CLEVELAND — For the first time since 2019, the Cleveland Browns are welcoming fans back to FirstEnergy Stadium without any capacity limitations as they face the Houston Texans in the home opener Sunday.
“Having a full stadium means so much to our players and our coaches,” says Rob McBurnett, Director of Community and Corporate Communications. “We want to make sure everybody gets here early, gets in on time, be in your seats before kickoff and be loud. You make a difference and you’re going to help us win.”
But fans can expect to see various COVID safety precautions when attending a game this season.
“Obviously, we’re all very aware of how our community has been impacted and we continue to monitor that situation very closely working with University Hospitals and also our local, state and city officials,” McBurnett tells 3News.
He said the Browns will follow thorough cleaning procedures and offer plenty of hand sanitizing stations along with signs encouraging everybody to wear a mask while indoors.
“Right now there is no mandate as it relates to vaccines or masks, but from our end we’re continuing to follow CDC guidance," McBurnett said.
So what does that mean for fans?
“The CDC recommends that all spectators wear masks indoors (including all interior spaces, such as gathering/event spaces, elevators, restrooms and the press box) regardless of vaccination status,” according to a post on the team’s site. “Additionally, masks are recommended outdoors for unvaccinated persons when they cannot maintain physical distancing.”
The Browns are also urging fans to get vaccinated.
“As our medical partners at University Hospitals have shared, the vaccine is the single best way to combat the pandemic and is critical to keeping our team, our families, and the entire Northeast Ohio community as safe as possible.”