Nov 7, 2025
·Mary Callahan
In the heart of downtown Cleveland, Rocket Arena—aka Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse—is the city’s go-to venue for world-class sports and entertainment. Home to the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) and the Cleveland Monsters (AHL), this state-of-the-art arena also regularly hosts major concerts, family shows and special events. With its modern design, fan-friendly amenities and central location, Rocket Arena has become a cornerstone of Cleveland’s cultural and entertainment scene.
About Rocket Arena
Location: 1 Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115
Opened: 1994 (originally Gund Arena, later Quicken Loans Arena, renamed Rocket Arena in 2019)
Capacity: ~19,400 for basketball, ~18,900 for hockey, up to 20,500 for concerts
Primary Tenants: Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Cleveland Monsters (AHL)
The venue sits in Cleveland’s Gateway District, next to Progressive Field and within walking distance of popular restaurants, bars, and hotels. After a $185 million renovation in 2019, the arena was transformed with cutting-edge video displays, more open concourses and upgraded dining and lounge spaces, solidifying its reputation as one of the NBA’s premier arenas.
A Look Back at Rocket Arena’s History
When the arena opened in October 1994, it marked a new era for Cleveland sports. The Cavaliers moved from the suburban Richfield Coliseum into a downtown arena designed to revitalize the city’s entertainment district.
Over the decades, Rocket Arena has hosted countless historic moments:
NBA Finals: The Cavaliers’ championship runs, including the 2016 NBA Finals, when LeBron James led the team to a historic victory over the Golden State Warriors.
NHL Events: The Cleveland Monsters captured the 2016 Calder Cup in front of a sold-out crowd.
Concerts: Superstar performers like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Drake have headlined here.
Major Events: The arena has hosted NCAA basketball tournaments, WWE events and even the 2016 Republican National Convention.
The 2019 renovation not only modernized the space but also connected it more deeply with the surrounding neighborhood, making it a hub for both Clevelanders and visitors.
Getting to Rocket Arena
By Car: The arena is located near I-90, I-71, and I-77. Downtown Cleveland has numerous garages and surface lots, though pre-purchasing parking passes is recommended for big events.
Public Transit: The RTA Rapid Transit (Red, Blue, and Green Lines) stops at Tower City Center, which is connected to the arena via an indoor walkway. Bus routes also serve downtown Cleveland.
Walking & Biking: Centrally located, the arena is walkable from most downtown hotels. Bike racks are available nearby.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft zones are located around the Gateway District for easy drop-off and pick-up.
Seating at Rocket Arena
With seating for nearly 20,000 fans, Rocket Arena offers a range of options to fit every budget and experience:
Lower Level (100s): Closest to the court or ice, perfect for fans wanting to be part of the action.
Club Seats (200s): Wider seats, upgraded food and beverage options and access to exclusive lounges.
Upper Level (C Level): Affordable seating with strong sightlines throughout the venue.
Courtside & VIP: Premium seating includes plush chairs, in-seat service and unmatched proximity to the game.
Suites: Private luxury boxes for groups, complete with catering, premium service and private entrances.
For concerts, floor seating is added, while end-stage and center-stage setups provide flexibility for touring acts.
Food & Drink at Rocket Arena
Cleveland’s rich food scene is reflected in the arena’s diverse dining options:
Mabel’s BBQ: From celebrity chef Michael Symon, offering Cleveland-style barbecue.
Elmore Smith’s Smokehouse: A nod to the former Cavs player, specializing in hearty meats.
Saucy Brew Works: Local craft beer and pub fare.
Fan Favorites: Pizza, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels and popcorn are available throughout.
Specialty Options: Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items can be found at select stands.
Craft cocktails and regional beer selections round out the beverage lineup.
Atmosphere at Rocket Arena
The atmosphere inside Rocket Arena is electric, whether it’s a Cavaliers game, a Monsters playoff run, or a sold-out concert.
Cavs Games: The arena pulses with excitement, from the pregame light shows to the energy of the “Wine and Gold” fan base.
Monsters Games: A family-friendly yet passionate crowd fills the seats for hockey, with affordable tickets and a rowdy fan section.
Concerts: With state-of-the-art acoustics and video displays, concerts feel both intimate and spectacular, no matter the scale.
Special Events: From NCAA tournaments to Disney on Ice, the venue transforms seamlessly for all types of entertainment.
Stadium Policies
Bag Policy: Bags larger than 14” x 14” x 6” are not permitted. Clear bags are encouraged.
Mobile Tickets: Digital tickets are the standard entry method.
Cashless Venue: Most concessions and retail locations accept only cards or mobile payments.
Prohibited Items: Outside food and beverages, professional cameras, laser pointers and large banners.
Re-Entry: Not allowed once guests exit the arena.
Notable Events at Rocket Arena
2016 NBA Finals Game 3 & 4: Part of the Cavs’ historic run to their first-ever championship.
2016 Republican National Convention: A milestone political event.
NCAA Tournaments: Multiple men’s and women’s basketball tournament games.
Concerts: Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z and many more global stars.
UFC & WWE: Mixed martial arts and wrestling events have packed the house.
Nearby Attractions
Rocket Arena is in the heart of Cleveland, surrounded by entertainment, dining and cultural sites:
Progressive Field: Home of the Cleveland Guardians, right next door.
East 4th Street: A lively strip of restaurants, bars and nightlife.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: A must-visit for music lovers, just a short walk away.
Playhouse Square: The second-largest theater district in the U.S.
Great Lakes Science Center: A family-friendly attraction near the lakefront.
Why Rocket Arena Stands Out
Rocket Arena isn’t just an arena—it’s a symbol of Cleveland’s resurgence. With its world-class amenities, passionate sports fans and ability to host the biggest names in music and entertainment, it offers an unparalleled live event experience in the Midwest.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Whether you’re cheering on the Cavs, catching a Monsters game, or seeing your favorite artist live, Rocket Arena delivers unforgettable moments. Use SeatGeek to find the best tickets, compare seats, and plan your perfect trip to Cleveland’s premier arena.