Cavaliers Fan Fest, watch parties are playoff staples

Cleveland Cavaliers fans celebrate in Gateway Plaza in Cleveland after the Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors 93-89 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 19, 2016.
Cleveland Cavaliers fans celebrate in Gateway Plaza in Cleveland after the Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors 93-89 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 19, 2016. Associated Press file

By David Glasier, The News-Herald

A lone passerby takes a photo on the main stage of Cavs Fan Fest on Gateway Plaza on April 15, prior to Game 1 of the playoff series between the Cavs and Indiana Pacers. Rain forced cancellation of the event that day.
A lone passerby takes a photo on the main stage of Cavs Fan Fest on Gateway Plaza on April 15, prior to Game 1 of the playoff series between the Cavs and Indiana Pacers. Rain forced cancellation of the event that day. David S. Glasier — The News-Herald

Cavaliers vs. Pacers, First-Round schedule

Game 1: Pacers 98, Cavs 80 (Indiana leads, 1-0)

Game 2: April 18, at Quicken Loans Arena, 7 p.m.; TV-TNT

Game 3: April 20, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 7 p.m.; TV-ESPN

Game 4: April 22, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 8:30 p.m.; TV-TNT

Game 5: April 25, at Quicken Loans Arena; time, TV tba (if necessary)

Game 6: April 27, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse; time, TV tba (if necessary)

Game 7: April 29, at Quicken Loans Arena; time, TV tba (if necessary)

The mood was anything but festive for fans of the Cavaliers on April 15.

Inside Quicken Loans Arena, the Cavs were thoroughly out-played by the upstart Indiana Pacers, 96-80, in Game 1 of their Eastern Division playoff series.

In Gateway Plaza, steady rain and unseasonably cold temperatures forced postponement of Fan Fest.

Fan Fest is the event that unfolds outside the downtown arena at home playoff games. It’s free and features live music, outdoor basketball courts, food trucks, souvenir stands, video screens for watching the games and other entertainment elements for fans who either can’t afford or choose not to pay for game tickets.

These gatherings are generally well-attended and add a festive, communal feel to the overall Cavs playoff atmosphere.

During the three extended playoff runs since LeBron James returned to the Cavs for the 2014-15 season, the turnouts at Fan Fest have increased steadily as James and company have moved through the first round to the Eastern Conference semifinals and finals en route to three straight trips to the NBA Finals.

Attendees will part with money for parking, food and beverages and Cavs gear.

While the stage is set for another Fan Fest on April 18 in connection with Game 2, inclement weather again could rear its ugly head on both sides of the scheduled 7 p.m. tipoff. The forecast as of this writing calls for a daytime high of 46 with steadily decreasing temperatures and a high probability of rain-snow mix in the evening.

The weather, however, cannot put a damper on watch parties, the other fan-friendly element of Cavs’ playoff runs.

Taking place on days of road playoff games, watch parties are inside The Q. Fans watch game action on the arena’s “Humongotron” video board. Other game-like experiences are part of the total package, including food and beverages.

Watch parties are scheduled for Game 3 on April 20 (7 p.m.) and Game 4 on April 22 (8:30 p.m.).

Watch party admission is $5 for the first round. All proceeds are donated to Say Yes to Education and Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity. Tickets are available at www.cavs.com, the arena box office and at area Discount Drug Mart stores. The doors open 90 minutes before tipoff.

As with Fan Fest, attendance at watch parties grows the deeper the Cavs advance in the postseason.

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