Cavaliers see robust ticket renewals

Chances are the masses still will show up at Quicken Loans Arena beginning Oct. 27, when the Cavaliers open the post-LeBron James era against the Boston Celtics, and throughout the season. How much the eventual ticket holders will have paid to watch Cleveland’s NBA team in person is another story.  The Cavaliers confirmed last week their season ticket renewal rate is the highest it’s ever been, likely a product of the team requiring season ticket holders to commit for the 2010-2011 season in March, before Mr. James decided to leave for the Miami Heat in free agency.  Behind the numbers: In January, the NBA recognized the Cavs as one of eight teams with at least 10,000 full season ticket sales, one of eight with at least 2,000 new full season ticket holders and one of three with a 90% season ticket retention rate. Team president Len Komoroski told Crain’s at that time the Cavs’ season ticket number was “significantly more than” 10,000. Spokesman Tad Carper declined to disclose the Cavs’ sales, citing league policy that could lead to a fine. But previously, The Plain Dealer, citing a league memo, reported the Cavs as of July 2009 had sold 11,385 seats; it’s safe to assume the team added to that total before making partial season-ticket plans available, which this year were unveiled on Aug. 17. — Crain’s Cleveland Business