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Cleveland's big night: A timeline

The city celebrates as both the NBA champion Cavaliers and World Series-contending Indians play on the same night in Cleveland.

The city's sports fans celebrate their biggest night in history

Sophie Baron · CBC Sports ·
Cleveland takes centre stage as fans are surrounded by NBA and MLB madness. (Charlie Riedel/The Canadian Press)

It's a cool October evening in Cleveland and, as usual, it's cloudy.

But Tuesday night is different than most because the city is gearing up for arguably the biggest moment in its history — as far as sports are concerned. 

An unimaginable double header featuring the NBA champion Cavs' home opener and the first game of the World Series kick off on the same night.

2:21 p.m.

A clinic in Cleveland announces that all babies born during the World Series will receive these onesies.

3:16 p.m.

The party kicks off in downtown Cleveland outside Quicken Loans Arena and Progressive Field as fans prepare for the new NBA season tip-off and Game 1 of the World Series.

4:24 p.m.

The King, LeBron James, arrives at Quicken Loans Arena in style while pre-game songs play in his ears.

5:10 p.m.

James gets caught up in all the excitement in the city to which he brought the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy.

5:21 p.m.

Even Pearl Jam is ready to rock out for Cleveland's big night.

5:33 p.m.

The Cleveland Indians receive some gifts from James as the city truly does rally together ahead of their big night.

6:13 p.m.

Indians infielder Jose Ramirez returns the favour by leaving some World Series tickets for James after he wraps up his basketball game.

6:50 p.m.

As both games draw nearer and the sky grows darker, Cleveland quickly becomes the centre of the sports universe. 

7:20 p.m.

The Cleveland Cavaliers receive their coveted championship rings and raise the banner as the sold-out crowd welcomes them home.

The rings even include suspiciously arranged garnet stones reminding themselves that the Golden State Warriors blew a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals.

Meanwhile across the street, the Indians are still coming to terms with what this night means for their team as they kick off the final series on home turf. 

7:40 p.m.

The Cavs tip off on a new NBA season and ride the wave of excited fans.

8:31 p.m.

As the first inning takes place across the street, the Indians ride the exact same wave.

9:18 p.m.

Some even thought Cleveland was getting a little too much love as both the Cavs and the Indians brought their A game.

9:56 p.m.

The Cleveland Cavaliers open their NBA season with a win against the New York Knicks as all eyes turn to the Indians to keep up the momentum.

11:32 p.m. 

Roberto Perez bombs another three-run homer for the Indians to put them ahead 6-0 against the Chicago Cubs in the eighth inning. It ultimately seals the deal for the home team as they record the shut out and earn the city their second and final win of the night. 

And just like that — against all odds — Cleveland is the place to be. While the city will surely feel the hangover tomorrow, tonight they party. 

If only the NFL's Browns could find a way to live up to their city's newfound hype.

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