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Cleveland Charge's Historic Home Opener at Public Hall Energizes Fans
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Published in House and Home on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 8:26 GMT by 19 Action News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Cleveland Charge Makes Historic Home Opener at Public Hall, Energizing Fans and the City
By the Cleveland 19 Staff – November 14, 2025
This weekend marked a watershed moment for basketball in the city, as the Cleveland Charge, the new NBA G League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, opened its season with a high‑octane showcase at the iconic Public Hall. The game, which drew a record crowd of 5,600, showcased a blend of high‑level competition, community outreach, and a renewed sense of pride for the city’s basketball community.
The Venue: A Return to Cleveland’s Heart
Public Hall, located on the lakefront in downtown Cleveland, has long been a staple of the city’s cultural and sporting life. After a multi‑year renovation that modernized the arena while preserving its historic character, the venue now seats up to 5,800 for basketball. The Charge’s decision to play there—rather than the more conventional G League venues—underscores the organization’s commitment to bringing the sport to the heart of the city and reconnecting with a broader fan base.
“It’s an emotional day for us,” said Charge general manager Marcus Thompson at the press‑conference. “Playing at Public Hall connects us to the city’s heritage and gives our fans a true home‑court atmosphere.”
The Game: Thrilling First‑Night Play
The Charge faced off against the Canton Cougars in a matchup that was as much a battle of strategy as it was a celebration. The opening game saw the Charge’s rookie guard Jamal “J-Money” Reed hit three of his first five shots, lighting the scoreboard early and setting the tone for the rest of the game. Reed’s 16 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals highlighted his potential as a future G League star.
Opposing him was Canton’s veteran forward Liam "Lancer" Ortiz, who posted 18 points and 10 rebounds, giving the Cougars a fighting chance in the first half. However, the Charge’s depth shone through as the bench contributed 22 points, a testament to the coaching staff’s emphasis on player development.
The game was a back‑and‑forth affair, with the Charge leading 56–52 at halftime. The second half saw a surge from the Charge’s center Dante “D‑Train” Walker, who scored 12 of his 14 points in the final 12 minutes, securing a 88–81 victory.
Community Engagement: More Than Just a Game
The Charge’s home opener was designed to be a community event. Prior to the game, a "Kids’ Basketball Clinic" was hosted in the arena’s parking lot, where players, including Reed and Walker, worked with local children on ball‑handling drills and fundamentals. The clinic drew over 300 families, many of whom were first‑time fans.
In addition to the clinic, the Charge’s marketing team partnered with the Cleveland Public Library to distribute free tickets to school children, promoting both literacy and sports participation. The partnership also featured a live “book‑and‑basketball” trivia contest during the half‑time break.
“The goal is to create a multi‑disciplinary experience that fosters community ties,” said Charge outreach director Aisha Patel. “We’re proud to give back to the neighborhoods that have supported us.”
Media and Attendance
The article on Cleveland19.com included a link to the Charge’s official website (www.clevelandcharge.com), where fans could watch highlights and replays. For those wanting a more in‑depth look at the team’s roster and statistics, the Cleveland G League page provided a comprehensive breakdown of each player’s season projection.
Tickets for the home opener were sold out within 72 hours of release. Prices ranged from $10 for student tickets to $45 for premium seating. The rapid sell‑out underscores the city’s appetite for high‑level basketball, especially after the long hiatus that followed the COVID‑19 pandemic and the temporary closure of many local sports venues.
A Season to Watch
The Charge’s 2025‑26 season is expected to be one of the most exciting in the G League, with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies. The team’s strategy, as outlined by head coach Liam “Coach L” Davis, revolves around fast‑break offense and three‑point shooting, taking cues from the Cleveland Cavaliers’ recent success.
The Charge’s first three games already show a 2‑1 record, and the team’s roster features international talent, including Kofi “K-Man” Mensah from Ghana, who played a key role in the Charge’s 90‑84 victory over the Buffalo Blue‑Hawks on Thursday.
Looking Ahead
The Charge’s home opener was not only a thrilling game but also a signal that Cleveland is once again a force in American basketball. The organization’s integration of community programs, innovative marketing, and a competitive roster sets a new standard for G League teams nationwide.
“We’re just getting started,” Thompson said. “This is the first step toward a season of growth, both on the court and in our city.”
For more information on upcoming games, ticket sales, and community events, readers can visit the Charge’s official site or check the Cleveland G League page. Meanwhile, the Cleveland 19 will continue to cover the Charge’s journey, offering in‑depth analysis and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content.
Read the Full 19 Action News Article at:
[ https://www.cleveland19.com/2025/11/14/home-opener-cleveland-charge-public-hall/ ]