I love the Cavs and watch every game. But in the end, it's just sports.

 

Right, it's just sports, but without a winning Cavaliers franchise, the city loses 41+ nights a year when 20,000+ people, many of them from out-of-town, head downtown to spend their entertainment dollars.  It's just sports, but it has a significant economic impact.

I second SFBob and although I am a huge Cleveland sports team supporter, player of many in my lifetime.........I am sitting in a Sydney medical office awaiting my girlfriend to finish work..... and was talking with others on break in this office---who asked about where I was from---about just how much people in N.E. Ohio seem to think sports is what solely defines us.

 

I showed them some of the posts and even as sports crazy as Sydney is with AFL, RU, And RL (Rugby).... they are laughing at the ideology that is presented in a couple of these recent posts that demonstrates how in general, many locals in Cleveland center the city's whole existence and well being/mental state of mind around the the success or non-success of their sports teams---and the idea that somehow we should build our economy around them, or it IS built around them......and Mr. James, or that so much of our economy's success/failure DOES ride on how good or not good they are..bla..bla...bla!

 

I have to laugh too and say that the idea that sports makes or breaks our economy and somehow determines if we are  great city is only going to make us a non-dynamic city. If this is true, that we really do ride so much of our city's success and life's happiness on sports...... then I strongly suggest we really look at the many other aspects that can/should/do make a city great--and what we have that makes us special. Diversify, re-invent and not be a one trick pony in our thinking---or type cast ourselves as a shot, beer, mill, and sports only town. You get what you aspire to be. If you think like average Joe's than you will be average Joe. If you wonder why people look at you as mediocre or average...then quit thinking like that and set down the nachos and turn off the tv and listen up.....

 

If we are depending on the likes of sports teams to make or break the economy, Or simply just to DEFINE who we are...make/break our spirits, etc...then that is really pathetic and wreaks of mediocrity. I know you're all smarter than this and better than that. C'mon folks! It really is laughable because Cleveland is sooooo much more than sports. People who live in Cleveland N.E. Ohio really take for granted all it can offer besides LeBron James. Personally, I am someone who would rather lose a sports team than something like the Museum of Art, great park system, quality of our lake's health....or anything of historical value.

 

Let's find other ways and means to generate revenue...and quit making LeBron James your economic cash cow because by doing so, we set ourselves up for disappointment if he chooses not to remain loyal. Then we will be scurrying around looking for the next such figure to bank our hopes on and let with the mentality that says.. "I cannot be happy..and Cleveland will never BE, until we win whatever" In the meantime life is passing us by....

 

Maybe we need to discover that there is far more to life than sitting on our asses getting fat as a spectator and watching sports. There IS life before...AND after sports. Sorry, I had to slaughter a sacred cow. Anyway, you did make some people in Sydney chuckle! Don't worry, I've got your backs!

 

Speaking of sitting on butts.. I better get off mine! Sorry for the long rant, but can't do much but wait in the office at the moment.  :-o

 

Go Cavaliers!

I love the Cavs and watch every game. But in the end, it's just sports.

 

Right, it's just sports, but without a winning Cavaliers franchise, the city loses 41+ nights a year when 20,000+ people, many of them from out-of-town, head downtown to spend their entertainment dollars.  It's just sports, but it has a significant economic impact.

 

Yes...it's just sports, but it's also a major corporation (3 of them) operating right downtown.  I just sold my Celtics/Cavs tickets Sunday for $200 ($55 face value) to some guy from New Jersey.  I doubt that guy is coming to Cleveland this weekend if the Cavs stink.

I would venture to guess that fan-crazy Indians' seasons generate much, much more revenue than the Cavs games do.  Obviously, there are twice as many home games and the stadium hold twice as many fans.... but you also have to consider that the Indians bring fans downtown during a time of the year that, when the game is over, they are not necessarily running for the parking garages to get in their car and head back to the 'burbs.  Just look at how packed 4th Street is leading before and after Indians games.  So... any economic impact the Cavs have on downtown can easily be replaced with a winning baseball team like we had in the 1990's where the stadium sells out every game.

I second SFBob and although I am a huge Cleveland sports team supporter, player of many in my lifetime.........I am sitting in a Sydney medical office awaiting my girlfriend to finish work..... and was talking with others on break in this office---who asked about where I was from---about just how much people in N.E. Ohio seem to think sports is what solely defines us.

