Game Weekend
Rocket Arena’s glass exterior on a snowy night in downtown Cleveland, with signage showing its former name, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Cleveland Cavaliers

Rocket Arena

Cleveland, Ohio

A Cavaliers night at Rocket Arena, in Cleveland’s Gateway District.

Plan my tripJust find a hotel

The local take

An arena in the Gateway District, next to East 4th Street’s pubs and a covered walk from Public Square, with museums and Little Italy a train ride east.

Most Cavaliers home games tip off at 7 or 7:30 p.m. Eastern, and most fall on weeknights, so plan for a game night as well as a weekend. Some games, mostly on weekends and holidays, start between noon and 6 p.m., and a few start at 8 p.m., so check your game’s tip-off time. Doors open 75 minutes before tip-off Monday to Thursday and 90 minutes before Friday to Sunday.

Rocket Arena

Your Cleveland weekend

Pick your game, then your hotel, food and things to do, or let a quick start choose them with you.

Which game are you going to?

Cleveland Cavaliers

Exploring the weekend before choosing a game. Dates stay open.

Find your places.

Find your stay, your local pub, and everything around the game.

Each one picks a hotel and food that work together. Change anything below.

My weekend

7 hotels

Cleveland places

HotelSuggested

Downtown (Public Square, East 4th and East 9th) · 0.34 mi from the arena

A hotel on Public Square since 1918. The hotel says it’s connected to Tower City Center, where the enclosed walkway to the arena starts, and steps from Rocket Arena.

The hotel says it’s connected to Tower City Center and steps from Rocket Arena, so there’s no car, train or parking to plan on a game night, and the enclosed walkway keeps you out of traffic and the weather. For Cavaliers games the walkway opens four hours before tip-off, and the arena says it stays open three hours after the game.

  • Fees not published here
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: The hotel site publishes no parking details, so check before you bring a car.

On game day: Downtown stay: walk to the arena. For Cavaliers games the Tower City walkway opens four hours before tip-off, and the arena says it stays open three hours after the game.

24 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113

0.34 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Hotel Cleveland, Autograph CollectionOfficial details for Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection
We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.
Hotel

Downtown (Public Square, East 4th and East 9th) · 0.24 mi from the arena

A downtown hotel on East 9th Street with Betts restaurant on site. The hotel’s own area map puts East 4th Street half a mile away.

  • Valet $55 + tax per night
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: Parking is 24-hour valet at a nightly charge.

On game day: Downtown stay: walk to the arena. For Cavaliers games the Tower City walkway opens four hours before tip-off, and the arena says it stays open three hours after the game.

2000 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44115

0.24 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Kimpton Schofield HotelOfficial details for Kimpton Schofield Hotel
We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.
Hotel

Downtown (Public Square, East 4th and East 9th) · 0.32 mi from the arena

A luxury hotel downtown, listed on the arena’s own nearby-hotels page, with TURN Bar + Kitchen in the lobby.

  • Overnight valet $60 per day
  • No airport shuttle
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: Parking is valet, at a daily charge, and the hotel runs no airport shuttle. You must be 21 to check in.

On game day: Downtown stay: walk to the arena. For Cavaliers games the Tower City walkway opens four hours before tip-off, and the arena says it stays open three hours after the game.

1515 West Third Street, Cleveland, OH 44113

0.32 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for The Ritz-Carlton, ClevelandOfficial details for The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.
Hotel

Downtown (Public Square, East 4th and East 9th) · 0.42 mi from the arena

A downtown hotel in a restored historic building next to the Cleveland Public Library, with a free hot breakfast and the free 5:30 Kickback. The hotel lists the arena, under its former name, as within walking distance.

  • Valet $40 + tax per night
  • Free hot breakfast
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: Parking is valet only, at a nightly charge. The walking distance is the hotel’s own description.

On game day: Downtown stay: walk to the arena. For Cavaliers games the Tower City walkway opens four hours before tip-off, and the arena says it stays open three hours after the game.

1380 East 6th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114

0.42 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland DowntownOfficial details for Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown
We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.
Hotel

University Circle and Little Italy (Red Line) · 4.3 mi from the arena

A historic converted mansion in University Circle, near Case Western Reserve University, with a complimentary breakfast buffet. The hotel lists the Cleveland Museum of Art among the sights a short walk away.

  • Parking $15 per night
  • Complimentary breakfast buffet
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: It’s a Red Line ride and a walk through Tower City to reach the arena. The hotel charges every registered guest for parking.

On game day: University Circle stay: ride the Red Line west to Tower City and take the enclosed walkway to the arena lobby.

1901 Ford Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106

4.3 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Glidden HouseOfficial details for Glidden House
We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.
Hotel

CLE airport and the western suburbs · 7.1 mi from the arena

A full-service airport hotel with a free airport shuttle from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and the CLE Legends restaurant on site.

