To ensure the safety of players and fans, the Cavs increased security in and around Quicken Loans Arena for this highly anticipated game.
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James said Friday night in Miami that he has already started envisioning his return.
”It’s going to be a real hostile environment, I know,” James said before the Heat hosted the Philadelphia 76ers. ”It’s going to be pretty intense.”
Still, he has no worries. The Heat have been involved with the planning of some security-related issues surrounding the game, and James has a sense of what to expect that night.
”I’m not concerned at all,” James said. ”The league is a good league and they do their best to try to make sure us players and the fans have a great time in those games. We’re going in there to try to get a win. But at the same time, I know it’ll be pretty hostile.”
Cavaliers spokesman Tad Carper said team wants ”to make people feel safe coming to the game,” and that includes James.
The Cavaliers have been working with the league and city officials since the NBA’s schedule was released in August. The main goal is to provide a secure environment for everyone without compromising the inherent advantage Cleveland has in playing at home.
”We think this is a great opportunity for our fans to positively show their support for their team, the organization and the city,” Carper said. ”There is a way to express yourself, enjoy yourself and show your excitement without crossing the line and exceeding the boundaries that are in place.”
There will be uniformed police and undercover officers stationed near Miami’s bench and along the tunnel leading to the visitor’s locker room. Instead of serving plastic beer bottles, vendors will pour beverages into cups to prevent anyone from using containers as projectiles.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank said the league does not comment on security matters.
The Cavaliers will adjust their in-game security procedures accordingly, Carper said. There will be personnel on the lookout for any inebriated patrons causing trouble, and the team is prepared to remove anyone from the arena who doesn’t comply with rules.
Fans entering the arena will pass through full-body metal detectors, which have been in place since owner Dan Gilbert bought the team in 2005.
”We have a high standard for security that exceeds what the NBA requires from us,” Carper said. ”We don’t want people to feel like they’re in a police state. We’re going to take the proper steps that need to be taken, but we want fans to come down and have a good time.”
