Over the next couple days I'd appreciate if some cleveland'ers could post some advice on bars to go to before games and best places to park to avoid the most traffic.
Every time I've gone to a Cavs game I've driven from columbus and just did standard parking, and didn't get there early enough to enjoy some of the scenery and bars prior to gimetime.
Whatever you do, get their EARLY. There's going to be a concert outside the Q during the day, so there will be lots of people for that. So far, the weather is going to be about a hgh of 50, with no rain, so, the nicer the weather, the more the people and traffic heading or staying downtown. On the other hand, the worse the weather, i.e., rain, the heaver and slower the traffic. Still lots of construction downtown, and exits keep on closing, so keep that in mind. Also, keep in mind that rush hour traffic can be heavy downtown throught around 6:30, although I went that time to the Cavs ticketholder meeting lsast Thursday and there was some gridlock due to exits out of town closing.
My philosophy is get there early and wait or leave late and wait in your car, in traffic, while the limited parking spots get filled.
I plan on going early, having dinner and getting to the Q early, watching warmups, etc. The action is inside of the Q, in my opinion.
As far as bars, there is I think Harry Buffalo right across from the Q on E. 4th and a bunch more a block or so further towards or around East Fourth. There is the Winking Lizard, a great spot for cheap food and drink a little further. The Clevelander is off public square and is a popular sports bar and there is Panini's on East 9th Street, good sports bar with good pannini sandwhiches.
Keep in mind that there is also the Casino next to the big LeBron mural that is going up.
Parking is all around, but, again, depending on when you come, spots may be at a premium since there will still be cars parked from the working day. I have parking passes to the attached garage to the Q, but there is always a line. The casino took away one of the parking garages to use for the casino, so, again, less parking spots. Keep in mind that while the parking close to the Q is convenient, it will take longer to empty out after the game.
Good luck and get there early!