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Fans gather downtown to cheer on Cavaliers
By Tom Williams
YOUNGSTOWN
To be clear, not everyone at the Cavs viewing party at the Kress Lot on Federal Lane was all in.
Approximately 400 Cavs fans paid $5 to get close to the big-screen telecast of Friday’s Game 4 of the NBA Finals at the first Downtown Shutdown party of the summer. Another 50-or-so remained up on the sidewalk watching a little further back.
The fans inside the gate — most way too young to know much about the 1976 Miracle of Richfield Cavs — were having a blast as the Cavs took a five-point lead into the lockerroom at halftime. During commercials, DJ Blaze played videos with the music thumping.
Some brought lawn chairs and staked out spots closest to the main screen (two flat screens also were at the back for better views).
“It’s good to see young people be with older people and not clowning,” Youngstown resident Malcolm Kimble said. “It makes a big difference.
“We can all have fun together.”
Most everyone’s attention was focused on the game action. Almost in unison, arms were raised skyward when a Cavalier launched a successful 3-pointer.
Cleveland baskets produced cheers that swelled off the downtown buildings; Warriors’ long-range shots created “ahhs” that resembled groans.
“This is awesome,” said Liberty’s Melissa Katsaros who along with her husband, Manny, were attending their first local outdoor viewing party. “Back when they had the Parties on the Plaza, we’d come downtown,”
A year ago, the Katsaroses were in Cleveland outside Quicken Loans Arena when the Golden State Warriors clinched the 2015 NBA Championship.
“That was a sad, sad night,” Melissa said. “We left in the middle of the fourth quarter.
Manny chimed in: “That was not a happy game and there was going to be [heavy/angry] traffic.”
During last year’s playoff run, the Katsaroses went to the final game of the Pistons seriess. A friend sold them tickets — at face value.
“We’re hoping to go this year if there is a Game 6,” Melissa said.
Many at the party wore Cavs shirts. LeBron James’ 23 was the most popular other players were represented.
Craig Balleck of New Middletown made a unique choice — a Pittsburgh Penguins shirt. He wasn’t concerned he would get second glances.
“Not really,” Balleck said. “I just came down with a bunch of friends, but I’m supporting my team.”
The Penguins have a 3-2 lead in the Stanley Cup Final over the Sharks and will try to win the team’s fourth Cup since 1991 on Sunday in San Jose.
Balleck called it “pretty cool” that Cleveland’s NBA team and Pittsburgh’s NHL team are playing in the finals at the same time.
“Both teams deserve it,” Balleck said.
Food, adult beverages and cigars were being enjoyed by some. The atmosphere smelled like the old Agora club from the ’80s that used to be a block away.
Standing closer to the entrance than the big screen were Anthony Misik of Youngstown and Karen Hauser of Austintown. Their view of the screen was partially obscured by several rows of tall fans.
Told they could be home watching in air-conditioned comfort, neither was interested.
“[It’s fun] feeling everyone’s energy and rooting for an Ohio team to hopefully bring home a championship,” Hauser said.
Misik added: “And it’s a great cross-section of people and everyone has a common goal, so there is a sense of unity.”