 

I showed them some of the posts and even as sports crazy as Sydney is with AFL, RU, And RL (Rugby).... they are laughing at the ideology that is presented in a couple of these recent posts that demonstrates how in general, many locals in Cleveland center the city's whole existence and well being/mental state of mind around the the success or non-success of their sports teams---and the idea that somehow we should build our economy around them, or it IS built around them......and Mr. James, or that so much of our economy's success/failure DOES ride on how good or not good they are..bla..bla...bla!

 

I have to laugh too and say that the idea that sports makes or breaks our economy and somehow determines if we are  great city is only going to make us a non-dynamic city. If this is true, that we really do ride so much of our city's success and life's happiness on sports...... then I strongly suggest we really look at the many other aspects that can/should/do make a city great--and what we have that makes us special. Diversify, re-invent and not be a one trick pony in our thinking---or type cast ourselves as a shot, beer, mill, and sports only town. You get what you aspire to be. If you think like average Joe's than you will be average Joe. If you wonder why people look at you as mediocre or average...then quit thinking like that and set down the nachos and turn off the tv and listen up.....

 

If we are depending on the likes of sports teams to make or break the economy, Or simply just to DEFINE who we are...make/break our spirits, etc...then that is really pathetic and wreaks of mediocrity. I know you're all smarter than this and better than that. C'mon folks! It really is laughable because Cleveland is sooooo much more than sports. People who live in Cleveland N.E. Ohio really take for granted all it can offer besides LeBron James. Personally, I am someone who would rather lose a sports team than something like the Museum of Art, great park system, quality of our lake's health....or anything of historical value.

 

Let's find other ways and means to generate revenue...and quit making LeBron James your economic cash cow because by doing so, we set ourselves up for disappointment if he chooses not to remain loyal. Then we will be scurrying around looking for the next such figure to bank our hopes on and let with the mentality that says.. "I cannot be happy..and Cleveland will never BE, until we win whatever" In the meantime life is passing us by....

 

Maybe we need to discover that there is far more to life than sitting on our asses getting fat as a spectator and watching sports. There IS life before...AND after sports. Sorry, I had to slaughter a sacred cow. Anyway, you did make some people in Sydney chuckle! Don't worry, I've got your backs!

 

Speaking of sitting on butts.. I better get off mine! Sorry for the long rant, but can't do much but wait in the office at the moment.  :-o

 

Go Cavaliers!

 

It's reality.  Your view of things is a way too simplistic.  It's not just a Cleveland phenomenon, sports is important to Americans in cities from coast-to-coast.

 

I'm not saying that the economy is built around the Cavaliers.  I'm saying that their success brings a tangible economic benefit to downtown.  That's a reality, not some joke.

 

I'm glad that you've evolved to the point where you've gotten past caring about sports teams.  Congratulations, perhaps now you can let the rest of us unenlightened folks enjoy the games without tossing around insults?

 

:roll:

 

I would venture to guess that fan-crazy Indians' seasons generate much, much more revenue than the Cavs games do. Obviously, there are twice as many home games and the stadium hold twice as many fans.... but you also have to consider that the Indians bring fans downtown during a time of the year that, when the game is over, they are not necessarily running for the parking garages to get in their car and head back to the 'burbs. Just look at how packed 4th Street is leading before and after Indians games. So... any economic impact the Cavs have on downtown can easily be replaced with a winning baseball team like we had in the 1990's where the stadium sells out every game.

 

That's right, and that thought crossed my mind, but all things considered, it is much easier to build a winning basketball team than to build a winning baseball club.  I remember how fun downtown was during the summer of 2007, but it's probably going to be a while before we experience that again.  And the type of winning that we had during late 1990s?  Forget it, we'll be lucky if that happens again in our lifetime.  The Tribe's owner is a tightwad competing in a sports league that has almost no rules about payroll spending.

^ ugh, unfortunately the tribe's owner is a tightwad because he is on the low end of the pecking order for where the family sports team money goes, so the tribe is going to continue to suffer for $$ under the dolan reign.  :whip:

 

i think the only thing that might influence lebron to go to ny starts with a j and ends with a z --> barclay arena in bklyn broke ground yesterday. :roll:  well ok realistically i do wonder that if the nets/knicks sign a marquee player like wade, etc first if that would influence him at the last minute? i think if even if they do that he'd be nuts to go -- aww who knows?!!  :-P we'll find out when the time comes.

 

i just get kinda sick sometimes thinking about the rich ex-clevelanders, who basically own all of nyc sports teams (steinbrenners, dolans, ratners), playing such a part in cle sport team worries and struggles -- the turncoats!!  :whip:

 

I couldn't believe how quiet the game against Philadelphia was... you could hear crickets in that arena.  You could hear the same handful of people yelling some things and each ball that hit the rim let out a loud thunk.

