The triumphant return of LeBron James to the Cavaliers is sure to be the top attraction tonight at Quicken Loans Arena.
Following close on his heels will be the facility's spectacular new center-hung video board, which the Cavs are touting as the largest HD screen of any arena in the country. It's also the first center-hung video board to spit fire through four "flaming sabers" installed on the board's four corners. Depending on the number of highlight reel plays tied to James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, it could get a bit toasty for those fans sitting in the arena's upper deck.
MORE: Hornets serve eight-pound burger | Kings strike deal with Uber
“Cavs, Monsters and Gladiators fans, and many other event attendees at The Q, are going to be blown away by the new sights and sounds of this system!” Len Komoroski, Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena CEO, said in a statement. “These upgrades will deliver the most dynamic fan experience in all of sports and entertainment while also keeping Quicken Loans Arena a very marketable and relevant venue for our city in attracting new, high-profile events.”
The technology improvements were driven in large part by the city of Cleveland's bid to land the 2016 Republican National Convention, according to Cavs CEO Len Komoroski. The board cost $9.3 million and is part of $23 million in arena upgrades to be financed by an extension of the Cuyahoga County "sin tax" on alcohol and tobacco.
It will no doubt be a fiery environment on Thursday.