CLEVELAND \u2014 Ten years ago today, Cleveland sports history changed forever.<\/p>\n
On June 19, 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers completed one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history.<\/p>\n
They defeated the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, ending Northeast Ohio\u2019s 52-year championship drought.<\/p>\n
Now, a decade later, the Cavaliers and the city are inviting fans to relive the unforgettable moment with a special celebration in downtown Cleveland starting at noon on Friday.<\/p>\n
The festivities center around the grand opening of the new \u201cMeet Me Here Plaza\u201d outside of Rocket Arena at the corner of East 4th Street and Huron Road.<\/p>\n
The newly unveiled public space features a full NBA-sized outdoor basketball court permanently dedicated to the Cavaliers\u2019 2016 championship team.<\/p>\n
The court includes several nods to some of the Cavs’ most iconic moments.<\/p>\n
It includes references to LeBron James\u2019 legendary chase-down block, Kyrie Irving\u2019s game-winning three-pointer and the team\u2019s championship run.<\/p>\n
A huge banner hangs over the court that reads “CLEVELAND, THIS IS FOR YOU” with all of the star players from that epic era.<\/p>\n
LeBron’s iconic phrase still brings a smile to so many fans.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s more than just a sports moment,\u201d said Chris Kaiser, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Rock Entertainment Group. \u201cIt\u2019s a moment in Cleveland culture and civic pride when people came together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officials say the plaza was designed to celebrate community, connection and the lasting impact of the championship on Cleveland.<\/p>\n
The event will feature food trucks, a beer garden, interactive activities, giveaways, free commemorative 10-year anniversary t-shirts, photo opportunities and a commercial-free replay of Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.<\/p>\n
The game replay will begin at 12:29 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to get as many Cavs fans together as possible to relive this moment,\u201d Kaiser said. \u201cPeople remember exactly where they were 10 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
For many Clevelanders, the memories are still so vivid and detailed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was hanging from the rafters at Punch Bowl Social,\u201d said Cleveland native and Cavaliers fan Nikki J. \u201cIt was the best night of our lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anthony Cannella remembers making a decision so many of us can relate to…(Some of us followed in his footsteps.)<\/p>\n
\u201cI was bartending at the time, and they were begging people to come into work,\u201d Cannella said. \u201cI said, \u2018No way.\u2019 I waited my whole life for this. I even called off work the next day. There wasn\u2019t enough money to miss that parade.\u201d<\/p>\n
Others say the championship represented something much larger than basketball.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt definitely brought hope back to your city,\u201d said Cavaliers fan Joel Peters.<\/p>\n
His wife, CeCe Peters, said, \u201cIt\u2019s historic. It put Cleveland back on the map.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Cavaliers became the first team in NBA Finals history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit and captured the city\u2019s first major professional sports championship since the 1964 Cleveland Browns.<\/p>\n
Fans are strongly encouraged to RSVP for the celebration. <\/p>\n