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Quicken Loans Arena
Home of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Quicken Loans Arena, which was formerly known as Gund Arena, sits on the historic Cleveland's Central Market. This area was a residential neighborhood in the late 1800s until it was destroyed by fire in the 1940s. By 1990, the remaining structures were abandoned commercial buildings and parking lots. Many wondered if the area would ever be destroyed but what they did not know was the pending talks about a brand new stadium project. In 1984, a ballot was issued to construct a new stadium but voters rejected it.
Today, located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, sits a sport complex known as the "Gateway" complex. Inside, fans will find 28 acres made up of Quicken Loans Arena, Gateway Plaza and Jacobs Field. Plans for the new venue resurfaced in the early 1990's and hopes resumed where the previously rejected ones failed. Residents and fans one again had dreams of seeing the area rebuilt and once again become a hub of activity, as it once was 200 years ago.
Quicken Loans Arena is one of the most respected sports and entertainment venues in the nation. It's modern design combined with state of the art amenities, fan features and a variety of annual events combine to make it a real treat for spectators. From sports and concerts to family shows and events, Quicken Loans Arena truly offers the ultimate fan experience.
The facility was constructed under the architectural guidance of Ellerbe Becket and Robert P. Madison International. This teamwork lead to a unique arena that fails to fit inside of any cookie-cutter design. Why? It's simple. There is no other design quite like it. Quicken Loans Arena features a large bay window that measures 108 feet by 48 feet. The roof is a signature of the structural design and is the shape of the site rotated 90 degrees. The sweeping roof creates an illusion of movement.
In March 2005, the NBA approved a purchase of the Cleveland Cavaliers by Dan Gilbert, who is the current chairman and founder of Quicken Loans. The purchase was made from George Gund, who had owned the team since 1981. Upon completion of this transaction, new plans got underway to enhance the 10 year old facility into an improved fan experience. Home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Quicken Loans Arena is poised for the future with plans for improvements while maintaining the rich history of the city of Cleveland.
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