Frozen Daiquiri Bar, which had an even briefer existence as the City of Cleveland pressured the owner to close after incidents drew police response to the address over the course of 10 months.

James Cleveland, who opened and closed Frozen Daiquiri Bar, said that The Stadium is his attempt to chart a new course.

“A fresh start. That’s what I want, a fresh start,” Cleveland says. “This is an opportunity for me to rebuild with the community, rebuild with the city of Cleveland. I want to do this the right way.”

From the sound and looks of it, The Stadium does appear to be a better fit for the events-driven neighborhood. The polished sports bar features a gridiron decor, a full-size basketball hoop, and plenty of screens for viewing live action. Contest winners to various challenges will net tickets to games, gift cards and more.

To eat, there are plenty of stadium-themed food items like popcorn, nachos, chili dogs, corned beef sandwiches, chicken phillies and burgers. Gameday specials will also be offered.