Cleveland Browns Stadium guide: What to know about the Browns’ home field (2024)

Editor’s note: This article is part of theStadium Guidesseries, a comprehensive guide to your NFL team’s stadium experience.

Buy tickets on StubHub to games at Cleveland Browns Stadium here.

The Cleveland Browns are in the process of finalizing their future stadium plans. They’d like to host the first playoff game in their current stadium before they inevitably depart and let the Dawg Pound — a holdover from the previous Cleveland Municipal Stadium site — both rejoice and attempt to create enough noise to affect the game in front of them.

The Dawg Pound was born during the team’s run of three AFC Championship Games in four years in the late 1980s. The bleachers-only end zone section was revived in 1999 for the current franchise — and the current version of Cleveland Browns Stadium — after the team was inexplicably taken away from Cleveland following the 1995 season.

Fans who have visited Cleveland Browns Stadium probably know the Dawg Pound and the Muni Lot, the famous (or infamous) tailgate area just east of the stadium entrances. In good years and ahead of big games, cars and RVs line up the night before the gates open.

In early August, the Browns announced that they believe their best plan for the future stadium is to build an indoor facility in suburban Brook Park, about 15 miles southwest of the city. Though the team began the process intending to stay downtown, it found no suitable sites and prefers an indoor facility that can attract events year-round over a remake of the current stadium, which sits next to Lake Erie.

Part of the rush to restore the Browns after their 1996 departure to become 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 in that, but the Browns have made clear that they’re fine with a future inside — and no one will miss the different colors of orange from the forgettable and fairly bland current stadium.

The Athletic has compiled 32 stadium guides, one for each NFL team, to give fans vital information about the game day experience. We’ve also asked readers to weigh in on the best food, beer and tailgate options at each stadium, among other things, to help football fans enjoy their visit.

Insider tips

2024 must-watch game at stadium: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Oct. 20

The Battle of Ohio is the first AFC North game for the Browns this season, and it’s the first back in Cleveland on the heels of a three-game road trip. The Browns’ defense figures to be one of the league’s best, and it will look to continue its recent domination of Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow. Winning home division games is a must for teams looking to stay near the top of a loaded AFC, so expect the home crowd to be appropriately loud in trying to push the Browns toward what would be a big victory.

Fan tradition to know: Dawg Pound Captain

The Browns in recent years have selected a “Dawg Pound Captain,” who takes a podium just before kickoff to smash a guitar — the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is next door — and fire up the home crowd. Generally, the captains are notable former players or celebrities with Cleveland roots. The biggest pop for a Dawg Pound Captain came last December as injured running back Nick Chubb fired up the crowd just before the Browns routed the New York Jets to clinch a playoff spot.

Zac Jackson’s favorite thing

The elements can be a real factor. Former kicker Phil Dawson learned that his best chance to diagnose the winds was to gauge a small flag that hangs above the 300 level in the stadium’s southwest corner, and Dawson was so good for so long that it’s now known as the Dawson Flag. Browns fans have remained loyal through thick and a lot of thin, and they show up barking regardless of temperature.

The Athletic’s stadium rankings: 19

The outdoor home of the Browns since 1999 climbed four spots after being ranked 23rd in 2020.

Fans’ game day advice

What is the ‘best bang for your buck’ seating section?

Midway up the upper deck, and in the corners on the north side of the stadium. You can still see the lake, but you’re facing the downtown skyline. And if you’re above row 20ish, you can be under the overhang for potential precipitation. — Alex W.

What’s the can’t-miss food?

Bring food in from your tailgate. You can bring in outside food, and the food in the stadium is all overpriced. — Brian W.

What’s the best beer option?

Brewski’s beer and co*cktails. — Adam D.

Where is the best spot to take a photo?

The upper deck north side with the skyline in the background is a great spot. — Alex W.

What are the kid-friendly activities/options at the stadium?

The pregame team-sponsored tailgate on Alfred Lerner Way. — Adam D.

Where is the best place to tailgate?

Muni Lot. I’ve seen games at about 50 percent of the league, and it’s as passionate and crazed before the game as you will find. The downside is it can be aggressive if you’re an outsider and it’s not for younger kids. — Pablo C.

What to know if you go

Address: 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.

Year opened: 1999.

Roof? No.

Stadium capacity: 67,431.

2023 average attendance per game (per Pro Football Focus): 67,810.

Tickets: $247 is the average StubHub ticket cost at Cleveland Browns Stadium for a 2024 NFL game, according to StubHub.

Bag policy: Bags made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC that are no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches are allowed. Non-clear bags that are no larger than 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches and are about the size of a hand are permitted. These bags can be carried with or without a strap or hand. Other bags that are allowed include one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, binocular cases and camera cases. Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are also permitted. Exceptions may be made for medically necessary items after inspection.

Outside food policy: Guests may bring small amounts of food into the stadium for personal consumption if factory sealed or in a gallon-sized clear bag. Outside beverages are not permitted.

ADA: The Americans with Disabilities Act requires at least 1 percent of stadium seats to be wheelchair accessible. For more information on all accessibility services at Cleveland Browns Stadium, click here.

Tailgating policy: The Muni Lot opens at 5 a.m. for afternoon games. Traffic overflow may be directed to the industrial area near East 38th Street and King Avenue. Only propane grills are allowed, and open pit fires are not permitted. Alcohol is not allowed. You can’t save spaces, cross the Shoreway or bring private latrines.

Transportation options: RTA’s rapid stations and rideshare are available.

Learn more: clevelandbrownsstadium.com

The Stadium Guides series is part of a partnership with StubHub.

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(Top illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos: Frank Jansky / Icon Sportswire and Jason Miller / Getty Images)