imagine dragons

Platinum-selling rock band Imagine Dragons will perform during a pregame concert outside of The Q on Thursday.

(Paul A. Hebert, Associated Press)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers season opener Thursday night is the hottest ticket the area has seen in years. Some seats for LeBron James' return are going for five figures on sites like Stub Hub. Celebrities like Usher and Kendrick Lamar will be there, while there are rumors Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and Beyonce might join them.

Here's some things to know if you're planning on watching the game downtown, from either inside or outside the arena.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING OUTSIDE THE Q:

- The giant LeBron James banner will be unveiled at 8 a.m.

- ESPN will broadcast live shows and live shots throughout the day from East 4th Street starting at 9 a.m.

- Hip hop recording artist Kendrick Lamar and Top 40 hitmakers Imagine Dragons ("Radioactive") will perform at a pregame concert in the parking lot across from The Q on Huron Road. Comedian Kevin Hart will also make an appearance. Local food trucks will be on hand, as well. Once the game starts, the event turns into a giant watch party with the game shown on huge video screens. Alcohol and lawn chairs are prohibited. The event, sponsored by the Cavs and TNT, starts at 4 p.m.

- Nike hosts a fan experience from 4-10 p.m. across from the giant LeBron James banner across from the The Q at the corner of Huron and Ontario. The event features digital displays, music and giveaways.

- More than 40 local bars and restaurants will host official watch parties throughout the region. Some of the participating venues include Barley House, Corner Alley, Tag Bar at Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, Greenhouse Tavern, Hard Rock Cafe, Titled Kilt and more. There will be T-shirt giveaways and contests at each location. Get the full list here. Also check out The Plain Dealer's John Petkovic's list of where to watch the game.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING INSIDE THE Q:

- Doors to the arena open at 6 p.m. Fans will receive a free magnet schedule upon their arrival. A T-shirt, LeBron James poster and light-up baton will be waiting for them at their seats. (Full promotional schedule here)

- Cleveland celebrity chefs Michael Symon, Jonathon Sawyer and Rocco Whalen will have new offerings this season. Check out Joe Crea's story on food at The Q.

- The Cavaliers' giant new scoreboard will be unveiled. Dubbed the "Humungotron," the four-sided scoreboard features four huge HD video screens, tilted and curved so that everybody has a good view. Who needs pesky math when 'The Diff' lets you know instantly how much the Cavs are winning by?

- The player introductions will feature a new hype video and 3D projections on the court.

- Grammy-award winner Usher will perform the national anthem.

- Tipoff is at 8 p.m.

- The speed-painting group The 3 Painters along with Biff Gore and Tess Boyer from NBC's 'The Voice' will perform at halftime

GETTING DOWNTOWN

- Heavy traffic and limited parking are expected around Quicken Loans Arena. Fans attending the events are encouraged to arrive early and carpool or use RTA when possible.

- There will be no parking on East 9th Street, Prospect Avenue between Ontario Street and East 14th Street and Huron Road from Ontario to Prospect.

- Be sure you're familiar with inner belt ramp closures before heading downtown.

- Parking rates are expected to reach $40 starting around noon close to the arena. Get a map of nearby lots here

CAN'T MAKE IT IN PERSON? WATCH IT ON TV

- The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT starting at 8 p.m.