CANTON, Ohio – There’s nothing like a cold beer after a round of golf. Or a game of soccer. Or throwing around the football. Or shooting at the net in hockey. Or firing a dodgeball. Or playing zombie tag.
Zombie tag?
At Brew Kettle with Topgolf Swing Suite – which opens at 11 a.m. today, Saturday, May 27, at Hall of Fame Village Fan Engagement Zone – you can do all of those things. And then have dinner and drinks.
It’s the latest opening at the Hall of Fame Village, which keeps expanding its entertainment and dining offerings.
Six interactive bays – three upstairs, three downstairs – cover all the aforementioned sports. Shoot against a goalie, drive from a fairway, toss a perfect spiral. And yes, you can even play zombie tag. Bays can accommodate four to six people.
A rooftop patio holds more than a dozen tables, two fire pits and couches, but the real draw is the vantage of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Almost the entire field can be seen. (Before you get excited about watching a game or concert for free, the space will be rented for big events.)
With televisions hanging everywhere – in front of bays, over the bar and all around – the space covers 6,500 square feet inside and 2,000 on the upper-deck patio. A covered small patio outside the front entrance also is available.
Two dozen beers are on draft along with guest beers and full food menu, including burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and more.
“This was so much work,” Brew Kettle owner Bryan Weber said, though pleased with the outcome that involved battling supply-chain issues and other challenges. “Everything is made from scratch.”
He’s also talking about the structure: Wood for the bars and railings comes from a Civil War captain’s house and is 227 years old, he said.
Inside it’s a comfortable place to relax or play or do both. Outside the village boasts a Ferris wheel and zip line (holdovers from the International Exposition Center), “sip ‘n stretch” yoga, music and other activities, said John Lytell, Hall of Fame Village public relations director. Spike It, a coaster-drop ride, is coming this summer. It’s billed as a 40-foot-tall drop tower ride that emulates the classic touchdown celebration.
As Lytell says, the main goal in the Hall of Fame Village is to “flatten the seasonality.” Translated: There’s more for visitors to check out other than just the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum or the annual enshrinement week.
And the folks at the village are not done growing. A football-themed waterpark and hotel are under way.
“Even a one-night stay will have a significant impact on the area,” Lytell said.
Local and regional companies – like Pizza Oven, Heggy’s Nut Shop and the Brew Kettle – are featured. Don Shula’s American Kitchen opened this year. And there’s more to come. Former NFL player Donald Driver is set to open a gym and training academy for everyone from middle-school kids to professional athletes.
For now, the Brew Kettle is content to pour craft beer to thirsty sports enthusiasts.
“This was well over a year in the making,” said Weber, citing the teamwork it took to get the doors open. “I’m extremely proud of it. All the people involved are like family to me.”
More info: Brew Kettle with Topgolf Swing Suite
Location: 2018 Champions Gateway Suite 101, Canton. It’s 56 miles from downtown Cleveland.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Parking: Free, in the nearby “Honor” and “Respect” lots.
Related coverage
Heggy’s Nut Shop going into HOF Village
Don Shula’s American Kitchen open at HOF Village (photos)
Ground broken on waterpark for Hall of Fame Village in Canton
Pizza Oven being added to Hall of Fame Village
Like beer? Check out GiveThemBeer for gifts for beer lovers. The company offers craft-beer baskets, seasonal selections and more.
I am on cleveland.com’s life and culture team and cover food, beer, wine and sports-related topics. If you want to see my stories, here’s a directory on cleveland.com. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursday morning. Twitter: @mbona30.
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