It got pretty loud every time Lebron threw one down. 

We missed 17 free throws and still beat the Celtics by 11 today at the Q :)

We missed 17 free throws and still beat the Celtics by 11 today at the Q :)

 

Yeah, missing 17 free throws is scary though.  What's up with that lately?

Some pictures from yesterday's game... Big Baby is a piece of trash BTW.

 

 

 

 

Nice seat!  Were you right next to Gloria?

I met Austin a few years back, unfortunately didn't get a picture with him.

^ I have too.  Very nice guy and very approachable.  He used to go to that bar in Cedar Center North... can't remember the name... started with a "Z" maybe?  Very trendy/artsy-fartsy place.

Nice seat! Were you right next to Gloria?

 

Our seats are on the opposite side of Gloria and LBJs GF.  To my left are LeBron's crew and Gilbert plus a smattering of other people.  I am a class A heckler so its nice that they can hear me, especially on free throws.

^ I have too.  Very nice guy and very approachable.  He used to go to that bar in Cedar Center North... can't remember the name... started with a "Z" maybe?  Very trendy/artsy-fartsy place.

 

Zaza?

 

I met Austin way back in the day (almost 20 years ago) at the high school D1 district basketball tournament at Euclid High School and got his autograph.  He was a great guy.

Zaza... yes, that was it.

wow you got great seats and those are cool pics!!!

 

keep'em coming for some of the next games too will ya?

 

^Yeah... the next thing he'll tell us is that he really does have an Enzo

 

FE.... if you are ever in a jam and need somebody to take those seats off your hands.... I'm your man  :wink:

 

I have sat in that area before.  For those who have not experienced the buffet in the back, personal servers and the half-time stat sheets... you don't know what you are missing.

^Key Court club is the best, free beer, though considering it cost $38,950 plus tax for the pair/season it isn't too much to ask for.  I went in with my dad on the season package and was able to get these great seats because he is a VP at Medical Mutual and they do a ton of advertising with the Cavs/Q and have a long standing relationship with them in the form of several season ticket packages and a Suite at half court.  We only go to premium games and sell the rest to friends and other avenues.  Charge enough on top to break even and still get to see 6-7 of the better games on tap.

 

As for the Ferrari Enzo... I wish... perhaps some day but that day is not any day soon.  Unless of course I get lucky on the mega millions in which case I would become the most ignorant person in Cleveland over night. 

 

P.S. Hts, you forgot to mention Stacey, the girl who works at the mini souvenier shop back there!  :) 

p.s. The remainder of the regular season tickets are spoken for but sometimes I have people who back out... if you are interested on being on my email list if/when they become available PM me.

We only go to premium games and sell the rest to friends and other avenues. Charge enough on top to break even and still get to see 6-7 of the better games on tap.

 

You got it all backwards!  Sell the premium games, go to the rest, and come out of it with a little extra cash! :)

You got it all backwards!  Sell the premium games, go to the rest, and come out of it with a little extra cash! :)

 

If ROI wasn't a factor I would go to all of the games an not think twice!  Your right though, this guy a row behind me from Pacific Palisades paid $2,500 for a set to the Laker's game!!!!  He said he followed the Lakers around the ENTIRE season.  That is some serious coinage when you consider tickets, air-faire, lodging and food.  If he really does attend every game then he is spending multiples of the average American income.  I like the Cav's but I don't think I would ever do that...

 

I might do it for the Browns since the amount of games make following an NFL franchise much more reasonable.  Still not in that $tratosphere yet though, or scratching it for that matter.

Your right though, this guy a row behind me from Pacific Palisades paid $2,500 for a set to the Laker's game!!!! He said he followed the Lakers around the ENTIRE season. That is some serious coinage when you consider tickets, air-faire, lodging and food. If he really does attend every game then he is spending multiples of the average American income.

 

 

That IS crazy! Then again, to live in Pacific Palisades requires multiples of the average American income!!

It's official.  Z signs a 1 yr deal to return to the only team he has ever played for.  Welcome back big guy.

Probably got the pro-rated veteran minimum?  Just a guess.

 

In the ESPN article his agent says he wants to explore free agency after the season.  I think if you read between the lines its more like, Cavs want/need depth at center this season especially with Shaq still recovering.  They are clearing Shaqs $20million dollar salary next year and will be able to pursue Bosh or some other center which we will need.

 

Bottom line the Cavs will not pursue Z next year but I envisage a Nomar Garciapara type deal where if he plays outside of Cleveland next year+ he will be signed to a one day contract so he can retire a Cav.

