Akron considered other venues, such as InfoCision Stadium and Canal Park, when deciding where to hold the LeBron James celebration, but opted for Lock 3 Park.
The city, in consultation with the LeBron James Family Foundation, stuck by this decision Wednesday even after an estimated crowd of 1.3 million showed up in Cleveland for a Cavaliers parade.
“We are prepared for any eventuality,” James Hardy, Akron’s chief of staff, said Wednesday afternoon, adding that the city has a contingency plan if the crowd is larger than expected.
Akron’s event will be from 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday at Lock 3 downtown, with doors to the park opening at 7 p.m. The park will be closed before this.
Lock 3 offered the benefit of ample parking — with 7,000 spots available in city and county-owned lots and decks — and the ability to control the crowd and provide security in a spot where Akron has routinely held events that draw large crowds, such as the Akron Marathon and the Fourth of July fireworks, Hardy said.
“If we do have an overwhelming response to the event, downtown is optimal because the streets will be shut down, there’s room to spread out, and we handle large crowds there,” he said.
Akron police officers and firefighters will be on hand at Lock 3, as will the Summit County Sheriff’s Office’s mounted deputies.
City officials have said Lock 3 has the capacity for about 7,000 people, with space for 4,000 more people on South Main Street outside of the park. Other fans will be able to watch the event on Jumbotrons on South Main, which will be closed from Mill to Exchange streets.
The free event will be standing-room only and first-come, first served.
The event has already drawn a large interest, with 8,700 people on Facebook indicating an interest and 6,600 saying they will go.
The cost for the event will be $75,000, with this expense covered by numerous corporate sponsors. This doesn’t include the cost of overtime for police officers and paramedics that the city will pay.
For those who don’t want to deal with the crowd, the event will be live streamed on the Akron’s website, www.akronohio.gov/, and broadcast on WAKR (1590-AM).
The event will include a special presentation from Mayor Dan Horrigan to James and several speakers, including University of Akron Basketball coach Keith Dambrot, who coached James at St-Vincent-St. Mary High School, and performances by the St. V-M cheerleaders, dance team and marching band.
City officials have emphasized that the event, unlike Cleveland’s parade that focused on the Cavaliers’ historic national championship, will focus on James and his contributions to Akron and James’ appreciation of his hometown.
The event will be held rain or shine. The forecast is showers before 2 p.m. and a chance of thunderstorms after that, with a high of 80 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Other logistics include:
Street closures: South Main will be closed from Bowery Street to State Street beginning at 1 p.m. The Main Street closure will expand from Mill Street to Exchange Street at 5 p.m. Bowery Street will be closed from Center Street to Main Street at 10 a.m. Church Street and University Avenue will close from High Street to Main Street at 5 p.m.
What to bring: Strollers, bags/purses (will be inspected upon entry to Lock 3).
What not to bring: Backpacks, umbrellas, chairs, signs, blankets, bottled water/water bottles.
Free parking (after 5 p.m.): Broadway Deck (120 S. Broadway); Cascade Deck (10 W. Mill St.); CitiCenter Deck (132 S. High St.); High/Market Deck (40 S. High St.); Morley Deck (177 S. Broadway); State St./O’Neil’s Deck (52 W. State St.); Opportunity Park Deck (666 S. Broadway); Akron Centre Deck (11 W. Mill St.); Summit County Parking Deck (200 S. High St.)
Handicapped access: Encouraged to use Cascade and State Street parking decks. Those using a wheelchair will be escorted to a designated area. Seating in this area will be limited.
Buses: METRO will provide free regular-line bus service after 5 p.m. For help planning a trip, visit www.akronmetro.org/.
Food/water: Concessions and free water will be available inside Lock 3. Concessions will be offered on Main Street.
Bathroom accommodations: Restrooms in Lock 3 and Porta Potties on Main Street.
Cancellations/shutdowns: The Summit County Courthouse and Akron Municipal Court will close at noon, with the exception of any judges who decide to hold court. The University of Akron canceled classes at noon or after on Thursday.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705, swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj.