Browns present details of stadiumpandemic restart plan

Social distancing, other changes to take place if fans are allowed back.

Undeterred by the Cincinnati Bengals giving up on their variance request submitted to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to allow fans at games during the coronavirus pandemic, the Browns continue to fifight.

On Wednesday, the Browns emailed season-ticket holders with a “FirstEnergy Stadium Responsible Restart Plan” detailing how they would handle fans in the venue if allowed. TheBrowns said they have submitted the plan to the State of Ohio and the City of Cleveland, along with the respective health departments.

Changes include mandated facial coverings, fans separated into four quadrants with dedicated gates based on their zone, recommended time windows for entry and pre-game health screenings.

The email explained howtickets would be distributed to “pods of known fans” if the reduced stadiumcapacity is permitted. That means “trusted, self-selected groups” perhaps ranging from 1-10 people will be allowed to sit together, with their group social distancing fromthe next closest pods. Fans would be required to remain in their assigned seats unless going to the restroom or concession stands.

According to the plan, those eligible would have access on a rolling basis in “waves” based on howlong they have been season-ticket holders and their Private Seat License status. There will be a designated time window for purchase on a fifirst- come, fifirst- served basis.

The stadium will transition to a cashless venue during the 2020 season, theemail stated, although cash-to-card kiosks will be available. The Browns are exploring the possibility of fans ordering concessions through theirmobile app. Parking passes will be distributed via mobile devices.

TheBrowns’homeopener is scheduled for Thursday night, Sept. 17, against the Bengals. On Aug. 16, owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam expressed their desire to fill 20 percent of FirstEnergy Stadium. With a capacity of 67,895, that would mean 13,579 could attend.

Tailgating is prohibited in city-owned lots, Cleveland mayor Frank Jackson said in a recently updated COVID19 state of emergency ordinance extended through Sept. 30.

Browns Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenkins said along with local officials, the Browns had consulted the Center for Disease Control, University Hospitals’ medical experts, “industry-leading venue consultants” and the NFL.

“Moving forward is reliant on government approvals, andwe understand and respect that process,” Jenkins said in a statement. “As is the case every year, the health and safety of everyone in our building is paramount, andwe are prepared to execute our plan with that priority in mind.

“Given we are less than a month away from our first home game, we felt it was important for us to share these stadium operations elements with our fans now so they are informed and ready to adhere to all of the newpolicies and processes.”

Core principals of the plan are:

■ At least six feet of social distancing.

■ Requirements of masks or face coverings for all ages 10 and up.

■ A fan health promise that requires pre-event selfhealth screening.

■ Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols throughout the venue.

■ Comprehensivehygiene protocols for fans and staff.

■ Extensive training, signage and communication.

■ Flexibility to adapt to evolving circumstances.

A 12-page order from the Ohio Department of Health released on Aug. 19 said the maximum number of people gathered at any outdoor sports venue in Ohiowould be limited to 1,500 fans or 15 percent of the fixed, seated capacity, whichever is lower. But teams were allowed to file a variance request, which the Browns and Bengals did.

The Haslams have not wavered despite decisions by other NFL teams, including the Baltimore Ravens concerning their Sept. 13 opener against the Browns, that fans will not be permitted at least for the start of the season.

The Bengals announced Tuesday that theywould not have fans at the Sept. 13 season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium, but they would continue to monitor and explore the possibility for later games.

“Th e v a r i a n c e we requested has not been granted by the state at this time,” Bengals Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn said in a statement on the team’s website. “While we want fans to attend our games, we accept and understand the State of Ohio’s position.”