The Cavaliers and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission have "submitted a bid to host" the '18 NBA All-Star Game, according to Chris Haynes of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. The return of F LeBron James "certainly helps" the club's chances, and in March for the first time the city will host the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight of the '15 NCAA basketball tournament. The city of Cleveland also was "awarded the Republican National Convention" in '16. The Knicks are hosting the '15 All-Star Game, followed by the Raptors in '16, "leaving vacant slots" in '17 and '18. The "last time Cleveland held the All-Star Game" was '97. The new Cleveland Convention Center would "serve as the home for All-Star Jam Session in addition to the Celebrity Game and the NBA D-League All-Star Game." Greater Cleveland Sports Commission President & CEO David Gilbert said, "We're 100 percent sure we can host All-Star Weekend. We hope the NBA recognizes that this is a new city with new energy and a new attitude. This city is ready for prime time." The Trail Blazers and Hornets also "have placed bids" for '18. The Cavaliers "anticipate an official ruling" within Q1 of '15 (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 12/2).