 

 

It makes sense not to sign a longer deal now if he wants to stay in Cleveland. When his contract expires at the end of the year, we'll have his Byrd rights. He'll be able to sign for a much larger amount than if he had negotiated a 2yr or longer deal right now. With no center signed for next year, I'm sure the Cavs are not giving up on the option to sign Z for 2010-11.

 

With Z and Shaq's contracts coming off the books this summer, we still won't be far enough under the cap to sign a second max player (Bosh) without doing some sort of sign and trade.

 

 

It's "Bird Rights" I think... after Larry Bird.  And I don't believe we will have his Bird Rights because it is only a 1 yr deal.  We will have the MLE though and that should be right in the range of his pay grade as a mid-30's backup center.  We will have Bird Rights on LBJ and Shaq.

 

Bosh is out of the question.  We don't have the money to offer any big-time FA unless we give up our Bird Rights to LBJ.  As long as we retain those, his previous salary locks up our cap space.

The Cavs will already be over the salary cap next year before signing Lebron, Shaq, or Z.  I would imagine those three players will be the best options available as far as free agent signings for the Cavs.  Not a whole lot of talent signing for the MLE.

Eh... not exactly true in today's economy - Ariza and Artest both signed for the MLE last offseason.  This offseason, the market is going to be so oversaturated that there will be some very talented players that will have little choice but to sign the MLE.

Anyone want 2 tickets for tonight's game vs. Indy.  Short notice, I know.  But they're free if anybody wants them.  PM me.  Section 128.  Lebron, Mo and Jamison are not supposed to play.  I can send the tix over via Flashseats.

If it was about an hour earlier...i would.  Thanks though..are you a season ticket holder?

Yeah... and my tix are lonely tonight.  You could make the 2nd half if you want.

Telfair is playing quite nicely... not nearly as rusty as I would have supposed he would be.

CAVS PLAYOFFS!!!!  LETS F@CKING DO THIS

15 to go!

CAVS PLAYOFFS!!!!  LETS F@CKING DO THIS

 

Word.

You can feel the playoff excitement in the air Downtown and around town!

You can feel the playoff excitement in the air Downtown and around town!

It was insane.  But that 3rd Qtr., was not kind

All over town, restaurants, bars, stores...people want to know the score and have the game on TV's. Love it.  Im making my official cavs playoff headquarters at the paninis in Coventry...great place to watch a game.

^Joakim Noah may take exception to that statement...."“I don't know about Cleveland, man," Noah moaned. "There's nothing going on. It's bad, man. It's bad."

 

This is from the Bulls' beat writer (looks like we have some haters):

 

"The suburbs are like any suburbs anywhere, comfortable with nice homes and two of every fast food place on every block. But since both the baseball stadium and basketball arena are downtown, the teams stay there and there is no more depressing center city anywhere. Among the 30 NBA stops, this always is my least favorite with barely a decent restaurant anywhere downtown, little retail and a gloomy, scary stretch of streets that are deserted once it gets dark."

 

http://blogs.bulls.com/chicago_bulls...n-garnett.html

Pathetic losers fail to back up words with actions, prepare for early exit from playoffs, resort to lame attacks on City, film at 11.

THat really makes me mad.  But his awful beat writing skills surface with crap like that.  How unprofessional.  Can you imagine WIndhorst saying something like that?  No, because he focuses on his job, which is to report the basketball.  I hate when people write or speak on something that they do no research on.

Im making my official cavs playoff headquarters at the paninis in Coventry...great place to watch a game.

 

I was there for Game 6 of the Pistons series in 2007.... the "shoot Boobie shoot" game which clinched our trip to the playoffs.

THat really makes me mad. But his awful beat writing skills surface with crap like that. How unprofessional. Can you imagine WIndhorst saying something like that? No, because he focuses on his job, which is to report the basketball. I hate when people write or speak on something that they do no research on.

 

Clearly it's sour grapes.  The Bulls/fans see the writing on the wall and realize that they'll be lucky to push this series to five games. 

I guess his definition of good restaurants is your local Olive Garden......  Yes sir, you are correct - we have no Olive Garden, or Applebees, or TGI Fridays downtown - we have real restaurants.

I figured that Saturday night might just have been 'dead' downtown with no Indians game and the chilly weather.  However, a friend of mine went down there and said it was 'lively'.  This is just 'Joe-Kim' trying to punch back after getting harrassed at the Q the other night by the fans.

Goin' to the game tonight!  Section 127 Row 7, holla!  (The mister won his company ticket raffle!)

Bonus for you Doc Broc!