CLEVELAND – Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) will officially break ground on the new Gold Lot on Wednesday, July 1, marking the first major construction milestone in CLEvolution, the airport’s sweeping modernization effort.
With the theme “We’re Diggin’ for Gold,” this event signals more than the start of a new parking lot. It marks the first real step forward in CLEvolution and the beginning of visible transformation at CLE.
The new Gold Lot will add 1,600 parking spaces to the airport campus and launch Phase 1 of CLEvolution, a long-term effort to modernize the airport experience, improve access and convenience, and position Cleveland Hopkins for future growth.
WHAT: Gold Lot Groundbreaking Ceremony and Launch of CLEvolution Phase 1
WHEN: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
TIME: 10 a.m.
WHERE: Site of the future Gold Lot adjacent to Concourse D
DIRECTIONS: Please see attached driving directions. Once on site, the media should follow event signage.
WATCH LIVE: The Gold Lot Groundbreaking Ceremony will be livestreamed on Wednesday, July 1, beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET.
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
The Groundbreaking Moment: Ceremonial shovels in the ground as CLE officially launches the first major milestone of CLEvolution
The Leaders: Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Airport Director Bryant Francis, airport leadership, and representatives from Paslay Group and Shook Construction
The Milestone: A major public step forward in the transformation of Cleveland Hopkins
The Renderings: A first look at the future Gold Lot and the broader vision for CLEvolution.
SPEAKERS:
Megan O’Connell, Assistant Director, Marketing, Communications and Guest Experience
Justin M. Bibb, Mayor, City of Cleveland
Bryant Francis, Director of Port Control
Charles J. Slife, Councilman, City of Cleveland
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
Justin M. Bibb, Mayor, City of Cleveland
Bryant Francis, Director of Port Control
MEDIA RSVP: Media wishing to attend should RSVP by Tuesday, June 30, at 5 p.m.
Media attending the event must present a valid driver’s license for security purposes.
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