CLEVELAND — The NBA season officially gets underway Tuesday night. The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to build on a 64-win campaign a year ago, starting Wednesday in New York against the Knicks.
What You Need To Know
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ home opener at Rocket Arena is set for Sunday, October 26, against the Milwaukee Bucks
A “classic edition” jersey celebrating the franchise’s 55th season will be worn by the team nine times this season, and fans can shop a related collection in the team shop
New food items from local vendors and concession stands serving Swenson’s and Insomnia Cookies will be at Rocket Arena
Cleveland’s home opener is set for Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks, and fans have plenty to look forward to.
To help fans look the part, the Cavaliers organization is offering some new merchandise in the team shop, including the long-awaited return of a classic uniform.
“It takes some nods from past jerseys,” Cleveland Cavaliers’ Director of Retail Marketing Amy Armstrong said. “The striping on the neck and arms shows off the Miracle at Richfield time frame and also our mid-2000s word mark right on the front. We’ve been talking to fans for years, and every time, they’re like, ‘This is the one we want.’”
The 2025-2026 Classic Edition uniforms celebrate the franchise’s 55th season. Fans can shop a collection of ‘classic edition’ merchandise and a new ‘pro standard collection’ at games this year.
Checking out at Center Court is also easier than ever before thanks to a new advanced checkout system.
“The new process will cut your time in half, so you’re not waiting in line and you can get back to the game,” said Armstrong.
Fans should also bring their appetites to games this season with several new food offerings from local vendors. Chef Tiwanna Scott-Williams’ Catfish Po’ Boy from Pearl’s Kitchen, a fungi pizza from chef Matt Mytro of Flour, chef Karen Small’s Autumn Harvest salad, and quesadillas from Chef Rocco Whalen are a few of the menu highlights.
“We like to keep it fresh,” said Adam Zann, the general manager of Aramark at Rocket Arena. “We want to make sure that we have a really good variety. We do everything we can to stay authentic to these brands and really bring them to life.”
Zann said there will also be new concession stands with meals and desserts from fan-favorite spots in northeast Ohio.
“As most everyone knows, Swenson’s, a really great regional brand around here; they will have two concourse locations,” said Zann. “Insomnia Cookies, which is a very fast-growing dessert partner out there. We’re very excited to bring their lineup of cookies and ice cream into the arena as well.”
While the Cavaliers’ players are hoping to provide some jaw-dropping moments on the court this season as they chase a championship, Cavaliers’ Senior Director of Integrated Marketing Aly Ambrookian said they’re hoping to provide a game day experience that anyone can enjoy.
“Creating that home-court advantage here at Rocket Arena is super important,” Ambrookian said. “Making sure every fan feels welcome as they walk through the door and having an experience to cheer on the team and also enjoy everything the arena has to offer. That’s really what it’s all about.”