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October 29, 2015WFNY on WWE: Out of Hell in a Cell, Into the Cena-less Unknown
October 29, 2015Rejoice: Cavaliers basketball is finally upon us. With the 2015-16 NBA preseason in the rearview mirror and all 30 NBA teams starting out undefeated, the city of Cleveland will soon begin its eight-month journey to what will hopefully provide the city with its first championship since 1964. The Big Three return with many familiar faces, but a few new ones which you will assuredly get used to throughout the year.
Last year’s opening night brought concerts and crowds the city of Cleveland sees but once or twice on a given year. (Shouts out to Kendrick Lamar!) But with the NBA’s fan experience being littered with moving pieces—both human and not-quite-so, we here at WFNY felt that we could help you navigate about what is sure to be one hell of an afternoon and evening when basketball returns to The Q for what will be a Championship or Bust season for the Wine and Gold.
When’s the game? Is it the actual opener?
Well, no. The Cavs will open up the NBA season on Tuesday, October 27 in Chicago where they face the very team they bounced out of the second round last spring. They’ll then head to Memphis on Wednesday night because the NBA schedule Gods obviously hate Cleveland and need them to endure a back-to-back on the road to start off their season. The home opener will take place Friday, October 30—coincidentally one year exactly from last season’s circus—when the Cavs play host to the Miami Heat. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m.
Will there be as much craziness as last season?
In short, no. But the team has a slew of things to keep fans busy the entire afternoon and into the evening. Remember those Fan Fests that took over the Gateway Plaza during the playoffs? That’s back for opening night, gates opening at 4 p.m. This year’s festivities will include: Live music; interactive basketball games and inflatables; performances by the Cavalier Girls, Scream Team and Q Spirit Squad; face, hair painting and temporary tattoos; a New Era Cap stand where fans can add a free commemorative Cavs patch to their New Era Cavs Caps1; and food, beer and beverages available for purchase, including favorite local food trucks Barrio (Barrio!), Swenson’s (Swenson’s!) and B&M BBQ.
What about Nike? Will they be back?
They certainly will. While the LeBron James banner is in place, Nike will be holding interactive events said to help fans “elevate and educate their game.” Last year, The Swoosh came armed with a 360-degree camera, allowing fans to do the chalk toss and the like.
What time will doors open? Last year was a madhouse and getting to my seat took lit’rally forever. Will I get to leave with any SWAG?
Doors are set to open at 5:30 p.m., or 90 minutes before tip. And yes, every fan in attendance will receive a wine-colored “CAVS” Opening Night T-shirt presented by Cleveland Clinic, designed to replicate the new 1980s-inspired wine “CAVS” uniforms the team will debut. You can find pictures of that here. Oh, and you’ll also be getting a schedule magnet as in years past.
You’ll definitely want to get to your seat on time, however, as the team will once again be using the 3-D court display and flames will undoubtedly be emerging from the Humongotron. The team is also touting a “special interactive moment,” so be on the ready.
Will there be anything new inside The Q?
You bet your sweet, jersey-wearing ass. There are a slew of new food items, including a Michael Symon milkshake cart (section 207) and an interactive beer vending machine (section 116), one very similar to what the Cleveland Indians rolled out in The Corner. The team is also rolling out additional technological enhancements, including 22 mobile phone charging stations, ensuring that those Vine, Instagram and Twitter uploads don’t wane as the game wears on.
There is also the “Q Social Zone” for those #LiveAtTheQ. Fans are encouraged to stop by the permanent state-of-the-art social media zone located in between sections 123 and 124 within The Q’s main concourse. The interactive zone displays are ripe with social content captured from fans at The Q and around the world. While you can’t use your cell phone at FirstEnergy Stadium, you can connect with International fans from The Q. (Shrug.)
What if you I don’t have a ticket?
Well you have a couple options because this is America after all. First would be visiting WFNY Tickets and picking up a seat on the secondary market. They start at $88 which is a fraction of what a seat cost a season ago. But if you just want to hang out, the Cavs have you covered. When the action tips off inside The Q, the plaza-housed Fan Fest will become an outdoor Cavs Watch Party with two giant video screens for fans to catch the game. If you’d rather catch the game at a local establishment, there are 40-plus locations that will be holding Official Watch Parties throughout Cleveland. For a complete list of participating locations, head to Cavs.com/WatchParty.
And after the game?
It’s a Friday night, my friend. Go wild. It’s Halloween Eve, so there will be plenty of folks all throughout downtown Cleveland. I recommend The new and improved Corner Alley on the corner of E. 4th and Euclid—just two blocks away from The Q. The place is gigantic, has a slew of televisions, and if the weather is nice, the garage doors should be open, making the space that much better.
One week until tipoff, you guys. In the words of Olivier, Are. You. Ready?
- Fans who purchase an adult or youth Cavs swingman jersey can purchase a select New Era Cavs snapback cap for only $5.00. [↩]
7 Comments
Going to be in St. Augustine for the home opener. Will have to find a place to watch…
Can’t wait for some basketball!!!
Work gave me club seats at halfcourt, holla if you need any pictures maybe I can take a few.
I personally can’t wait to hear the local team call the games. The one negative about going deep in the playoffs is that we’re stuck with national announcers.
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work meant for you to be serving drinks in the loge tonight, not watching the game.
Sorry Saggy, I must be getting moved to the front row!
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