For more than a decade, that lifelong promise to his alma mater has materialized in a number of ways, perhaps most visibly through the grand opening of The LeBron James Arena at STVM. LeBron pledged $1 million to completely renovate the gym he grew up playing in, which was gutted and rebuilt to include new hardwood flooring, bleachers, branded scoreboards, lighting, and all new sports equipment. The renovation also includes brand new locker room facilities for both men and women student athletes.

Also inside the building bearing his name is a special wall dedicated to his journey beginning with his early upbringing in Akron all the way through his NBA successes. Today, his story is still unfolding, but he will never forget where he came from.