Clevelanders love their Cavaliers. This is evident with the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds they draw for every home game. If you’ve never been to Quicken Loans Arena (aka “The Q”) before, here are a few do’s and don’ts for attending a game.
Do: Buy your tickets in advance. Let’s face it: The Cavaliers are a hot ticket right now. If you’re expecting to walk up to the box office on game day and score a couple of seats, you might be in for a disappointment. Many games are already sold out this season. Cheaper seats in the upper deck are scarce, and seats in the lower level start at $63.
Don’t: Wear the enemy’s jersey. The Q is not the place to wear your Michael Jordan, Rasheed Wallace or Carlos Boozer jerseys. Unless you’re looking to start trouble, it’s best to leave the jerseys of these polarizing players in your closet. You won’t be heckled quite as bad as if you were wearing Ben Roethlisberger’s number at a Browns game, but it still won’t be pretty. Instead, check out the Cavs team shop and find something that shows your Cavaliers pride.
Do: Arrive early for pre-game introductions. This production is second to none in the NBA. The lights go out. The music gets loud. Then flames come shooting out of the Jumbotron! Ahmaad Crump, the arena MC, brings the crowd to a fever pitch as he introduces the starters one by one. And he always saves the best for last:
“At forward, from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, No. 23, LeBroooooooonnnnnn James!”
If you’re not pumped up to see some Cavaliers basketball after an intro like this, you might want to check yourself for a pulse.
Don’t: Be shy. Being part of the hometown crowd means that you can help the Cavs gain an edge. Stand up, cheer, scream like crazy. Show off some of your dance moves during the timeouts and you might even find yourself on the scoreboard for the whole arena to see. And if you find yourself in the section of the arena known as “Loudville,” you pretty much have to be loud. Cut loose and enjoy watching the finest team in the NBA.
Do: Check out some of the new dining experiences at the Q. Anyone familiar with Cleveland restaurants is familiar with the name Michael Symon. The Food Network star has expanded his operation to include Quicken Loans Arena. The B Spot offers burgers and brats with the Symon touch. Bar Symon in the club level offers signature dishes like pork pastrami and Symon fried chicken.
For those with a more traditional taste palate, the Q also offers food from Quaker Steak and Lube. Chow down on some wings while watching LeBron break down opposing defenses. There’s also the conventional array of nachos, hot dogs, pretzels and, of course, Joe Tait’s favorite, DiGiorno Pizza.
Don’t: Miss out on the post-game fun. Head right down the road to East Fourth Street, a bustling row of restaurants and bars that will be teeming with action after a game. There’s a fun post-game atmosphere (especially after a win) and great food as well.
Do: Hurry! There are only a limited number of home games left this season. This might be one of your last chances to see the greatest player to ever don a Cavaliers uniform. Tell your kids/grandkids/great-grandkids that you saw one of the most talented players of all time in person.
