The Cleveland Cavaliers asked the NBA to move up their start time so fans could watch the World Series
The Cavaliers take on the Houston Rockets from Quicken Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland, and directly across the parking lot, the Indians will attempt to close out the Chicago Cubs in Game 6 of the World Series from Progressive Field.
Luckily, earlier this week the Cavaliers successfully petitioned the NBA to move up their tip-off time, meaning fans will not have to choose one game or the other.
ESPN reported on Monday that the Cavaliers asked the NBA if they could start their game one hour early, at 6:00 p.m. ET instead of 7:10 p.m. Game 6 of the World Series begins directly across the parking lot at 8:08 p.m. This way, Cleveland fans at the basketball game will have enough time to get home (or to a bar) to watch the World Series. Those who want to stay nearby will be able to watch from their seat at the Q, as the Cavs will keep the arena open and project the World Series game on the jumbotron.
Cavs' owner Dan Gilbert expressed his excitement on Twitter on Monday:
As a result of the successful petition, members of the Cavs will likely be in attendance at the World Series after their game ends.
After all, they only have to walk across the parking lot.
"It'll be an experience of a lifetime," Kyrie Irving said. "Game 6 of the World Series, man, hoo, that's big time. I'm excited for them. I know the city is. I'm happy our game got moved up. I don't mind moving it for the World Series at all. It'll be an exciting time. Hopefully we can get a suite and we can walk over there as a team and watch our home team go for a championship as well."
Something tells us it won't be too hard for LeBron James and the rest of the Cavs to lock down a suite for Game 6. The Cavs have made appearances at just about every home Indians game of the playoffs, so it's hard to imagine them missing this one. James in particular has been supportive of the Indians, pumping up the crowd before the ALDS, and sending the entire team customized Beats By Dre headphones.
According to ESPN, the Rockets were also on board with the early start time. Expecting massive crowds in Cleveland, they've asked for a police escort to shuttle their bus from the Q to the airport.
Moving the game up an hour is a nice gesture from the NBA. It's also a savvy one, as ratings and tickets will be much better than if the game had directly competed with Game 6 of the World Series.