It took almost a month, but Cleveland Cavaliers fans will finally be able to celebrate the return of LeBron James on Friday evening. The four-time MVP will host a Homecoming party at the University of Akron and nearly 30,000 fans are expected to attend the event at 7:15 p.m.
The party will take place at InfoCision Stadium on the campus of the University of Akron. Tickets are required for entry, but they're available for free on Ticketmaster.com. The gates will open at 6:15 p.m. and parking is available throughout numerous lots on the university's campus. There are no food or beverages allowed inside the stadium, but concession stands will be open.
James will be joined by 3,000 children who are a part of his Wheels for Education charity program. He will also host a press conference at 6:30 p.m. and reporters Chris Fedor, Jen Steer and John Harper will provide coverage. All that is known regarding the event thus far is that there will be special performances by local community groups and notable individuals who are close to James and have been with him during his journey are expected to speak in front of the 30,000 people.
The Homecoming event is nothing comparable to 'The Decision' that James orchestrated during free agency in the summer of 2010 - this party is to celebrate his return to his hometown as well as the kids and families in Akron that have been directly affected by James' charitable efforts.
"LeBron [James] has always remained dedicated to Akron and his Wheels for Education kids. Our entire community is happy to celebrate with him and welcome him back to his hometown," said Mayor Don Plusquellic, in this Ohio.com article. "We plan to do that in a big way by celebrating those aspects of our community that LeBron himself values most."
Mayor Plusquellic is likely ecstatic about James' return to the Cavaliers, which is expected to provide an economic boost for the city of Cleveland. You can read more about LeBron James' Homecoming party in this Fox Cleveland article.
Watch the live stream of the event HERE.
