Quicken Loans Arena‘s South Neighborhood is officially open, providing a sign of progress in the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ ongoing renovation of the facility. The 6,350 square foot area on the main concourse provides new concession options and gathering spaces.
Located just inside the Discount Drug Mart Entrance, the South Neighborhood is the first of what will be several new social gathering hubs, which were key design elements of the renovation project to update and modernize the 25-year-old arena. The renovation project, dubbed the Q Transformation, will be completed this fall.
“As the first ‘destination neighborhood’ of The Q Transformation, the South Neighborhood showcases the upgrades taking place to create more public space and gathering spots around the arena that will dramatically improve the fan experience,” said Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena CEO Len Komoroski. “The key to the success of these spaces is dependent on having great food and beverage options, and we couldn’t be more thrilled than to have three local and celebrated partners to bring the South Neighborhood to life.”
In partnership with the Cavaliers and food and beverage provider Aramark, the South Neighborhood introduces two new food concepts from acclaimed Cleveland chefs—Jonathon Sawyer’s Greenhouse Kitchen and Karen Small’s Market at the Fig. These new concepts add to the arena’s lineup of local culinary talent that includes Michael Symon’s B Spot and Bar Symon and Rocco Whalen’s Rocco’s at The Q.
“We have had tremendous success collaborating with popular local restaurateurs and entrepreneurs and are proud to continue working with Chefs Sawyer and Small and all of our culinary partners to further bolster the food and beverage experience at The Q,” said Kevin Kearney, District Manager, Aramark’s Sports & Entertainment division.
In addition, Saucy Brew Works has partnered with the Cavaliers to create a 1,500 square-foot beverage-only beer garden that brings a trendy vibe and energy to the South Neighborhood.
“We are also proud to have our long-time partner Discount Drug Mart as the wayfinding marquee to the South Neighborhood,” added Komoroski. The Discount Drug Mart Entrance located on Gateway Plaza across from Progressive Field serves as a convenient entrance for ticketed fans attending events at The Q and provides easy access to the South Neighborhood.
“As the excitement builds around The Q Transformation, and celebrating 50 years in Ohio this year, Discount Drug Mart is thrilled to be a part of the promising future and all the great experiences ahead for all fans and our customers entering the arena,” said Doug Boodjeh, Discount Drug Mart COO.
The project team for the South Neighborhood included general contractor Whiting-Turner, lead architects Gensler and the Infinite Scale Design Group.
Menus for the new concession options are available on the arena’s website.
Image courtesy Quicken Loans Arena.
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