LeBron James' Old Home Gets A New Name: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
NYSJ Sports-Entertainment Business News Service
April 9, 2019: The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quicken Loans Arena is being renamed for one of its divisions, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, all under the auspices of Cavs owner Dan Gilbert.
The venue opened in 1994 as Gund Arena, for then Cavaliers owner Gordon Gund, who paid for the naming rights. Gilbert bought the building and team from Gund in 2005 and renamed it after his company, Quicken Loans.
Fans quickly began to call it the “Q.”
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which will host the NBA All-Star Game in 2022 (the league’s 75th anniversary), has been undergoing a $185 million renovation.
The venue is also home to the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League and the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League.
The name was officially unveiled during a ceremony (and media conference) this afternoon, with attendees including Gilbert, Cavs GM Koby Altman and Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse signage will be prominently featured on the new glass facade that spans the entire north side of the building.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse branding will be installed over the coming months and includes exterior and interior signage, LED roof signage, the Cavs and Monsters playing surfaces and other assets throughout the arena.
The now-named Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse was home to LeBron James from 2003-10 and then 2014-18, highlighted by the team’s only NBA championship in 2015-16.
“Since 1994, Cleveland has shared countless unforgettable moments at this arena. From hosting world-class music acts to multiple NBA Finals games, the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has been the epicenter of entertainment in Cleveland for decades,” said Gilbert.
“Today marks the beginning of the next chapter in the evolution of this incredible facility, as not just one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment venues, but a hub of technology that is leading the charge in innovation, efficiency and fan experience.”
Fan Appreciation Night tonight when the Cavs host the Charlotte Hornets will include a button giveaway with a takeoff of the Rocket Mortgage slogan: "Push Button And Win" (Push Button. Get Mortgage), with the team offering opportunities to win prizes throughout the game.
A special halftime concert will feature hip-hop artist/producer Flo Rida.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse will close in mid-May to complete the renovation in time for the grand reopening on Sept. 30.
According to Detroit-based Quicken Loans CEO Jay Farner, “Cleveland has been a great home to us for many years, not only because of the arena naming, but also because our highly successful 600-team member downtown office.
“We are thrilled to see our Rocket Mortgage brand take center stage while we join the Cavaliers in this exciting new era of Cleveland sports and entertainment history.”