I'm not from the Cleveland area, so moving here was a new experience. The longer I live and work in Cleveland, the more I grow to love it. Part of living in Cleveland is becoming a Cleveland sports fan, and believe me, this is an easy task. From the Cleveland Indians to the Cavaliers, it's easy to become a fan. Except the Browns, that will never happen. So after experiencing the Cleveland Cavaliers first hand, specifically a playoff game, here's what I learned.
There's a lot of energy. It's nearly impossible to not be excited at a Cavs game. Yes, this was a playoff game, but that doesn't change the fact that everyone is excited. Everyone is there to support a team that they love, and the excitement is up from the beginning all the way to the end.
Cavs fans have a great sense of humor. For example, when a picture of Nickelback comes on the Jumbotron that's your cue to boo. I definitely laughed whenever a picture of something everyone hated came up and everyone would yell and boo.
People are extremely friendly. You're all there to support your favorite team, and therefore, you're all cheering for the same reason. HIgh-fives all around, but not only that, words of encouragement too. Everyone's your friend at a Cavs game, unless you're there for the other team, then get the hell out.
If the game is at Quicken Loans, then you'll never get out of Cleveland at a reasonable time. If fans can't make it to the game they sure as hell make it to a nearby bar to watch anyway. Downtown Cleveland is packed during any game; home or away, Cleveland fans go big.
You'll leave wanting more. My first Cavs game came and went all too quickly. You will leave definitely leave a Cavs game wanting more. I left this game just as excited as I was to go to it. At this game, I learned that sports really bring people together. It doesn't matter who you are, if you love and support the same team, everyone around you is a friend.
Altogether I learned that it's easy to become a Cleveland sports fan. The energy, the excitement, the environment; it doesn't matter who you are or where you're from, go to a Cavalier game and you will become a fan.