Strategy
Three special events kicked-off the opening celebration of Gund Arena with Billy Joel headlining a Rock & Roll concert event. ThigpenPR served as consultants for the following events.
Dedication Ceremony- Gund Arena was officially dedicate with a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the front entrance. Many dignitaries were on hand to commemorate the public grand opening of a new Cleveland landmark.
Cleveland Scholarship Programs Gala- the Gund Arena Grand Opening Black Tie benefit raised money for CAVS Charities (a fund of the Robert B. McCormick Tribune Foundation), which supports educational and recreational programs for Northeast Ohio youth. The primary beneficiary of this event was Cleveland Scholarship Programs, which provided financial counseling and scholarship assistance to thousands of Greater Cleveland high school students.
Public Open House – the red carpet rolled out as Gund Arena opened its doors to the public for the first time. The theme “An Arena for Everyone” showcased a wide range of entertainment by a variety of community groups. The public brought canned goods for admission to “An Arena for Everyone” open house. The CAVS Charities donated the non-perishable food items to the Cleveland Food Bank.