Vision of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Transformation to Create Vibrant Destinations Inside the Arena Becomes Reality with the First of Multiple Social Gathering Spaces for Fans

The new South Neighborhood, a 6,350 square foot expansion on the south side of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse’s main concourse as part of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Transformation, is open to welcome fans to eat, drink and enjoy a fun social atmosphere when attending Cavs and Monsters games, concerts and events at The Q. Located just inside the Discount Drug Mart Entrance, the South Neighborhood is the first of what will be several new social gathering hubs, which were key design elements of the renovation project to update and modernize the 25-year-old arena. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Transformation will be completed in the fall of 2019.

“As the first ‘destination neighborhood’ of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Transformation, the South Neighborhood showcases the upgrades taking place to create more public space and gathering spots around the arena that will dramatically improve the fan experience,” said Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse CEO Len Komoroski. “The key to the success of these spaces is dependent on having great food and beverage options, and we couldn’t be more thrilled than to have three local and celebrated partners to bring the South Neighborhood to life.”

In partnership with the Cavaliers and food and beverage provider Aramark, the South Neighborhood introduces two exciting new food concepts from acclaimed Cleveland chefs—Jonathon Sawyer’s Greenhouse Kitchen and Karen Small’s Market at the Fig. These new concepts add to the arena’s lineup of local culinary talent that includes Michael Symon’s B Spot and Bar Symon and Rocco Whalen’s Rocco’s at The Q.

“We have had tremendous success collaborating with popular local restaurateurs and entrepreneurs and are proud to continue working with Chefs Sawyer and Small and all of our culinary partners to further bolster the food and beverage experience at The Q,” said Kevin Kearney, District Manager, Aramark’s Sports & Entertainment division.

In addition, Saucy Brew Works, one of Cleveland’s most popular breweries, has partnered with the Cavaliers to create a 1,500 square-foot beverage-only beer garden that brings a trendy vibe and energy to the South Neighborhood.

“We are also proud to have our long-time partner Discount Drug Mart as the wayfinding marquee to the South Neighborhood,” added Komoroski. The Discount Drug Mart Entrance located on Gateway Plaza across from Progressive Field serves as a convenient entrance for ticketed fans attending events at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and provides easy access to the South Neighborhood.

“As the excitement builds around Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Transformation, and celebrating 50 years in Ohio this year, Discount Drug Mart is thrilled to be a part of the promising future and all the great experiences ahead for all fans and our customers entering the arena,” said Doug Boodjeh, Discount Drug Mart COO.

The project team for the South Neighborhood included general contractor Whiting-Turner, lead architects Gensler and the Infinite Scale Design Group.

Greenhouse Kitchen

“As the Greenhouse Tavern turns 10 this year, it's so exciting to think of how far we and our city have evolved over the past decade. I’m so proud to consider myself a part of the culinary fabric that makes us Cleveland. We believe public venues have a responsibility to tie to the local community, and no one exemplifies this more than Aramark and The Q. Together, with Aramark and all the other great chefs who are featured at The Q, we have raised the bar on the type of fare that can be found at sports venues. Our latest project - a little slice of east 4th at the Greenhouse Kitchen.” Executive Chef Jonathon Sawyer.

FEATURED SELECTIONS AT GREENHOUSE KITCHEN

Market at The Fig

“I’m so excited to be a part of the first neighborhood to open to the public in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Transformation and thrilled to renew and expand my partnership with Aramark and the Cavs. Jonathon and my dishes complement each other well, and I think anyone could find a great meal from our menu. As a life-long Clevelander and Cavs fan, it brings me great pride to bring my handcrafted sandwiches and specialties to the South Neighborhood.” Executive Chef Karen Small.

FEATURED SELECTIONS AT MARKET AT THE FIG

Saucy Brew Works at The Q

“It’s an honor to be partnered with such a stellar group that is the Cleveland Cavaliers. We take great care and pride in producing superior quality, creative beers and this beautiful new pub is the perfect place to showcase that passion.” Eric Anderson, Brew Master, Saucy Brew Works.

Saucy Brew Works at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse will have 18 taps and 8 select beers that will rotate with seasonal favorites and feature many of Saucy’s most popular selections.

Permanently on Tap:

• IPA ASAP- American India Pale Ale - crisp, dry and citrusy with a lingering bitterness - 7.0% abv.
• LOVE YOU, BYE – Hazy Imperial IPA – super juicy and permanently hazy – 8.0% abv.
• HABITUALE-Kolsch Style Golden Ale - light, clean, crisp with a slight citrusy, spicy character – 5.3% abv.

Seasonal:

• MODERN CRIMES – Toasted Coconut Porter – crazy smooth with just enough coconut – 6.3% abv.

Rotating:

• WHAT’S HIS NUTS? – Vanilla Stout with Peanut Butter and Coffee – black, rich and smooth – 7.5% abv.
• ÜBER ASAP- Blood Orange and Vanilla IPA- Beefed up version of IPA ASAP with a ton of Blood Orange puree and a touch of vanilla 7.0% abv.
• NUGGET SMASH – Single Malt, Single Hop IPA – light-bodied IPA, dank, and brewed with nugget hops – 5.9% abv.
• DON’T STOP WIT IT WIT IT – Belgian Style White with Tangerine – brewed with coriander and tangerine instead of traditional orange peel – 4.8% abv.

About Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Transformation
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Transformation is a major renovation project to update the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse as it enters its 25th year of operation. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is home to the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, AHL Cleveland Monsters and over 200 ticketed events annually. The publicly-owned arena, located in the Gateway District in downtown Cleveland, is operated by the Cavaliers organization. The project is a partnership between the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and the Cavaliers that will modernize the venue to maintain its elite status, enhance the fan experience, and continue to provide a positive impact for the city of Cleveland, the community and neighborhoods and the region over the long-term. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Transformation will extend the Cavs lease for seven more years through 2034, committing to the arena for at least 40 years since the team’s original lease, which is among the longest facility tenures in pro sports. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Transformation will help the arena and community compete for major national events such as the recently announced NBA All-Star Game that will be hosted in Cleveland in 2022— in addition to large political conventions, NCAA events, and numerous other opportunities well into future. The transformation of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse will be completed for the start of the Cavaliers 2019-2020 NBA season. To learn more, go to