Gund Arena - Definition and Overview

Gund Arena is a multipurpose arena in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. It is home to the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA and the Cleveland Barons of the AHL. It was formerly home to the Cleveland Lumberjacks of the IHL. The arena was opened with a concert by Billy Joel on October 17, 1994 - the Cavaliers played the first game in the arena a few weeks later. It was named for Gordon Gund, the owner of the Cavaliers, after he paid for the naming rights.

The arena replaced the Coliseum at Richfield, which was becoming outdated and was inconveniently located well south of Cleveland, nearer to Akron. Part of the Gateway Project to revitalize downtown Cleveland, the arena and neighboring Jacobs Field were paid for with a sin tax on alcohol and tobacco.

The arena seats 20,562 for basketball, including 2,000 in the club seats. It has 92 luxury suites.