News Summary
Businesses in downtown Cleveland are advocating for the return of tailgate events at Cleveland Browns games after last season’s cancellations due to safety concerns. Owners hope reviving these gatherings will boost foot traffic and profits. Following a significant incident last season that raised safety issues, the city has yet to receive official requests for tailgate events this year. Meanwhile, the Browns are offering new tailgate experiences and luxury options. As the upcoming season approaches, downtown businesses continue to emphasize the importance of recognizing tailgating’s impact on community and economy.
Cleveland – Businesses in downtown Cleveland are advocating for the reinstatement of tailgate events for home Cleveland Browns games after last season’s events were canceled midway due to safety concerns. Many local business owners are hopeful that the return of these popular gatherings can help revive foot traffic and profitability in the area.
Last year’s cancellation was influenced by several escalating safety issues, including a notable incident in October when a woman drove her car into a crowd during a tailgate gathering. This occurrence, among other concerns, led to the decision to cancel the remaining events for the 2022 season. While business owners expressed understanding of the cancellation, they highlighted the importance of the tailgating culture in downtown Cleveland, which historically has had a positive impact on local crowds.
Local business owners, including the owner of Acqua Di Dea, recognized that the chaotic events of last season shouldn’t overshadow the productive energy tailgates have typically brought to the area. Conversations with certain workers suggest a mix of sentiments, with some desiring to leave the tumultuous experiences associated with last year’s events behind. Others remain hopeful that with improved planning and safety measures, tailgating could return to its former celebratory state.
The city has responded to inquiries about the potential for tailgate events, with a spokesperson from the Mayor’s Office noting that there have been no official requests submitted for such events this year. The City of Cleveland has indicated a strong commitment to ensuring public safety and has previously discussed alternative options to enhance safety while maintaining the enjoyment of tailgating. However, no further discussions or requests regarding tailgates have taken place since last season.
In addition to the community-driven tailgate events, the Cleveland Browns organization is creating a new tailgate experience at Huntington Bank Field, titled the “Browns Kickoff Tailgate.” This initiative will feature a variety of activities, games, and meet-and-greets, scheduled for August 25 and August 27 at two selected Meijer locations, and entry will not require a ticket, making it accessible to fans.
Moreover, the Browns are elevating the tailgating experience for fans by introducing luxury tailgating parties, priced between $20,000 and $35,000, at the upcoming stadium in Brook Park. This shift towards premium experiences appears to be part of a broader trend in the sports industry, wherein teams are increasingly offering high-end amenities to attract wealthier patrons.
The team is also in the planning stages for a $2.4 billion enclosed stadium, with hopes for groundbreaking to occur by early 2024. The lease for Huntington Bank Field is set to expire in early 2029, prompting efforts to secure innovative financing solutions for the new facility. The Browns are enhancing their tailgating offerings with trailers designed for corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals, positioning themselves for an opulent game-day experience.
As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the upcoming season and potential enhancements to their tailgating experiences, businesses in downtown Cleveland continue to call for the return of traditional fan tailgating events, emphasizing both safety and economic revitalization.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland 19 News
- Cleveland Browns
- News 5 Cleveland
- Cleveland Scene
- Cleveland Browns VIP Tailgate Passes
- Wikipedia: Tailgating
- Google Search: Tailgating Culture
- Google Scholar: Sports Tailgating
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tailgating
- Google News: Cleveland Browns Tailgating
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
