CLEVELAND — The wait is just about over.
Thursday night, the Cleveland Browns will take the field at FirstEnergy Stadium to start the 2019 preseason against the Washington Redskins. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Before you head to the stadium to catch Baker and the Browns in action, here is everything you'll need to know.
Ticketing procedures have changed
Starting this season, everyone who attends Cleveland Browns games at FirstEnergy Stadium will use mobile ticketing for entry. No hard copy or PDF tickets will be available. To ensure the most efficient entry, fans are strongly encouraged to have the Browns Mobile App open with their mobile tickets visible on their electronic devices prior to approaching the stadium gates.
For more information, visit https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/mobiletickets, including a complete instructional video walkthrough for secure mobile ticketing. If fans experience any difficulty on gameday accessing tickets through the Browns Mobile App, they can seek assistance at the Browns ticket office, located on the south side of FirstEnergy Stadium next to the Browns Pro Shop.
Tickets are still available for the preseason
To purchase single-game tickets for the Browns two home preseason games, visit www.ClevelandBrowns.com/tickets. Fans may also visit the Universal Windows Direct Cleveland Browns Will Call Windows on the south side of the stadium, located next to the Pro Shop, to purchase tickets or ask specific questions.
How to navigate traffic and parking
Fans are encouraged to arrive in Downtown Cleveland by 5:30 p.m. for both of the preseason home games at FirstEnergy Stadium.
- Vehicles commuting into Downtown Cleveland are recommended to use alternate traffic routes and minimize usage of the Shoreway’s E 9th Street, Lakeside Avenue/W 6th Street and W 3rd Street, particularly approaching and after 6 p.m.
- Continuing in 2019, road closures of East 9th and West 3rd Streets will be implemented between Lakeside Avenue and FirstEnergy Stadium, including Shoreway/State Route 2 exits around the stadium. Rolling road closures will begin 1.5 hours
- Recommended entry points to Downtown Cleveland are W 25th Street off Eastbound Route 2 when approaching from the west side of Cleveland and Superior Avenue off 90 W when coming from the east side.
- Through the Browns Mobile App, fans are encouraged to access WAZE to determine the best routes to Downtown Cleveland and desired parking lots.
- Browns fans may also reserve parking spaces in other nearby parking garages and lots through Parkmobile in advance of the game or on gameday.
- Most recommended lots are located north of Superior Avenue and south of Lakeside Avenue and will help efficiently balance individual traffic time with a manageable walk to FirstEnergy Stadium.
- For more information regarding Downtown Cleveland transportation and parking options, visit the Cleveland Browns traffic and parking page at www.clevelandbrowns.com/parking or the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Cleveland page.
Clear Bag policy remains in effect
It is recommended that fans do not bring bags to games, but each fan is permitted one clear plastic bag that does not exceed 12”x6”x12” OR a small clutch bag approximately the size of a hand. Backpacks of any kind and purses or other bags that do not meet these qualifications are strictly prohibited.
If fans can't return to their vehicles to put bags that do not adhere to the NFL's All Clear bag policy back, they can take bags to one of Downtown Cleveland Alliance’s two bag checks, which are located on the southwest side of the stadium and the northeast side of the stadium. Fans may check their bags from pregame through 60 minutes after kickoff with a $10 contribution to the DCA, which manages the area. Unclaimed bags will be returned to the FirstEnergy Stadium lost and found.
New food and beverage options
Fans can now enjoy Quaker Steak & Lube near Section 103 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The stand will serve wings, boneless wings, cheeseburgers and fries.
There are now four new full-service bars in the upper concourses – two on each side of the 500 level (Brewski’s) and one on each side of the 300 level (EndZone Cocktails by Sections 319 and 348) – a new Walk Thru Bru beer store near Section 146 with a wide variety of craft beer, hard seltzers and canned cocktail options; and additional beer locations in the stadium’s new exterior concourse.
You can also check out some new and exciting options at Cleveland chef partner stands, including B Spot, Great Lakes Cheesesteaks and Sawyer’s Street Frites and Sausage & Peppers. One of the highlights this year is B Spot’s “Feeling Dangerous Burger,” which features pulled pork, bourbon BBQ sauce, spicy coleslaw, pepper jack cheese and habanero sauce.
Weather Forecast
Keep an eye on the latest developments here as there are some showers and storms in the forecast for Thursday.
Jimmy and Doug on the radio
Listen to all the action of Cleveland Browns football with our own Jim Donovan and Doug Dieken on the call on ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX & The University Hospitals Cleveland Browns Radio Network.
Watch Jimmy preview the game with Dave "Dino" DeNatale on the Donovan Live Postgame Show in the player below: