CLEVELAND — Earlier this month, the Cleveland Cavaliers unveiled their new team shop at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
And the team is using the opportunity for a good cause, announcing that it will donate a portion of proceeds in the month of May to nonprofit 501c3 organization NF Forward in memory of Nick Gilbert, the son of Cavs chairman Dan Gilbert, who passed away at the age of 26 on May 6.
The younger Gilbert suffered from neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerve pathways anywhere in the body that has no known cure. Nick was known to Cavs fans and the NBA community for his bow ties and for representing the team during some of the biggest moments at the NBA Draft Lottery, including when Cleveland won the rights to the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, which the team used to select future All-Star Kyrie Irving.
The Cavs' new team shop -- called "Center Court" -- opened this past weekend following a lengthy renovation. The two-story shop was designed in close collaboration with Snarkitecture, the international design practice of Cavaliers Creative Director, Daniel Arsham, putting a reimagined twist on the traditional team shop with its lighting a presentation.
"Our goal was to create a team shop that complements what Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is today as a modernized, world-class attraction," Nic Barlage, Cavaliers, Rock Entertainment Group and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse CEO, said in a statement. "Much thought and inspiration went into creating not only a shopping experience, but a destination that goes beyond simply retail and activates our brand in a compelling and authentic way. We are proud of the outcome and thrilled to open the doors to Center Court for our fans to shop and enjoy."
Regular team shop hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with the store also open during all Cavs and Monsters home games.