By now, most people know two Glenville High School students – Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster – created Superman more than 90 years ago. On Dec. 30, the Cleveland Monsters are expected to reveal new Superman-inspired jerseys to celebrate the city’s hometown hero during their last game of the year against the Toronto Marlies.
The event is sponsored by the Siegel & Shuster Society, launched by the creators’ family and fans of Clark Kent in 2007. So far, the society has led restoration projects on Siegel’s childhood home and set up displays around town, including the Cleveland Airport. Over the summer, the society unveiled brand new statues commemorating Superman and its creators in Downtown Cleveland.
Following the success of DC’s Superman film set in Cleveland, the “Year of Superman” continues with one last lap around the hockey rink. Next Tuesday, the Cleveland Monsters plan to unveil brand new Superman-inspired uniforms, showcase memorabilia and raffle items to raise money to keep celebrating Superman’s Cleveland connection.
“Today, Superman is Cleveland’s greatest export.”
“We as Rust Belters export culture to the rest of the world,” said Valentino Zullo. Zullo is also a professor at Ursuline College and co-director of the Rust Belt Humanities Lab.
At the game, attendees can expect giveaways, raffles, and other ways to engage with Superman’s legacy. The first 2,500 kids (ages 14 and under) to attend will receive a free cape, and if you buy your tickets here, you will receive a free pair of themed socks.
You can also expect appearances by Gary Kaplan, president of the Siegel & Shuster Society, plus a live drawing of the game by local artist Len Peralta. The special edition Superman jerseys are also available for purchase.
“It’s really full circle because [the] third partner in creating Superman was the city of Cleveland,” Zullo said.
Get tickets ($29 and up) to Superman Night with the Cleveland Monsters on Dec. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Rocket Arena in Downtown Cleveland.