Trip Planner: Basketball in The Land

Cavaliers fans have been on quite a ride over the years. From crossed fingers (and lucky bow ties) at the NBA Draft Lottery to the joys of a curse-busting championship in 2016 — and, then, a quick reload fueled by savvy draft picks and one franchise-altering trade. Not surprisingly, Clevelanders stuck with the team through all the highs and lows. That’s just what we do.

Now, our Cavs are loaded with young talent and eager to leave their mark on the NBA. Gear up for 48 minutes of Donovan Mitchell breaking ankles, James Harden splashing threes and Evan Mobley wreaking havoc inside and out. Why not take the whole weekend and bring your hoop dreams to life in The Land?

Day One

Brunch

Tip off your basketball weekend at Lucky’s Cafe in Tremont for an authentically Cleveland start to the day. We’ll defer to Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on this one and recommend the cheddar scallion biscuits topped with scrambled eggs and sausage gravy. It’s a must.

Afternoon

The Cavs’ championship parade in 2016 was something else. Over a million fans packed downtown streets for a party that none of us will ever forget. At The Emily Roggenburk Shop in Crocker Park, pick out one of her stunning aerial photos of that historic day. Talk about a perfect souvenir to rekindle that championship feeling from a whole new angle.

Pregame

Stop by Great Lakes Brewing Co., which famously brewed up “The Wit Is Over”, a Belgian white beer that commemorates Cleveland’s miraculous comeback in the 2016 Finals. Originally called “Wit Till Next Year”, GLBC buried that old name for good after the Cavs’ title win. Today, grab a pint of “Easy Buckets Blonde”, the latest GLBC x Cavaliers collaboration.

Dinner

Be first through the doors at Rocket Arena to fully soak in the next level tech in the recently renovated arena. Don’t miss the Power Portal, an LED tunnel at the northwest entrance that welcomes fans with a unique mix of color, video and sound. Once you’ve picked your jaw up off the floor, beat feet up to Sauce the City in Loudville for one of the best chicken sandwiches in The Land. Don’t forget the Sweet Dete Sauce.

Game Time

No better place to catch the game than up with the diehards in Loudville. This area went from cramped to revamped — with more room, better sightlines and two of the arena’s new “Neighborhood” gathering spots. The new-look Cavs should score lots of points, so take your seat early and don’t miss a minute of the action.

Late Night

Take a victory lap — and tip back a few celebratory drinks — on East 4th Street after the final buzzer. Pick from Flannery’s Pub, Society Lounge or even The Corner Alley for the perfect nightcap to another Wine and Gold winner.

Day Two

Breakfast

Still recovering from last night? A trip to Goldie’s Donuts & Bakery or The Cleveland Bagel in Ohio City should do the trick. You can't go wrong with either. But our top recs as seasoned veterans of both are the decadent Sour Cream donut at Goldie's and a #2 with cheddar chive cream cheese at The Cleveland Bagel. Trust.

Morning

LeBron James plays in Philly these days, but he’s not forgotten here in The Land. Scope his impressive Size 16s from the NBA Finals at the Cleveland History Center. Those sneakers rank among our city’s top relics — a reminder of the Cavs storming back from 3-1 down to upend the Golden State Warriors a mere decade ago.

Lunch

Speaking of LeBron, the man loves a good taco. Have you seen his Taco Tuesday Instagram vids? We like where his head’s at. Hit up Barrio Tacos in the Gateway District downtown. The best part? You can choose from house specialties or build your own tacos and bowls, so you really can't lose.

Afternoon

Work off any pregame nerves at Pins Mechanical Co. in Ohio City. This hotspot offers a unique collection of games like duckpin bowling, pinball machines, foosball and indoor bocce courts. Plus, a wide selection of adult beverages to wet your whistle. Looking to get your "NBA Jam" on? The inclusion of beloved barcade 16-Bit means tons of classic arcade and console games are also on tap.

Evening

There aren’t a ton of back-to-backs on the NBA schedule anymore, so take advantage when they do pop up. Before tipoff, swing by Rocket Arena’s South Neighborhood for some pregame fuel at local faves like chef Karen Small's P St. Market Cafe or Pearl's Kitchen by Chef Tiwanna Scott-Williams. Or stop by the East Neighborhood for Symon’s Burger Joint, serving up local fave The Big Cleve Burger (with kielbasa) that’s basically like Cleveland in a bun. After that, let’s end the weekend with another Cavs dub.