Downtown Cleveland is gearing up for a full day of Cavaliers playoff action and NFL Draft buzz, with fans and businesses leaning into the sports-heavy schedule.

CLEVELAND — People began making their way downtown Thursday ahead of a full day of Cleveland sports action, with fans and businesses leaning into both the Cavaliers‘ playoff run and the NFL draft.

Throughout the day, fans balanced getting ready for both, checking in on the Cavs’ postseason push while also gearing up for the first round of the draft, where the Browns are scheduled to pick twice. At 7 p.m., The Clevelander Bar & Grill will open its doors one hour before tipoff of Game 3 between the Cavs and Raptors in Toronto, drawing patrons downtown for a watch party atmosphere.



This story continues below.

For some, being part of moments like this has become a tradition.

“I was down here in 2016 when we won the championship and every single year that we’ve been in playoffs, so I’m always down here during playoffs,” Austin Seifert told 3News.

That kind of consistency is exactly what businesses say they rely on during playoff runs: steady crowds and familiar faces. Owners say preparation for nights like this starts well before fans arrive.

“Staffing wise, we just have to make sure to be prepared for the crowds when they’re coming,” said Julia LaCastro, vice president of operations at Hungry Brands. “The difference between an event weekend and a non-event weekend can be pretty stark, so just making sure we’re stocked up and ready.”

Some businesses are also extending the experience beyond the games themselves, bringing in live bands, DJs, and additional entertainment before and after events to keep customers in the space longer. From both fans and businesses, the message is consistent: This is a big day for Cleveland sports.

The official Cavaliers watch party at The Clevelander begins at 7 p.m., while the team will also host a separate watch party Sunday at Shooters on the Water in the Flats for Game 4. Doors open at noon, with tipoff at 1 p.m.

Additionally, the Browns‘ official NFL draft party is taking place at Public Auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free for all attendees.