1997 Chevy Cavalier Belt

Just release tension of belt by loosening the tensioner with the center bolt shown below, then slide belt off..

It is pretty tight, yes. Should be able to do it with a long breaker bar though. Locate the belt tensioner on the front of the engine just below the alternator on the driver's side. Place a 15-mm socket on the mounting bolt in the center of the idler pulley, then rotate it counterclockwise using a long-handled ratchet.
Remove the old belt from the pulleys while holding the tensioner away from the belt. Discard the old belt. Slowly rotate the breaker bar clockwise, allowing the tensioner to return to the free arm position.
Install the new belt on all the pulleys except the tensioner's idler pulley. Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise and slide the belt onto the tensioner pulley, then rotate the belt tensioner clockwise, tightening the belt.
Remove the breaker bar and socket, then check the belt to ensure it is lying properly over the pulleys. Install the negative battery cable on the negative terminal of the battery, and tighten the retaining bolt with a wrench.