Key Takeaways
- SPIRE Academy partners with ESPN Cleveland to present the Diehard District at the 26th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Feb. 5, 2026
- The dedicated fan section offers discounted general admission and fan-focused activities for all ages
- The event at Rocket Arena honors athletes, teams, and coaches across professional, collegiate, and high school levels
- Partnership reflects SPIRE’s continued investment in the Northeast Ohio sports community
A Regional Sports Celebration Gets a Fan-Focused Activation
SPIRE Academy has partnered with ESPN Cleveland to present the Diehard District at the 26th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at Rocket Arena.
The Diehard District is a designated fan section inside the arena bowl designed for Northeast Ohio’s most engaged sports supporters. The activation provides attendees with discounted general admission tickets and programming tailored for guests of all ages.
The Greater Cleveland Sports Awards recognize top performers and contributors across the region’s professional, collegiate, and high school sports landscape. By sponsoring the Diehard District, SPIRE positions itself alongside one of the area’s marquee annual sports gatherings.
Why SPIRE Chose This Partnership
For SPIRE Academy, the sponsorship aligns with its broader presence in Northeast Ohio athletics and education.
“Partnering with ESPN Cleveland for this year’s Diehard District was an easy choice,” said Adam Taylor, Head of Content and Media at SPIRE Academy. “It’s a chance to honor Northeast Ohio athletes, from high school standouts to professionals, celebrate inspiring community stories, showcase Cleveland fans’ passion, and to support the community SPIRE calls home.”
The Geneva, Ohio-based academy operates one of the largest indoor sports and education complexes in the country. Its programming spans youth development, post-graduate athletics, and elite training across multiple sports. This partnership extends SPIRE’s visibility beyond its campus and into the broader Cleveland sports market.
What It Means for Fans and the Market
The Diehard District returns for another year, offering a lower-cost entry point into an event that traditionally draws regional sports figures, media, and community leaders. For families and younger fans, the section provides access to the awards night atmosphere without premium pricing.
For SPIRE, the activation reinforces brand presence with a key demographic: families, young athletes, and sports-engaged households in Northeast Ohio. As competition grows among training facilities, academies, and sports complexes across the region, community-facing sponsorships like this one serve as touchpoints beyond recruiting and enrollment.
A Local Play with Strategic Value
SPIRE’s sponsorship of the Diehard District is a straightforward community investment, but it also keeps the academy visible at a regional event that spans the full athlete pipeline, from high school to professional. For operators and brands watching how facilities engage local markets, this partnership offers a template: align with established events, support accessibility, and show up where the community gathers.
via: Spire Academy
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