Richfield Coliseum
The suburban home of the Cavaliers from 1974 until 1994.
Richfield Coliseum, also known as the Coliseum at Richfield, stood in Richfield Township between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Opened in 1974 to replace the aging Cleveland Arena, it served as the primary home for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA until 1994. With a basketball seating capacity of 20,273, it was developed by Cavaliers owner Nick Mileti to serve the nearly five million Ohioans living within an hour's drive. The arena hosted the 1981 NBA All-Star Game and served as the backdrop for the franchise's early years before the team moved downtown to Gund Arena.
- Location
- Richfield Township, Ohio (between Cleveland and Akron)
- Years Active (Cavs)
- 1974–1994
- Status
- Demolished in 1999
- Affiliation
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Cleveland Crusaders (WHA), Cleveland Barons (NHL)
- Capacity for Basketball
- 20,273
- Notable Event
- 1981 NBA All-Star Game
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Constructed by Nick Mileti, who also owned the Cleveland Crusaders of the WHA, the Coliseum was designed to draw fans from both major Northeast Ohio cities. It hosted a wide array of tenants beyond basketball, including the Cleveland Barons (NHL), the Force and Crunch (MISL), the Lumberjacks (IHL), and the Thunderbolts (Arena Football League). Significant sporting moments included the 1983 WBA heavyweight title match between Michael Dokes and Gerrie Coetzee, televised by HBO, and the March 24, 1975 boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner that inspired Rocky. The Grateful Dead played thirteen shows there, with their final appearance on March 21, 1994. Even NBA legend Larry Bird noted in a 2012 interview that it was his favorite arena to play in.
In Their Own Story
On April 6, 1986, the Coliseum witnessed a historic crowd of 20,174 for a Cleveland Force indoor soccer match against Minnesota, setting the record for the largest regular-season attendance ever for an indoor soccer game in the US. The arena was not without its flaws; it featured only one concourse for two levels, creating cramped conditions near capacity. Furthermore, the luxury suites were located at the uppermost level, offering the worst seats in the house. Despite these drawbacks and traffic issues on rural Route 303, the Cavaliers maintained an average attendance over 18,000 per game during their final two seasons there. The venue also hosted notable World Wrestling Federation pay-per-view events, including Survivor Series in 1987, 1988, and 1992.
Reader's Guide
Visiting Richfield Coliseum required a dedicated automobile journey to the interchange of Interstate 271 and Ohio State Route 303. The rural location made it inaccessible without a car, often causing traffic congestion near capacity. Inside, fans navigated a single concourse that served both levels. The venue's first event was a Frank Sinatra concert, followed by Stevie Wonder in October 1974 for the first rock show. After the Cavaliers moved to Gund Arena at the start of the 1994–95 season, the Coliseum stood vacant for five years. The hardwood floor was sold to Grace Christian School of Staunton, Virginia, in 1997. Demolition occurred between March 30 and May 21, 1999.
Did You Know?
- The site of the demolished arena is now a meadow and part of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
- Larry Bird stated in a 2012 interview that Richfield Coliseum was his favorite arena to play in.
- The Muhammad Ali vs. Chuck Wepner match held there on March 24, 1975, inspired the movie Rocky.
- A Cleveland Force indoor soccer game on April 6, 1986, drew 20,174 fans, the largest regular-season crowd for an indoor soccer match in US history.
- The arena's luxury suites were located at the uppermost level, making them the worst seats in the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Richfield Coliseum?
This indoor arena served as the primary home court for the Cleveland Cavaliers from their inception in 1974 until 1994.
Where was this venue located?
It stood in the suburb of Richfield, Ohio, defining an era of suburban basketball fandom before the franchise moved downtown.
Why is this arena important to Cavaliers history?
The stadium hosted the team's formative years and was the backdrop for their rise into a competitive playoff contender during the late eighties.
What happened to the building after the team left?
Following the Cavaliers' departure in 1994, the structure was eventually demolished and is no longer standing today.
How large was the seating capacity at Richfield Coliseum?
Estimates indicate the facility could hold approximately 20,000 spectators during games played by the franchise.
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