In anticipation of the LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers victory celebration at Lock 3 in Akron Thursday night, the Beacon Journal and Ohio.com will be monitoring developments.
Here’s the latest updates:
11:14 a.m.: Area business, if not looking to cash in on the thousands expected downtown Thursday night, have made accommodations for local employees, who may face thicker-than-usual rush hour traffic this afternoon.
GOJO Industries, headquartered in downtown Akron, has allowed employees to work remotely from home or, depending on where they live, at the company’s Rittman and Wooster campuses.
“We just offered those employees who could the opportunity to work from home or out of one of our other campuses,” said Kelly McGlumphy, public relations manager for the global maker of hand soaps and body washes.
10:50 a.m.: The Barley House — a bar-restaurant located next to Lock 3 — is preparing for a big night. Workers were busy Thursday morning putting up “Welcome Cavaliers Fans” signs.
Owner/manager Brad Markle watched the Cleveland celebration Wednesday and marveled that an estimated 1.3 million people showed up. It also got him thinking. He ordered extra beer, determined not to run out.
“I think it’s going to be bigger than St. Patty’s Day,” he said about the expected crowd.
If the Barley House does run dry, he said: “Bravo to Akron for being able to drink all that.”
10:41 a.m.: Yes, there are people already waiting in line — in the rain — at the gates to get inside Lock 3.
Josh Taylor, 17, of Akron arrived at 9 a.m. Zach Duluc, 17, of Akron arrived after that.
Both are determined to get to the front row and a great view of the celebration. They praised James and called him a hometown hero, saying they appreciate what he does for the Akron community.
“I want to see LeBron,” Taylor said as he lay down on a blanket with a black umbrella covering his head.
Taylor wore a 2016 Cavaliers championship T-shirt, while Duluc wore a T-shirt celebrating James’ return to Cleveland a couple of years ago.
As for what he’s expecting later, Taylor summed it up in one word: “Crazy.”
10:26 a.m.: The Akron Zoo is cutting admission fees by half for patrons who sport Cavs apparel Thursday. Also, anyone who shares a photo on social media using the hashtag #AllInAkronZoo wearing Cavs gear at the Akron Zoo will be entered in a drawing to win four free tickets to the Akron Zoo.
The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Normal rates are $12, $10 for senior citizens and $9 for children (ages 2-14). For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call 330-375-2550.
10:23 a.m.: More free parking will be available in the SummaCare lot at 10 N. Main St. The gates at the lot go up at 5 p.m. Previously announced free parking will be available after 5 p.m. at the following decks: Broadway (120 S. Broadway); Cascade (10 W. Mill St.); CitiCenter (132 S. High St.), High/Market (40 S. High St.); Morley (177 S. Broadway); State St./O’Neil’s (52 W. State St.); Opportunity Park (666 S. Broadway); Akron Centre (11 W. Mill St.); and Summit County Parking (200 S. High St.).
10:20 a.m: With Akron Municipal Courts closing early Thursday, anyone with a case scheduled at or after noon on Thursday is expected is return Friday morning at 9 a.m. To reschedule or reach a court officer for more information, call 330 375-2120.
If you have something to add to the list of happenings Thursday, contact Doug Livingston at 330-996-3792 or dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com.