Posted January 16, 2025 in Press Releases
DAN GILBERT TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, PRESENTED BY CLEVELAND-CLIFFS
DURING 25TH GREATER CLEVELAND SPORTS AWARDS
Cleveland, Ohio — Jan. 16, 2025 — The Greater Cleveland Sports Awards are proud to announce that Dan Gilbert, chairman of the Cleveland Cavaliers and founder and chairman of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Cleveland-Cliffs. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given annually to a person who has dedicated their life to the advancement of sports in Cleveland. The program, presented by Medical Mutual and Ancora, will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
A highly successful businessman, investor and philanthropist, Gilbert’s “for more than profit” philosophy has driven the Cleveland Cavaliers and their umbrella entity, Rock Entertainment Group, to the forefront of community leadership and sports success. Since acquiring the Cavaliers NBA franchise in 2005, Gilbert has overseen the team through six Central Division championships, five Eastern Conference titles and the NBA Championship in 2016 – Cleveland’s first major professional sports championship in 52 years.
In October 2024, Gilbert’s Cavaliers and his real estate development firm Bedrock, broke ground on the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center. The elite sports performance training facility, which is expected to open in 2027, is the first vertical component of a planned $3.5 billion Bedrock-led development project set to transform Cleveland’s Cuyahoga riverfront. Adjacent to the Gateway Sports Complex and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Performance Center will span more than 210,000 square feet and will serve as the new home and practice facility of the Cavaliers. The Center will also offer care for the general public, including athletes of all sports and levels, bringing renewed energy and beauty to downtown Cleveland.
Gilbert’s Cleveland sports investments and leadership also include the Cleveland Charge (the Cavaliers’ NBA G League affiliate), the Cavs Legion GC (an NBA 2K League affiliate) and the Cleveland Monsters (the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets). The franchises have numerous off-the-court accomplishments, including local and national recognition for business operational excellence and community impact.
Under Gilbert’s leadership, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse has fulfilled its promise of becoming a premier destination for sports and entertainment, hosting over 5,000 events and attracting 1.5 million visitors annually. The arena’s enduring success has solidified its role as a central hub for both local and international events, contributing to Cleveland’s cultural and economic vibrancy. During the 2019 season, the building underwent a $185 million transformation and was rebranded as Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. This major renovation has maintained the arena's status as a top-tier sports and entertainment destination, integrating state-of-the-art technology and sustainable practices.
Some of the marquee events the FieldHouse has hosted over the years have included five NBA Finals series (2007, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018), two NBA All-Star Games (1997 and 2022), and two NCAA Women's Final Four Games (2007 and 2024). In 2016, the FieldHouse celebrated two of sports’ highest achievements, with the Cavaliers becoming NBA Champions and the Cleveland Monsters winning the AHL’s Calder Cup. The FieldHouse also hosted the 2016 Republican National Convention and the 2021 and 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies, showcasing its versatility and importance as a multi-purpose facility.
Gilbert’s impact also extends around the world through the philanthropic efforts of Gilbert Family Foundation, which focuses on accelerating a cure for neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerve pathways anywhere in the body. In addition to maintaining four core NF research initiatives, the foundation also announced the establishment of the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute. The Detroit-based institution will be the first brick-and-mortar research facility solely dedicated to NF research and was named in honor of Dan’s oldest son Nick, who passed away from complications associated with NF.
Gilbert Family Foundation is also focused on building opportunity in Detroit, Dan’s hometown and the headquarters of Rocket Companies. In 2021, Gilbert Family Foundation and Rocket Community Fund announced a $500 million commitment to build opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods. Rocket Community Fund has also invested millions of dollars to Cleveland-based nonprofits focused on protecting homeowners and renters from displacement.
Past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award have ranged from former Guardians’ franchise greats and Browns legends to high school football coaches in the region.
Former recipients include:
- 2002 – Jim Brown, former running back, Cleveland Browns
- 2003 – Mark H. McCormack, Founder, International Management Group
- 2004 – Bob Feller, former pitcher, Cleveland Indians
- 2005 – Richard Jacobs, former owner, Cleveland Indians
- 2006 – Herb Score, former pitcher & announcer, Cleveland Indians
- 2007 – Joe Tait, former broadcaster, Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2008 – Chuck Kyle, Head Football Coach, St. Ignatius High School
- 2009 – Bob Kain, former CEO, IMG
- 2010 – Dr. John A. Bergfeld. M.D., Senior Orthopedic Surgeon & team physician, Cleveland Clinic
- 2011 – Reggie Rucker, former wide receiver, Cleveland Browns
- 2012 – Austin Carr, former guard & current broadcaster, Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2013 – Bernie Kosar, former quarterback, Cleveland Browns
- 2014 – Tom Hamilton, sportscaster & announcer, Cleveland Indians
- 2015 – Jim Donovan, radio & TV personality, WKYC & Cleveland Browns
- 2016 – Mike Hargrove, former first baseman & manager, Cleveland Indians
- 2017 – Zydrunas Ilgauskas, former center, Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2018 – Sandy Alomar Jr., coach and former catcher, Cleveland Indians
- 2019 – Dolan Family, owners, Cleveland Indians
- 2021 – CC Sabathia, pitcher, Cleveland Indians
- 2022 – Ted Ginn, Sr., head football coach, Glenville High School
- 2023 – Renee Powell, LPGA/PGA Head Golf Professional at Clearview Golf Club
Sports Awards is the premier annual sports fundraiser supporting the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and celebrates a year of athletic achievements in Northeast Ohio from high school stars to professional athletes. New in 2025 is a $75 admission ticket to the “Diehard District,” presented by K&D Group and ESPN Cleveland. Each ticket will include a pre-loaded value of $10 for concessions and access to the official After Party, presented by Westfield. Tables and tickets for Sports Awards are available for purchase at clevelandsportsawards.com.