The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing the Golden State Warriors tonight in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and downtown Kent joined the rest of Northeast Ohio in watching the game and cheering on the Cavaliers.

Restaurants and bars in Kent were packed with Cavs fans gathered to watch the game and take advantage of game-day specials.

“When the game starts, we get that rush, and then we’re pretty much on a wait until at least halftime,” said Buffalo Wild Wings assistant general manager Dave Box. “People will be waiting at the door, and the seating is already filled up.”

Box said hourly sales have at least doubled during this year’s NBA Finals games.

Brewhouse Pub is offering NBA Finals promotions, including free free beer and pizza during games.

“We have had a lot of business because of the Cavs game,” Brewhouse bartender Cassie Rosa said. “We have a lot of promotions and a lot of fun and excited people come in.”

Fans were dressed from head to toe with Cavaliers’ gear to watch the game.

“I think it will be a success,” Cavs fan Marcus Wright said. “The team was sluggish at first, but it will all come together in the end.”  

Kent State alumni also gathered downtown to watch the Cavaliers take on the Warriors for the third time in this series.

“I love when people make history, especially if it’s Cleveland,” Kent State alumna Sydney Webster said. “I love Cleveland sports, and I think that Cleveland has the best fans in the United States, so to see the energy and the passion that people have for this team making it to the finals is amazing. I have never seen this happen, and I think they will win the finals.”

Many fans said they were not happy with the calls the referees were making in the previous Finals game.

“They were fouls, and they should have been called,” Cavs fan Dale Craddock said. “I don’t care if it’s a playoff game or it’s a regular season game: When a player gets fouled throwing a basket like LeBron did and doesn’t get the call, it’s ridiculous.”

The Cavs fans in Kent are confident the Cavaliers will win the game and the series.

“I definitely think it’s going to be a success,” said Webster. “I think it’s going to be hard, it’s going to be a struggle, it’s probably going to be a really close game and somebody’s going to have to hit that game-winner, that one surprise shot so it’s not going to be easy, but they are going to do it in this game.”

Contact Chelsea Graff at [email protected].