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NBA All-Star festivities begin in Cleveland

While tickets for the big games can be hard to find, it's easy to tap into the All-Star buzz around Cleveland.

CLEVELAND — The NBA is arriving in Cleveland. 

The fun started Thursday with two Road Trippin’ Cavs Champions. Channing Frye and Richard Jefferson lunched with guests at the Huntington Convention Center, talking memories from 2016 and the state of the current Cavaliers.

“When you look at this group, you can almost recognize they’re in a special moment and they’re in a special time that they’ll remember forever,” said Jefferson.

That could be said of this All-Star weekend, as the city is crawling with stars, basketball fans, and special sights to explore.

“To get invited to this, is big for us. We’re right in the heart of the festivities for the weekend,” said Robert Kelly with Collegiate Luxe

They sell signature gear from 50 historically black colleges and universities, ahead of Saturday's HBCU Classic.It’s among dozens of pop-up shops and food stands at Tower City. “These next four days are going to be great,” said Kelly.

Xhibition upstairs features several collaborations, like signature Jeff Hamilton jackets and Champion's DIY Project when you can customize your own vintage or brand-new souvenir.

And there's more to see at the Rock Hall. “This weekend Cleveland is the center of the sports universe. And a lot of famous musicians are also big time NBA fans just like you and me, and probably a lot of the viewers out there at home,” said John Goehrke, Director of Guest Experience at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

On Thursday, the Rock Hall opened up a new exhibit, Baseline to Bassline: 75 Years of Music and the NBA. It runs through April 1, highlighting the cultural impact of the sport. True fans will notice the items are displayed on cases built from former lockers and pieces of the Cavaliers’ court. Among the artifacts, the Cavs lent as five-time All-Star Brad Daugherty’s jersey, players’ shoes, and City Edition rock & roll-themed uniform shorts.

RELATED: Baseline to Bassline: 75 Years of Music and the NBA | New exhibit coming to the Rock Hall to celebrate All-Star Weekend

The city of Cleveland is reminding people to talk their time, if heading downtown, and remember parking will be at a premium. Ride sharing and RTA are good options to consider. RTA will be running a special All-Star Line Trolley routes downtown. You can view that trolley schedule and more information here.

RELATED: Need a ride? RTA has you covered during NBA All-Star Weekend

More NBA All-Star Weekend coverage:

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