Fans fill up City Market Pavillion for Fred VanVleet watch party

Rockford became ROCK-FRED Monday night.

Fans filed into the Rockford City Market Pavilion for Jurassic Park RKFD, a watch party as Rockford native Fred VanVleet and the Toronto Raptors one win away from an NBA championship.

Jurassic Park RKFD is the only watch party for the Toronto Raptors in the United States, according to John Groh from RACVB.

The watch party, located at the corner of East State and Water Street, includes a jumbo screen airing Game Five, as well as the FVV Shop Pop-Up Store, food and beverage trucks.

The city of Rockford estimates nearly 2,000 people attended the watch party Monday night.

While Rockford has been the home to some Super Bowl champions in the past, VanVleet could become the first Rockford native to hoist an NBA championship trophy.

VanVleet and the Raptors had a 3-1 series lead heading into Game 5.

The Golden State Warriors survived elimination with a 106-105 victory on Monday. VanVleet finished with 11 points, sparking crowd reaction late in the game.

Jurassic Park RKFD returns Thursday night at the Rockford City Market Pavilion. The event is free to the public.

Fans can enter at 6 p.m. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.