  • Free CLE shuttle 7 a.m.–11 p.m.
  • Paid parking
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: The shuttle serves the airport, not the arena, so you ride the Red Line from there. The 11 p.m. last shuttle can come before you’re back from a 7 p.m. game. Parking is paid, and the rate isn’t published.

On game day: Airport stay: get to the airport’s Red Line station and ride to Tower City, then take the walkway to the arena. If you drive, reserve arena parking ahead; prices vary by event.

4277 West 150th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135

7.1 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Wyndham Cleveland AirportOfficial details for Wyndham Cleveland Airport
We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.
Hotel

CLE airport and the western suburbs · 12.6 mi from the arena

A hotel off I-480 across from Great Northern Mall, with free hot breakfast, free on-site parking and an indoor pool.

  • CLE shuttle Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Free on-site parking
  • Free hot breakfast
Check rooms
Details

Keep in mind: The airport shuttle runs only on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., so on a weekend or after a night game you arrange your own ride to the Red Line or downtown.

On game day: Airport stay: get to the airport’s Red Line station and ride to Tower City, then take the walkway to the arena. If you drive, reserve arena parking ahead; prices vary by event.

25105 Country Club Boulevard, North Olmsted, OH 44070

12.6 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland Airport WestOfficial details for La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cleveland Airport West
We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.

Your weekend

2 adults, 1 room
Stay
Not chosen
Food
None chosen
Do

Choose a hotel first

Travel & full itinerary

The full plan, stop by stop

2 adults · 1 room

Choose a hotel to plan travel.

Your home base

No hotel chosen yet

Your hotel sets the area, both arena journeys and the travel between your stops.

Nothing is in your plan until you choose it. A quick start above the list can choose one for you.

Make time for a good meal

Food for the weekend

Compare and choose food

No food picks yet. Add places in the comparison above when you’re ready.

Check opening hours for your dates and reserve directly where needed.

The reason for the trip

Rocket Arena

Pick your game when you’re ready.

Nights open · 2 adults, 1 room

A different hotel?

Your arena travel updates to match. Any food you picked yourself stays.

Get to know the areas

Downtown (Public Square, East 4th and East 9th)Walking to the game and back

Stay in the downtown core and walk to the arena, or take the enclosed walkway from Tower City.

East 4th Street’s pubs and restaurants, Public Square and Progressive Field next door

To the arena
Walk to Rocket Arena at 1 Center Court in the Gateway District, or from Public Square walk through Tower City Center and along the enclosed walkway to the arena lobby.
After the game
Walk back with the crowd, or take the walkway back to Tower City while it’s open.
The tradeoff
Downtown hotels publish valet parking only, at a nightly charge, and Hotel Cleveland publishes no parking details.

Hotels in this area

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.
University Circle and Little Italy (Red Line)Museums, food and a quieter night

Stay among the museums, Case Western Reserve University and Little Italy, and ride the Red Line to Tower City.

Museums, the university campus and Little Italy’s bakeries and restaurants

To the arena
Board the Red Line at Little Italy–University Circle or Cedar–University, ride to Tower City and walk the enclosed walkway to the arena.
After the game
Walk back through the walkway to Tower City and board an eastbound Red Line train. RTA says Red Line service runs until after midnight.
The tradeoff
It’s a train ride each way, plus the walk from Tower City to the arena.

Hotels in this area

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.
CLE airport and the western suburbsEarly flights and a cheaper base

Stay near Cleveland Hopkins airport and ride the Red Line to Tower City, or drive in and park by the arena.

Airport hotels off I-71 and I-480

To the arena
Take the hotel shuttle to CLE, where the Red Line station is on the terminal’s lower level, ride to Tower City in under 30 minutes and walk the enclosed walkway to the arena.
After the game
Walk back through the walkway to Tower City and take a westbound Red Line train to the airport. Check your hotel shuttle’s last run before you rely on it.
The tradeoff
Hotel shuttles serve the airport, not downtown or the arena, and shuttle hours vary by hotel.

Hotels in this area

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.

Upcoming games at Rocket Arena

Visiting with the away team? Each game has its own page.

To the game and back

Choose a route from the area you’re staying in.

From Public Square through the Tower City walkwayDowntown (Public Square, East 4th and East 9th)walk
Getting there
Walk into Tower City Center from Public Square and follow the enclosed walkway from the food court to the arena lobby. For Cavaliers games it opens four hours before tip-off.
Getting back
Walk back through the walkway to Tower City. The arena says it stays open three hours after a Cavaliers game ends; RTA’s sports page gives 90 minutes after an event, so don’t count on the longer window.

The walkway keeps event hours only. Doors open 75 minutes before tip-off Monday to Thursday and 90 minutes before Friday to Sunday, and once you leave the building you can’t go back in.

