Cleveland Cavaliers play their home games just a short walk away from Progressive Field. More specifically, they play at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the centerpiece of the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex in Cleveland.
Even if parking could be a bit of a nightmare when there’s more than one team or multiple events taking place in the area, especially in October, watching the Cavs play at home is always a treat. Formerly known as Gund Arena and Quicken Loans Arena, this beautiful sports venue holds plenty of NBA history. Here, we’re going to let you know everything about it.
What Happened To Gund Arena?
Gund Arena, named after former Cleveland Cavaliers owner Gordon Gund after he acquired the naming rights of the arena, simply changed its name as the years went by. After 21 years, this building was known as Quicken Loans Arena until 2019 when it changed its name again.
Does Dan Gilbert own Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse?
No, Dan Gilbert is the co-founder of Quicken Loans and Rock Ventures and the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s also the owner of the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League and Cleveland Charge of the G-League.
How big is the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse?
After going through renovations, Rocket Morgage FieldHouse became an even bigger facility. Following a $185 million investment, the renovations increased the square footage of the venue from 95,380 sq. ft. to 152,970. Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse opened again with this renewed design in 2019.
How many seats are at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse?
Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse has a seating capacity of 19,432 for NBA games. It can accommodate 9,447 people for hockey games (expandable to 18,926). It has 2,000 club seats and 88 luxury suites and seating is divided into three levels with a main concourse and a complimentary concourse. The upper level for the top 200 level seating, the lower level for the team shop and team offices, and a middle level with an auxiliary gym.
When did Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse open?
Originally known as Gund Arena, this venue opened in 1994. Throughout its history, this site has hosted from National Basketball Association games to Arena Football League games, concerts, and countless events. It’s also gone through several major upgrades in the suites, locker room, and overall facilities.
Who owns the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse?
Rocket Morgage FieldHouse is owned by Gateway Economic Development Corporation. This venue, however, is self-operated. Its current tenants include the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lake Erie Monsters, and Cleveland State Vikings. It was also home to the Cleveland Gladiators, Cleveland Lumberjacks, Cleveland Rockers, Cleveland Barons, and Cleveland Crush.
What happened to the Cleveland Arena And Quicken Loans Arena?
The Cleveland Arena was a privately-funded multi-purpose arena in Ohio. It opened in 1937 and was the main venue in the city until 1974. However, it grew outdated and lacked proper parking space, so it was eventually replaced by the Richfield Coliseum and demolished in 1977.
That arena was their home for the next 20 years. It was owned by Gund Business Enterprises, Inc. and could host 20,273 fans for basketball games. The Cavaliers later moved to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, which continues to be their home.
Can you bring a bag to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse?
As it happens in every other arena around the world, fans can’t bring big bags to any game or basketball game, hockey game, or any of the other events in this venue. As of now, only purses, baby, or diaper bags will be permitted but will be subject to searches at all entrances.
Can you smoke at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse?
As it happens in every other arena, Rocket Morgage Fieldhouse is a 100% smoke-free arena. That applies to games, concerts, and all the events that take place at this facility, even if that will bother many fans. So, if you oughta smoke, do it at the parking lot!
Where is the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse located in Downtown Cleveland?
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is located at One Center Court, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 in downtown Cleveland. Given the urban development and constant detours in downtown Cleveland, arena officials encourage people to take the RTA, which can take them from all over Cuyahoga County by bus or rapid transit. The RTA offers over 8,000 parking spots over its stations.
Why did they tear down Richfield Coliseum?
Despite being a usual arena for concerts and every major event in the city, the site in which this facility was built wasn’t perfectly suited and lacked proper parking. It was located at a rural intersection between Interstate 271 and Ohio State Route 303, so traffic was often a major issue. Also, the building’s proximity to the lake-effect snow from Lake Erie made it tough for drivers during December and the winter. The need for a new arena was imminent.
What year was the Richfield Coliseum demolished?
Just like its predecessor, this building was also demolished. It had a somewhat short life, as it opened its doors on October 26, 1974, and closed on September 24, 1994. It was demolished between March and May of 1999.
Why is it called Cleveland Cavaliers?
As it happens with many franchises, the name was chosen by popular demand. In a competition sponsored by local newspaper The Plain Dealer; people chose it over “Presidents”, “Jays”, and “Foresters”.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Ups And Downs
The Cavs have been a bottom-feeding team for most of the years but they’ve also enjoyed some brief periods of big success. Here, we’re going to briefly walk you through the defining events of this popular franchise.
The Miracle Of Richfield
After a tough inaugural season and seven years of struggles, they finally finished with a 49–33 record, won the division title, and clinched their first playoff berth. However, they lost in the Conference Finals and were mostly irrelevant until the mid-80s.
The First Big 3
Long before James, Mark Price was considered their best player ever and for very good reasons. Next to Brad Daugherty and Larry Nance, and under Lenny Wilken’s tutelage, they were a perennial playoff team and even made it back to the Conference Finals. However. they could never take another step forward.
A Decade At The Bottom
Even though they had several prominent players like Andre Miller and Carlos Boozer, the franchise struggled to compete at the highest level. There wasn’t any playoff basketball at Quicken Loans Arena from 1998 to 2005.
The LeBron James Era
LeBron James was the reason why every single Cavs home game was always stacked. Drafted with the first pick in 2003, he was the most overhyped prospect in the NBA since Michael Jordan and it didn’t take him long to prove that he was worth all the expectations. He led the team to the Finals in just his fourth season in the Association but he couldn’t get past the Spurs. At Quicken Loans Arena, he blossomed as the best player in the world, but rifts with the front office and lack of playoff success sealed his departure.
The Decision
LeBron quickly went from hero to villain and became the most hated man in the city. He didn’t handle his free agency decision properly, even putting together an infamous “The Decision” show on ESPN to announce that he was taking his talents to Mami. Being the most prominent sports figure in the state, he left Quicken Loans Arena in despair and couldn’t even show his face at the site for years.
Post LeBron Struggles
LeBron’s departure was one of the most infamous events in this team’s history. The Cavaliers quickly went back to being bottom-feeders, although it paved the way for them to land Kyrie Irving, who immediately became a stalwart in the basketball world. While LeBron made 4 straight Finals, they failed to make the playoffs without him.
Homecoming And NBA Championship: LeBron Fulfills His Promise
LeBron James proved that basketball, like all sports, always gives you a chance to go full circle. After winning his first rings in Miami, The King decided to go back to the team that drafted them. He later fulfilled his lifelong promise of turning Cleveland into the ultimate basketball town, leading them to the Finals 3 years in a row and starring in one of the all-time greatest events in sports history: the 2016 NBA Finals.
Another Post-LeBron Hangover
After another rift with the front office, James decided to leave the team again and sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. This time, however, he was no longer a villain. In fact, people greet him from the parking lot and flood the arena every time he goes back home, either if it’s to play or to spend the December holidays with his family.
A Bright Future
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the most promising teams in the NBA right now. With Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Collin Sexton leading the way, they’re one of the few teams that have successfully built through the draft over the past couple of years. Even if the Cavaliers played near the bottom of the standings to reach this stage, it seems like they’re pretty close to becoming a contender again. So, if you’re ever near downtown Cleveland and want to witness some exciting game action, don’t hesitate to go to Flannery’s Pub, grab a beer or two, and then go watch the Cavs at the former Quicken Loans Arena!
