Cleveland Cavaliers Celebrate Grand Opening of 2016 Championship Commemorative Basketball Court at Meet Me Here Plaza

CLEVELAND – On Friday, June 19, the Cleveland Cavaliers, in partnership with the City of Cleveland and Downtown Cleveland Inc., hosted the grand opening of the 2016 NBA Championship commemorative outdoor basketball court at Meet Me Here Plaza. Located across from Rocket Arena on Huron Road between East 4th Street and Ontario Street, the reimagined plaza features a new outdoor basketball court, walkways and seating designed to bring people together before, during and beyond Cavaliers game nights. Centered around the iconic “Meet Me Here” letters that have defined the corner of Ontario and Huron since 1994, the plaza reflects the Cavs’ ongoing commitment to wellness, recreation and community investment while serving as a year-round destination at the intersection of sports, entertainment and community. 

“As stewards of the Cavaliers, we’ve always felt a responsibility to deliver on and off the court for this community by creating moments that matter and memories that last a lifetime,” said Grant Gilbert, Cleveland Cavaliers Vice President of Business and Basketball Operations. “We’re proud to transform a community space in the heart of the city that honors our 2016 championship and serves as a hub where every generation of Cavs fans can create new shared experiences.” 

Grant Gilbert was joined by Rock Entertainment Group and Cleveland Cavaliers CEO Nic Barlage, former Cleveland Cavaliers General Manager David Griffin, Downtown Cleveland, Inc. President and CEO Michael Deemer, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, Cleveland City Councilman Richard Starr and local community members for the official ribbon cutting of the court at Meet Me Here Plaza. The ribbon cutting was followed by an on-court showcase by the Wheelchair Cavaliers presented by Cleveland Clinic, underscoring the Cavs commitment to inclusive health and wellness. 

"Great downtowns are built one great experience at a time. This investment creates a more vibrant, engaging and family-friendly environment that gives people another reason to choose downtown Cleveland for recreation, entertainment and connection,” said Michael Deemer, Downtown Cleveland, Inc. President and CEO. “Projects like this strengthen downtown's momentum and support the businesses that make this neighborhood special." 

The celebration continued with a free Championship Celebration that drew fans from across Northeast Ohio. The block party-style experience featured food trucks, a beer garden, on-court activities, giveaway items and 2016 NBA Championship-branded photo opportunities. Fans also enjoyed a full, commercial-free replay of Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, which concluded at 2:16 p.m., recreating the energy and emotion of the historic title-clinching win.  

For more information about the regular operations for the 2016 Championship Court at Meet Me Here Plaza, fans can visit Cavs.com/MeetMeHere.