If you’re looking for games in Cleveland today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, you've probably noticed the big pro teams are playing "where's Waldo" with the city limits. The Cavs are currently in the middle of a road trip—they played Philly last night and aren't back at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse until Monday’s MLK Day celebration. The Monsters? They’re up in Rhode Island facing the Providence Bruins.
But don't bail on your plans yet.
Cleveland isn't empty. Far from it. While the bright lights of the NBA are elsewhere, the heart of the city's sports scene today is centered squarely on the Wolstein Center and a few gritty local venues that most tourists usually overlook.
The Main Event: Cleveland State vs. Youngstown State
The biggest game in town today is happening at 2:00 PM. It’s a classic Horizon League battle: the Cleveland State Vikings hosting the Youngstown State Penguins.
Honestly, these games are usually more intense than a standard regular-season NBA night. There’s something about the proximity of Youngstown to Cleveland that makes this a "bragging rights" thing for the players, many of whom grew up playing against each other in high school or AAU.
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The Vikings are currently sitting at 5-14 overall. That record doesn't look great on paper, but they’ve been scrappy at home. Dayan Nessah has been the guy to watch, averaging nearly 14 points a game. On the other side, the Penguins (9-10) are coming off a tough loss to Wright State and are looking to stop a slide.
Why you should actually go
- The Wolstein Center Atmosphere: It’s a 13,000-seat arena that feels massive for college ball but intimate enough that you can hear the coaches screaming at the refs.
- Cheap Tickets: You can usually grab a seat for a fraction of what a Cavs ticket costs.
- Scouting Talent: You’re watching guys like YSU’s Cris Carroll, who is currently averaging 17.2 points and shooting nearly 50% from the field.
If you can't make it down to Prospect Avenue, the game is being broadcast on ESPN+, but watching a Horizon League scrap in person is a different beast entirely.
Pro Wrestling and the Treelawn Scene
If basketball isn't your vibe, there’s something way more chaotic happening on the east side. Exodus Pro Wrestling is taking over the Treelawn Music Hall tonight. Doors usually open around 6:00 PM, and the bell rings shortly after.
Cleveland has a weirdly deep history with independent wrestling. This isn't the flashy, over-produced stuff you see on Monday nights on TV. It’s loud, sweaty, and you’re close enough to the ring to feel the floor shake when someone takes a powerbomb. Treelawn is a cool spot—it’s an old repurposed space that feels very "Cleveland."
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The Ghost of the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
It feels weird when the "Big House" is quiet, doesn't it? The Cavs are in the middle of a grind. They just finished a back-to-back or a heavy travel stretch (they were in Philly on the 16th).
Most people don't realize that even when games in Cleveland today aren't happening at the professional level, the arena is a hive of activity. They’re likely flipping the floor right now from a concert or prepping for the Monsters' return next week. If you’re a die-hard fan, today is the day to hit the team shop without the 20,000-person crush.
Cavs Injury Report (For the Road)
If you're tracking the Cavs while they're away, the news is a bit grim. Darius Garland and Max Strus have been sidelined with foot issues, and Dean Wade is still out with that nagging knee injury. It’s basically the "next man up" philosophy for Coach right now.
What Most People Get Wrong About Cleveland Game Days
A lot of folks assume if the Browns aren't playing or the Cavs are away, the city’s sports heart stops beating. That’s a mistake.
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Cleveland is a hub for "fringe" sports that actually draw massive local crowds. For instance, the Cleveland Crunch (indoor soccer) often plays at the Wolstein Center, though their next big home match against Lansing isn't until the 24th.
Today, it's about the college grind and the indie wrestling scene.
Actionable Next Steps for Today
If you’re bored and looking for a score:
- Head to the Wolstein Center by 1:30 PM. Park in the South Garage. It’s easier than trying to find street spots on a Saturday.
- Check the Treelawn Music Hall website. If you want the Exodus Pro tickets, buy them online now. They’ve been known to sell out the small room fast.
- Download the Horizon League app. If you're staying home, it’s the best way to track the CSU/YSU live stats without the delay you get on some of the bigger sports apps.
- Plan for Monday. Remember, the Cavs are back for a 2:30 PM matinee against Oklahoma City. If you want tickets, today is the day to snag them before the last-minute price hike tomorrow night.
The city might seem quiet on the surface without the NBA or AHL in town, but the Vikings and the Penguins are about to beat the brakes off each other for 40 minutes. That’s more than enough reason to get off the couch.