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Cleveland Loses Barons, Greyhound in Double Departure

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. -loses-barons-greyhound-in-double-departure.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 19:14 GMT by 19 Action News
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

CLEVELAND, OH - February 2nd, 2026 - Downtown Cleveland is undergoing a period of significant transition as two long-standing institutions, the Cleveland Barons minor league baseball team and national bus carrier Greyhound, announce their departures. These moves, revealed today, are prompting city officials and economic analysts to reassess the ongoing efforts to revitalize the urban core and maintain its economic vitality.

The Cleveland Barons, a beloved fixture at Huntington Park since 2014, are packing up their bats and gloves and heading south to Akron. Team owner John Smith cited a desire to better serve the fanbase and expand the team's reach within Northeast Ohio as the driving force behind the relocation. A state-of-the-art new stadium currently under construction in Akron is the key enabling factor, promising a modern fan experience and increased capacity. The Barons are scheduled to begin playing in their new home this spring.

Simultaneously, Greyhound announced it is consolidating its operations, moving its downtown Cleveland terminal to Independence, a suburban community east of the city. This decision is rooted in broader restructuring efforts within the company, responding to a sustained decline in ridership numbers seen across the nation. A Greyhound spokesperson emphasized a continued commitment to serving the Cleveland metropolitan area, suggesting the Independence location will allow for "more efficient" operations. However, the move represents a further hollowing out of services traditionally concentrated in the downtown district.

Ripple Effects of Loss

The simultaneous departures of the Barons and Greyhound are not merely logistical shifts; they represent a potential setback for downtown Cleveland's long-term revitalization. Both entities have been consistent contributors to the local economy, generating revenue for nearby businesses, providing employment opportunities, and adding to the overall vibrancy of the downtown area. The Barons, in particular, drew significant foot traffic to the Huntington Park neighborhood, benefiting restaurants, bars, and retail establishments. Greyhound provided essential transportation services, connecting Cleveland to the wider national network and serving as a vital resource for many residents.

Mayor Jane Doe acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the announcements but expressed respect for the decisions made by both organizations. "We are disappointed to see these institutions leave downtown, but we respect their decisions and wish them the best in their new locations," she stated. However, the Mayor also emphasized the city's proactive approach to mitigating the losses.

A Changing Landscape & Revitalization Challenges

The exits of the Barons and Greyhound come at a time when many downtown areas across the country are grappling with evolving urban landscapes. The rise of remote work, shifting consumer habits, and increased competition from suburban developments are creating new challenges for city centers. Cleveland, like many Rust Belt cities, has been working diligently to overcome decades of decline and attract new investment.

Experts suggest the city needs to accelerate its efforts to diversify its downtown economy. Attracting tech companies, expanding the residential population through new housing developments, and fostering a more robust arts and culture scene are all considered crucial steps. Furthermore, improving public transportation links within the city - addressing the gap left by Greyhound's suburban move - will be vital to maintaining accessibility and discouraging further outward migration.

"The loss of these two institutions is a wake-up call," says urban planning analyst, Dr. Emily Carter, of Case Western Reserve University. "Cleveland needs to demonstrate it can offer a compelling value proposition for businesses and residents - a vibrant, safe, and accessible downtown that is competitive with suburban alternatives. Simply hoping for replacements won't suffice; a strategic and proactive approach is essential."

The city is reportedly already engaged in discussions with potential new tenants for the space vacated by Greyhound. Furthermore, economic development officials are actively courting businesses in key sectors, offering incentives to locate or expand their operations downtown. However, the timeframe for securing replacements remains uncertain, and the immediate economic impact of the Barons and Greyhound departures is likely to be felt by businesses in the affected areas.

The future of downtown Cleveland is at a crossroads. The city's ability to adapt to these changing dynamics and proactively address the challenges ahead will determine whether it can continue to thrive as a vibrant and sustainable urban center.