Cleveland Tank Plant “Homecoming” to Feature Historic Military Vehicles at the I-X Center

Cleveland, Ohio – The International Exposition (I-X) Center and the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) announced the 42nd Annual MVPA International Convention will be held in conjunction with the Cleveland Tank Plant Homecoming Military Show and Swap Meet, June 22 – 24, 2017 at the I-X Center.

“I’m excited to announce our annual MVPA International Convention will be held in Cleveland at the I-X Center,” said John Cheney II, MVPA Event Director. “Hosted by the Ohio Motorpool, a MVPA Affiliate group, the MVPA Convention will headline the Cleveland Tank Plant Homecoming Military Show and Swap Meet. We are thrilled to be back at the ‘Tank Plant’ allowing us to display examples of the many types of armored vehicles produced in Cleveland, in which our nation’s service men fought through several wars.”

The show will feature 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 M551Sheridan armored vehicles. Also featured in show are military aircrafts, the Liberty Air Museum’s B-25J Mitchell, “Georgie’s Gal,” along with other member-owned aircraft. Known originally as the Cleveland Bomber Plant, and adjoining the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the building’s large doors are still in place and operational, allowing the display of flying military vehicles on the floor with the show’s ground-bound vehicles.

Cheney has been leading discussions, planning and negotiations with the management of the I-X Center for the past three years. Combining an MVPA International Convention with a large public military show is not an easy task and can only be done in a few places across the nation.

”The I-X Center is a piece of American and Cleveland’s history. This Cleveland Tank Plant Homecoming Military Show and Swap Meet will not only showcase the vehicles that were once built here, but also take show-goers back into the rich history of the I-X,” said 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. With feature displays of the vehicles manufactured here, the two-and-a-half day public side of 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

Ticket Pricing

Ticket pricing for the Cleveland Tank Plant Homecoming Military Show and Swap Meet to be held at the I-X Center June 22 – 24, 2017 was also announced today. General Admission will be $15. Children 12 and under are FREE. Military discounts with valid military ID are $12 and are available at the Box Office ONLY. Discount tickets will be available in the Spring of 2017 for $13. Information about online ticket sales will soon be available atwww.IXClevelandTankShow.com. A $1 service fee per ticket will be added to advance orders if ordered on-line. Group tickets are available by contacting Cyndee Young at cyoung@ixcenter.com or by calling 216-265-2657Tickets will go on sale in the Spring of 2017.

Commercial Opportunities

The convention and show offer different levels of commercial opportunities. Information about purchasing Swap Meet tables and bulk linear spaces will soon be available at www.IXClevelandTankShow.com. The show will also offer incremental vendors spaces sold in 10’ x 10’ blocks and a limited number of Official Sponsorship opportunities. For vendor or Official Sponsorship opportunities contact Steve Legerski at slegerski@ixcenter.com or 216-265-2514, or Bill Perrien at bperrien@ixcenter.com or 216-265-2505.

About the MVPA

Established in 1976, the non-profit MVPA is dedicated to providing an international organization for military vehicle enthusiasts, historians, preservationists and collectors interested in the acquisition, restoration, preservation, safe operation and public display of historic military transport. The MVPA has 6,000 members worldwide, including nearly 100 affiliate groups from around the world.

About The Ohio Motorpool, Inc.

The Ohio Motorpool is a local MVPA affiliate organization opened to any and all interested in the collection, restoration and preservation of historic military vehicles and history of all years. The Ohio Motorpool has also participated in the Piston Powered Autorama in March for the past four years.

About the I-X Center

The International Exposition (I-X) Center in Cleveland, Ohio is one of the nation’s premier exhibition facilities. It is the largest single building convention center in the United States, comprised of 2.2 million sq. ft., including more than one million sq. ft. of flexible presentation space. I-X Center is conveniently located adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, just 15 minutes southwest of downtown Cleveland, with nearby hotels and secure on-site parking for more than 7,000 vehicles. For the last 30 years, our unique convention center has hosted more than 1,500 events attracting 50 million visitors. More information about the I-X Center can be found by visiting www.ixcenter.com. Follow us on Facebook at International Exposition Center and on Twitter @IXCenter.