Route information
From East 4th and East 9th on footDowntown (Public Square, East 4th and East 9th)walk
Getting there
Walk through the Gateway District to Rocket Arena at 1 Center Court. East 4th Street, with its pubs and restaurants, is in the same district as the arena.
Getting back
Walk back to your hotel with the crowd, or stop on East 4th Street on the way.

Backpacks of any size aren’t allowed, and bags are limited to 14 × 14 × 6 inches. The arena lists lane restrictions on Huron Road and Ontario Street through mid-November.

Route information
From University Circle on the Red LineUniversity Circle and Little Italy (Red Line)transit
Getting there
Ride RTA’s Red Line west from Little Italy–University Circle or Cedar–University to Tower City, then walk the enclosed walkway to the arena lobby.
Getting back
Walk back through the walkway to Tower City and board an eastbound Red Line train. RTA says Red Line service runs until after midnight.

A one-way fare is $2.50; a $5 all-day pass is good for unlimited rides until 3 a.m. the next day. RTA notes that its sports-page service times are general and can change at the last minute.

Route information
From CLE airport on the Red LineCLE airport and the western suburbstransit
Getting there
Get to the airport (the Wyndham’s free shuttle runs 7 a.m.–11 p.m.), take the Red Line from the station on the terminal’s lower level to Tower City in under 30 minutes, then walk the enclosed walkway to the arena.
Getting back
Walk back through the walkway to Tower City and take a westbound Red Line train to the airport. RTA says Red Line service runs until after midnight.

Hotel shuttles serve the terminal only; check your hotel’s last shuttle before you plan the ride back after a night game.

Route information
From the airport area by carCLE airport and the western suburbsdrive
Getting there
Drive downtown and park in the Great Day Improvements Garage (formerly Gateway East Garage), which has a bridge from Level 3 into the arena, or the JACK Cleveland Casino Garage, the arena’s other on-site garage. The arena recommends reserving a spot in advance and sells prepaid passes through SeatGeek for select events.
Getting back
Walk back to the garage and drive out.

Event parking prices vary by event, and the arena lists no fixed rate. You need an event ticket to use the garage bridge. The arena lists a closure of the eastbound I-90 exit ramp to E. 9th Street through late October.

Route information

At Rocket Arena

Door times — Cavaliers

Doors open 75 minutes before tip-off Monday to Thursday, with the Atrium doors 90 minutes before. Friday to Sunday, doors open 90 minutes before tip-off and the Atrium doors two hours before.

Arena information
Bags

Bags and purses up to 14 × 14 × 6 inches are allowed if they fit under your seat. Backpacks of any size aren’t. Clear bags are still searched, and bags larger than 6 × 9 × 1 inches, including diaper bags, go through the X-ray lane.

Arena information
Cashless arena

Cash isn’t accepted anywhere inside. Pay by debit or credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Five reverse ATMs inside exchange cash for a gift card.

Arena information
No re-entry, no outside food

Once you leave the building during an event, you can’t come back in; the arena makes exceptions for medical reasons and emergencies. Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, except for medical needs, baby food and reasonable snacks for children.

Arena information
Tower City walkway and trains

An enclosed walkway runs from the Tower City food court to the arena lobby. For Cavaliers games it opens four hours before tip-off. The arena says it stays open three hours after the game; RTA’s sports page gives 90 minutes after an event. The Red, Blue and Green lines all reach Tower City.

Arena information
Parking at the arena

The Great Day Improvements Garage and JACK Cleveland Casino Garage hold 3,300 cars between them. Event prices vary by event, and the arena recommends reserving a spot in advance; it sells prepaid passes through SeatGeek for select events. RTA offers more than 7,000 free parking spaces at its rail stations if you’d rather ride in.

Arena information
From CLE airport by train

RTA’s Red Line runs from the station on the airport terminal’s lower level to Tower City downtown in under 30 minutes, with trains every 15 minutes for most of the day.

Arena information

Find your game & tickets

Use the team schedule for home dates and tip-off times.

Cleveland Cavaliers schedule

Useful things to know

Can I take the train to a Cavaliers game?

Yes. Ride the Red, Blue or Green line to Tower City and walk the enclosed walkway to the arena lobby; for Cavaliers games it opens four hours before tip-off. RTA says Red and Blue line service runs until after midnight, and the last eastbound Green Line train leaves Tower City at midnight.

Can I bring a backpack?

No. Backpacks of any size aren’t allowed. Bags and purses up to 14 × 14 × 6 inches that fit under your seat are, and clear bags are still searched.

Can I pay with cash inside?

No. Rocket Arena is cashless. Use a debit or credit card or a mobile wallet, or turn cash into a gift card at one of the five reverse ATMs inside.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes. Strollers are allowed; store a fold-up stroller under your seat.

Is there a rideshare pickup zone?

The arena names Lyft as its official rideshare partner but doesn’t publish a pickup or drop-off zone.

Other guides in Cleveland