Basketball fans will soon have a chance to view never-before-seen items from LeBron James’ storied career. A museum honoring James opens Saturday at House Three Thirty, the multi-use community center run by the LeBron James Family Foundation.
LeBron James’ Home Court offers visitors a peek inside the Akron native’s life, from his childhood years at Spring Hill Apartments to his career at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to his rise to NBA fame.
Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation, said James is an avid collector. After purchasing the former Tangier in December 2020, they began discussing ways to preserve and display James’ memorabilia at the newly named House Three Thirty.
Visits to LeBron James’ Home Court begin with a walk through a re-created Spring Hill Apartment #602. The exhibit was curated by LeBron’s mother, Gloria James. Credit: Photo courtesy of the LeBron James Family Foundation
“When we purchased House Three Thirty, it wasn’t in the realm of, ‘We’re gonna open this Home Court museum.’ But it evolved, and it was like, ‘Oh, this is it. This is where we can display all of this in a really cool, fun way and allow his fans to experience something that they’ve never experienced before,’” Campbell said.
Caption: Visits to LeBron James’ Home Court begin with a walk through a re-created Spring Hill Apartment #602. The exhibit was curated by LeBron’s mother, Gloria James. Photo courtesy of the LeBron James Family Foundation
Visitors begin the self-guided tour by stepping into a detailed replica of Spring Hill Apartment #602, where James and his mother, Gloria James, lived from 1996 until 2003. The re-creation was curated by Gloria and includes sports trophies from James’ childhood.
The immersive exhibit continues with re-creations of the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School locker room and gymnasium. James played basketball all four years of high school and helped lead the team to three state championships and one national championship. (Today, the gymnasium at the North Maple Street school is the LeBron James Arena.)
LeBron James’ Home Court also features snippets from James’ professional basketball career, including the white suit he wore to the 2003 NBA draft, letters from fans, basketball shoes worn during important games, and family photos.
“He really believes that without his family, without this community and without his fans, there is no LeBron James, this wonderful basketball player,” Campbell said. “Throughout, there’s so many tributes to the fans that have supported him over the years, the different teammates that he has had, the different coaches – just a nod to all of the people throughout his lifetime that have helped make him who he is as a person and a professional basketball player.”
Tickets are required for Saturday’s grand opening of LeBron James’ Home Court. General admission tickets are $23 (James has always worn the number 23) and can be purchased online in advance. Children 5 years old and under are free. Tours run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with last admittance at 8 p.m.
While at House Three Thirty, visitors can stop by the retail shop, watch the Ohio State vs. Michigan game, and grab a bite at one of several dining options.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 27, LeBron James’ Home Court will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on select days.
