CLEVELAND, Ohio — This weekend the Cleveland Browns play their first Sunday night game at home since 2008. With it being eleven years since fans have experienced a prime time game at the stadium, there are a few things you need to know.
The municipal lot won’t open for tailgating until 2 p.m. instead of the usual 7 a.m.
Some bars and restaurants are also pushing their hours back, opening at a normal time instead of early morning on game day.
“We’re probably doubling, tripling staff just to make sure that we’re able to take care of every guest that comes to the building, do what’s right by everybody,” explains West 6th Bar Louie General Manager, Dominic Kandrach.
“It’s always super exciting for the city and great for everything when good things are going our way, it’s overdue for the city.”
While Cleveland Police can’t give specific information on staffing, Sergeant Jennifer Ciaccia says “we will have a full detail of officers to supplement the entertainment districts, the muni lot and traffic.”
With all of the extra traffic downtown with both evening Browns and Indians games, some fans are staying home but admittedly have to rework their plans.
“It gives you more time to get ready for the game,” says Heidi Watson of Solon.
“We usually have a bible study Sunday evening and we’re going to start it sooner so we can all be done so we can get home and watch the Browns game.”