Timeline: 1994 - 2005
Rocket Arena, originally known as Gund Arena, opened on October 17, 1994, with a concert by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Billy Joel. The sold-out show marked the beginning of what would become three decades of legendary performances.
October 1994
The Gund Arena opened.
October 17, 1994
Billy Joel performs at the Grand Opening of Gund Arena.
November 8, 1994
The Cavaliers played their first regular-season game at Gund Arena against the Houston Rockets.
1994
The Cleveland Lumberjacks began play at Gund Arena in the fall drawing about 8,500 fans per game.
February 9, 1997
The 1997 NBA All-Star Game was played at Gund Arena - celebrating the NBA's 50th Anniversary.
March 9, 2000
The Backstreet Boys broke the all-time attendance record of Gund Arena with 21,055 ticketed fans.
March 1, 2005
The NBA approved the purchase of the Cavs by the investor group led by Dan Gilbert, chairman and founder of Quicken Loans.
2005
Dan Gilbert funds renovations of the newly renamed Quicken Loans Arena, which included installing new wine-colored seats, state-of-the-art scoreboards, video systems, sound systems, new arena graphics and signage, and upgrades to security, locker rooms, and the suites.
