Editor's Note: This article is part of the Stadium Guide series, a comprehensive guide to your NFL team's stadium experience.
Buy tickets for games at Cleveland Browns Stadium here on StubHub.
The Cleveland Browns are in the process of finalizing their future stadium plans, looking to play the first playoff game in their current stadium before they inevitably leave, leaving the Dawg Pound – a remnant of the former Cleveland Municipal Stadium – to both cheer and try to make enough noise to affect the game ahead.
The Dawg Pound originated in the late 1980s, when the team won three AFC Championship games in four years. The bleacher-only end zone area was revived in 1999 for the current franchise – and the current version of Cleveland Browns Stadium – after the team was inexplicably moved from Cleveland after the 1995 season.
Fans who have visited Cleveland Browns Stadium are probably familiar with the Dawg Pound and the Muni Lot, the famous (or infamous) tailgate area just east of the stadium entrances. In good years and before big games, cars and RVs line up the night before the gates open.
In early August, the Browns announced that they believed their best plan for the future stadium would be to build an indoor facility in the suburb of Brook Park, about 15 miles southwest of the city. Although the team began the process with the intention of staying downtown, it was unable to find suitable sites and preferred an indoor facility that could attract year-round events to a remodeling of the current stadium, which sits next to Lake Erie.
GO DEEPER
More money, no problem? Examination of the stadium situation and options of the Browns
Part of the rush to rebuild the Browns after they left in 1996 when they became the Baltimore Ravens was an insistence on restoring the original name, colors and traditions. That included playing in an outdoor stadium on natural grass. Some fans still believe that, but the Browns have made it clear they are happy with an indoor future as well – and no one will miss the various shades of orange of the forgettable and rather boring current stadium.
The athlete has compiled 32 stadium guides, one for each NFL team, to give fans important game day information. We also asked readers to weigh in on the best food, beer and tailgate options at each stadium to help football fans have an enjoyable visit.
Insider tips
The must-see game in the stadium in 2024: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, October 20
The Battle of Ohio is the Browns' first AFC North game of the season and the first back in Cleveland after a three-game road trip. The Browns' defense should be one of the best in the league and they will look to continue their recent dominance over Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow. For teams looking to stay on top of the division in a packed AFC, winning their home games is a must, so expect the home crowd to be suitably loud to push the Browns to a big win.
Myles Garrett and the Browns have beaten the Bengals six times in a row on their home field. (Jason Miller / Getty Images)
Fan tradition you should know: Dawg Pound Captain
The Browns have in recent years selected a “Dawg Pound Captain” who steps to the podium just before kickoff to smash a guitar – the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is right next door – and pump up the home crowd. Generally, the captains are well-known former players or celebrities with Cleveland roots. The biggest hit for a Dawg Pound Captain came last December, when injured running back Nick Chubb pumped up the crowd just before the Browns beat the New York Jets and clinched a playoff spot.
Zac Jackson's favorite thing
The elements can be a real factor. Former kicker Phil Dawson learned that the best way to gauge the winds was to measure a small flag that hangs above the 1,000-foot mark in the southwest corner of the stadium. Dawson was so successful for so long that the flag is now known as the Dawson Flag. Browns fans have stuck with them through thick and thin, showing up barking no matter the temperature.
The athlete's Stadium Ranking: 19
The Browns' outdoor home since 1999 climbed four spots after ranking 23rd in 2020.
Free daily NFL updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Free daily NFL updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Sign up
Tips for fans on match day
Which seating area offers the best value for money?
Halfway up the upper deck and in the corners on the north side of the stadium. You can still see the lake, but you're looking at the downtown skyline. And if you're sitting above row 20, you can be under the overhang, potentially exposed to precipitation. — Alex W.
Which food should you definitely not miss?
Bring food from your tailgate party. You can bring food from outside and the food at the stadium is completely overpriced. — Brian W.
What is the best beer option?
Beer and cocktails from Brewski's. — Adam D.
Where is the best place to take a photo?
The upper deck on the north side with the skyline in the background is a great place. — Alex W.
What child-friendly activities/options are available at the stadium?
The team-sponsored pregame tailgate party on Alfred Lerner Way. — Adam D.
Where is the best place for a tailgate?
Muni Lot. I've seen games from about 50 percent of the league, and pregame it's as passionate and crazy as ever. The downside is that it can get aggressive if you're an underdog, and it's not for younger kids. — Paul C.
Get The Athletic 2024 Fantasy Football Guide to read expert reviews and everything you need to know to win your fantasy football league.
Get The Athletic 2024 Fantasy Football Guide to read expert reviews.
Buy
What you should know when you go
Address: 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.
Opening year: 1999.
Roof? NO.
Stadium capacity: 67,431.
Average attendance per game in 2023 (according to Pro Football Focus): 67,810.
Tickets: According to StubHub, the average StubHub ticket price for an NFL game at Cleveland Browns Stadium in 2024 is $247.
Baggage regulations: Bags made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches are permitted. Non-clear bags no larger than 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches and approximately the size of a hand are permitted. These bags can be carried with or without a strap or hand. Other bags permitted include clear plastic freezer bags with a 1-gallon capacity, binocular cases and camera cases. Clear plastic tote bags with an official NFL team logo are also permitted. Exceptions may be made for medically necessary items after inspection.
Outside dining guidelines: Guests may bring small amounts of food into the stadium for personal consumption as long as it is in its original packaging or in a clear gallon-sized bag. Outside beverages are not permitted.
ADA: The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that at least 1 percent of stadium seating be wheelchair accessible. For more information on all accessibility services at Cleveland Browns Stadium, click here.
Tailgating Policy: The Muni parking lot opens at 5 a.m. for afternoon games. Overflow traffic may be diverted to the industrial area near East 38th Street and King Avenue. Only propane grills are allowed; open fire pits are not permitted. Alcohol is not allowed. You may not hold parking spaces, cross the Shoreway, or bring in private latrines.
Transport options: RTA express stations and rideshare options are available.
Learn more: clevelandbrownsstadium.com
The Stadium Guides series is part of a partnership with StubHub.
The athlete maintains its full editorial independence. Partners have no control or influence over the reporting or editorial process and do not review articles before publication.
(Top image: Dan Goldfarb / The athlete; Photos: Frank Jansky / Icon Sportswire and Jason Miller / Getty Images)
