Akron is sticking with Lock 3 as the venue for the city’s celebration of LeBron James Thursday night, despite the unofficial estimated crowd of 1.2 million that showed up in Cleveland for a Cavaliers parade Wednesday.
“The venue was selected in partnership with the Family Foundation,” said James Hardy, Akron’s chief of staff. “There is no consideration of a venue change at this time.”
Akron’s event will be at 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday at Lock 3 downtown, with doors to the park opening at 7 p.m.
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 Street, 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 8,400 people on Facebook indicating an interest and 6,200 saying they will go.
• What to bring: Strollers, bags/purses (will be inspected upon entry to Lock 3).
• What not to bring: Backpacks, umbrellas, chairs, signs, blankets.
• Bus service: Regular line METRO buses will be free after 5 p.m. To plan your trip, visit www.akronmetro.org/. Buses will run until about midnight, depending on the route. Add trolley info if get it.
• Parking:
• Police/security:
• Street closures:
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @swarsmithabj and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/swarsmith.