December 29, 2020

Mr. Len Komoroski

Chief Executive Officer
Cavaliers Operating Company, LLC
1 Center Court
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Dear Mr. Komoroski,

I am writing to you regarding the Cleveland Cavaliers’ request for a variance for Rocket Mortgage
FieldHouse and the maximum number of spectators allowed in indoor sports venues under the Ohio
Department of Health’s “Director’s Order that Provides Mandatory Requirements for Youth, Collegiate,
Amateur, Club and Professional Sports.”

Here is a summary of the Cavaliers’ variance request as I understand it based on the information
submitted:

• Venue has fixed seating capacity of 19,432 spectators.

• Proposal is to increase the allowable number of spectators in the FieldHouse under the Sports
Order from 300 up to 4,596 spectators in bowl seating (23.7% of capacity) and an additional 240
spectators in suites (50% of capacity), for a total of 4,836 spectators.
• Plan calls for seating spectators in groups/pods of up to eight members of the same family/party
with six feet of social distancing between groups/pods. Seating diagrams are included in plan.
• Plan includes detailed spectator way-finding from entry into, and throughout, venue:
o On their tickets, spectators will be directed to enter the FieldHouse at one of the four
entrance zones.
o As fans enter the FieldHouse, physical barriers, social distancing markers and signage
will assist in queueing lines.
• Facial coverings will be required except when eating/drinking.
• Plan calls for increased cleaning in all areas, with a dedicated sanitization team during
games/events to focus on in-event surface touch points, including use of electrostatic sprayers to
allow application of disinfectant more efficiently.
• HVAC:
o FieldHouse equipped with latest HVAC technology with control board used to get real-
time information and tweak airflow throughout the facility (including increased flow of
outside air inside the arena bowl and concourses).
o Upgraded HVAC system/air filters.
 o UVC germicidal lights installed in building air handler units to disinfect HVAC
airstreams.
o Worked with third-party consulting engineering firm to analyze FieldHouse’s air changes
per hour (1.9 ACH).
• Plan includes an Infectious Disease Emergency Response Plan for handling sick
spectators/employees/others during games/events.

I am writing to let you know that I concur with Cleveland Department of Public Health’s approval of
your variance request, but at a lower capacity than requested. I am approving a variance for 1,944
spectators total, which is 10% of capacity. I am approving this variance because of the Cavaliers’
extremely comprehensive and detailed activation plan, and particularly given the FieldHouse’s creation
of increased space on the south side, increased concourse ceiling height (by three feet) and state-of-the-
art HVAC system to address air quality. This variance approval includes a requirement that is consistent
with the spectator variance approvals of other sports venues:

• The number of spectators seated in a group cannot exceed six individuals from the same
family/party in seating throughout the venue (including club/suite seating), and all groups must
have at least six feet of social distancing between them in all directions. The use of Plexiglas
barriers is not an alternative to six feet of social distancing for spectator seating.

It will be the Cavaliers’ responsibility to monitor and enforce the social distancing requirement,
prohibition on congregating among spectators, and the other provisions outlined in the sports order
(https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/publicorders/Second-Amended-Sports-Order.pdf).

Sincerely,

Stephanie McCloud
Director
Ohio Department of Health
246 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-2253
www.odh.ohio.gov

246 North High Street 614 I 466-3543

Columbus, Ohio 43215 U.S.A. www.odh.ohio.gov

The State of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider of ADA Services.