CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell showcased his skills in a unique way on Monday as he participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ upcoming training facility. The All-Star guard joined other notable figures, including Mayor Justin Bibb, to kick off the construction of what will be known as the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, set to open in 2027.
During this ceremony, Mitchell, along with several teammates, took part in an unofficial commencement of the project that will span 210,000 square feet alongside the Cuyahoga River. This ambitious initiative is largely funded by team owner Dan Gilbert.
Mitchell, who secured a three-year contract extension this summer, expressed the significance of the new facility for the team’s commitment to its players. “We wanted to emphasize how much an investment like this means to us,” stated the five-time All-Star, who was traded to Cleveland from Utah in 2022. “Since my arrival here two years ago, I’ve heard nothing but how serious Cleveland is about their sports. Witnessing this development highlights their dedication to both the team and the welfare of the players.” He further noted, “This is going to be huge for the longevity of our careers.”
In addition to the new training center, the Cavaliers extended their partnership with the Cleveland Clinic for an additional 25 years, further solidifying their commitment to health and performance.
The facility will be accessible to the public and is expected to offer advanced training equipment and amenities catering to athletes of all levels. Currently, the Cavaliers have been training in Independence, Ohio, since 2007, and this downtown facility will allow them to be conveniently located near Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, their home arena.
As the new season approaches, Cleveland is set to kick things off on October 23 in Toronto before hosting their home opener on October 25 against Detroit, where they’ll face former coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who was let go despite leading the team to the playoffs in recent seasons.