CLEVELAND — It might be the biggest home game in Cleveland since the Browns returned in 1999.
The Browns have a chance to clinch a playoff berth with a win over the New York Jets on "Thursday Night Football," and while it would be their second postseason appearance in four years, their last clinching effort came in front of just 12,000 fans due to COVID-19 restrictions. The last time they earned a spot in front of a full house? You'd have to go all the way back to 2002 ("Run, William, run!!).
Twenty-one years later, Cleveland Browns Stadium is expected to be filled with nearly 70,000 fans to watch the team in a spot it has rarely been, with thousands more flocking to downtown to take part in the festivities. Here are some of the things fans should be aware of before heading to Cleveland.
Road closures
All highway exits around Browns Stadium will be closed by 5:15 p.m. ahead of the 8:15 kickoff, with traffic around the field also limited to Browns Pass holders and drop-offs for individuals with disabilities (North Marginal Road via East 55th Street). The eastbound ramp from state Route 2 to East 9th Street will also be closed at 5:15.
Parking
Parking restrictions will be in effect throughout downtown, with violators being towed. Signs attached to poles, posts, and parking meters will detail the limitations.
Pre-game parties/Tailgates
A handful of bars and restaurants put on a tailgate along West 6th Street, sponsored by 92.3 the Fan. There will be a live broadcast of the game, live music, food and drinks. If you get chilly, you can pop into any of the establishments to get warm or to get in on the specials for game day. There's also a VIP Browns Tailgate in front of Great Lakes Science Center (click HERE for more information) and a pregame party at Collision Bend starting at 11:30 a.m. More information HERE.
Muni Lot
The East Muni Lot will open for tailgaters at noon, followed by the West Muni Lot at 5 p.m. Participants are asked to arrive early and line up on King Avenue to East 40th Street and Lakeside Avenue. Overflow traffic will be directed to East 38th Street and King.
- As always, the following restrictions are in place for Muni Lot tailgatersL
- No flying of drones in the muni-lot or within 5 miles of Burke Lakefront Airport
- No open pit fires
- Propane grills only (no charcoal)
- No alcohol
- No saving parking spaces
- Drivers will be charged for all parking spaces that they occupy
- No in/out privileges
- All litter must be dispensed in trash containers
- No vandalism of any type
- No crossing the Shoreway
- No private latrines
- Lanes must remain clear of activity at all times