Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica Information

Owned by Nautica Entertainment Complex and located on the west bank of The Flats in Cleveland, Ohio, Jacob’s Pavilion was built to bring the biggest names in music and comedy to Cleveland, and first opened in 1987.

Originally known as Nautica Pavilion, the open-air amphitheater has gone through some changes over the years, and was renamed as Scene Pavilion in 2003, The Plain Dealer Pavilion in 2006, back to Nautica Pavilion in 2009 and, finally, its current name was adopted in March 2011.

No matter the name, this incredible venue continues to pull in millions of visitors year after year, with incredible and diverse acts on the bill, including Megadeth, Meek Mill, Third Eye Blind, Idina Menzel, Rancid, the Goo Goo Dolls and Die Antwoord in 2017 alone! Catering to an enormous range of music tastes, Jacobs Pavilion has something for everyone, and no-one can resist the stunning vies of the Cuyahogs River and the twinkling lights of downtown Cleveland – what a magical way to spend a summer evening!

History of Jacobs Pavilion 

Jacobs Pavilion has been around for a number of years, acting as a premier music location in the state of Ohio. It was first opened in 1987 as a venue for live music and a variety of events. Originally called the Nautica Pavilion, the Pavilion went under a number of renovations.

The Nautica Entertainment Complex is an area that was opened in 1994, encompassing several key attractions – including Jacobs Pavilion. This complex was designed to serve as an entertainment district, combining live music, dining, and scenic experiences to draw visitors to Cleveland’s waterfront. 

In many ways, the Nautica Waterfront District was a sign of the broader renovations of the Cleveland lakefront area. Since it was first opened, it has helped to increase residential and commercial growth. It is now a popular spot with many cultural landmarks, which includes Jacobs Pavilion. 

In 2003, the Pavilion was renovated to add a large canopy. After this, it was called “The Plain Dealer Pavilion” from 2006-2009, after which it went back to the original Nautica Pavilion name.

Its current name, The Jacobs Pavilion, was chosen in 2011 and has remained until this day. Today, it is owned by Nautica Entertainment Complex, as part of the wider Nautica area in Downtown Cleveland.