Just say "Rah" In Cleveland....OR ELSE!

[gblowfish]

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer Newspaper:
Browns crack down on fans behaving badly
http://tinyurl.com/2vdsxg4

Published: Sunday, September 19, 2010, 10:08 PM Updated: Monday, September 20, 2010, 9:31 AM
Stan Donaldson, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Angela Moore had a short chat with her 11-year-old daughter before entering Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sunday to watch their first live football game.

As they approached the entrance, Moore told her daughter, Miranda, that she would hear things she didn't normally hear and to not repeat what she heard while she cheered for the Browns -- or when she got home.

Like many fans, the Browns front office wants more cheering and less obscene language and public drunkenness -- and the football organization is acting on it.

Before the start of the season, Team President Mike Holmgren began the "Home-Field Advantage" campaign, which is aimed at making the stadium more family friendly and tolerable to fans who don't want to be around rabble rousers during games.

Holmgren apparently meant business. The holding area inside of the stadium's basement was nearly full by the end of the fourth quarter, said city police officers and security guards who worked inside of the stadium Sunday. Most fans were escorted to this area because they were inebriated.

"The majority of the people here just want to have fun, but sometimes, a few can get carried away," said Cleveland police Lt. Doug Dvorak, who worked security detail.

Sixteen people were arrested on various charges at the game, police said.

Browns team spokesman Neal Gulkis said he did not hear of any major incidents around the stadium. The team wants its 2010 home games to be a positive experience for all fans, win or lose, he said. The bottom line is fostering a family environment.

"The guidelines are not new," Gulkis said. "We are encouraging fans to be loud and cheer for our team but to act in a responsible way."

The team posted new signs throughout the stadium concourse that read: "Fan Conduct. Respect the tradition. Respect the game. Respect each other."

The Browns also had advertisements inside the stadium that asked people to send text messages identifying sections where they observed misconduct during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Moore, of Concord, said her experience had been pleasant and, outside of a bit of fan profanity here and there, she and her daughter had a good time.

"We've never been to a game, and it's been fun," Moore said. "If I thought it wouldn't be safe or tolerable, I wouldn't have brought her here."

Steve Reiderman, 42, of Sandusky, brought his 13-year-old son, Trevor, to watch the home season opener at the stadium. He said the Dawg Pound was more tame than usual.

"In the past, people would talk about the player's mothers, and you can't do stuff like that now," Reiderman said. "I think it is good."

His son said he heard some profanity but kept his mind on one thing.

"I really just black it out and pay attention to the game," Trevor said.

The ushers at the stadium stood at entrances and checked tickets whenever people would walk through. They also checked the stands to monitor fan conduct.

Fred Booker, a 50-year-old Browns usher from Cleveland, said he and his colleagues were told by management to watch out for people acting too belligerently.

"You never really know how it is going to be from game to game, but for the most part, people have been behaving," Booker said.

But not all fans agreed with the conduct policy, saying it targets longtime passionate Browns supporters.

Nick Rundo sat in the Dawg Pound for most of the game with a beer in his hand. The season ticket holder said he has attended games for many years and sees the issue from both sides.

"I'm not going to cuss around any kids or get crazy, but sometimes, there is too much aggression by the cops," Rundo said. "They mess with us, and we spend our hard-earned money to come to these games.

"The new rules are for the yuppies, and honestly, if you are one, don't come to the game."

[threebag]

YAAA!! WOO WHO!!! CLEvELAND YOU ****ING SUCK!!!





"Beer here get your ice cold beer here"
"YO"

[MMXcalibur]

"I really just black it out and pay attention to the game," Trevor said.

As opposed to Chargers and Raiders fans, who "black it out and can't pay attention to the game".

[runnercyclist]

My 13 year old son and I went to the game. He has been to oen other professional game - at Arrowhead. We were verbally abused - as expected. I was in my D Johnson jersey and he in all black. We sat in the upper deck "cleveland" end zone. i coached him to just ignore the verbal assaults and be a gracious winner. Basically, respect that you are in enemy territory.

We enjoyed the game. He was amazed at how stupid the drunk people were acting and didn't understand why they were picking on us even though we were respectful. I taught him lessons about being a gracious winner and loser.

Funniest thing was as we walked out of the stadium we were called "losers" and my son questioned why they called us that when we won the game? Also a 30 year old man flipped my son off - first time an adult has ever done that.

Cleveland rocks.

Casey said he wants to go back to Arrowhead for his next game. (Though it will probably be Indy).

[RealSNR]

My 13 year old son and I went to the game. He has been to oen other professional game - at Arrowhead. We were verbally abused - as expected. I was in my D Johnson jersey and he in all black. We sat in the upper deck "cleveland" end zone. i coached him to just ignore the verbal assaults and be a gracious winner. Basically, respect that you are in enemy territory.

We enjoyed the game. He was amazed at how stupid the drunk people were acting and didn't understand why they were picking on us even though we were respectful. I taught him lessons about being a gracious winner and loser.

Funniest thing was as we walked out of the stadium we were called "losers" and my son questioned why they called us that when we won the game? Also a 30 year old man flipped my son off - first time an adult has ever done that.

Cleveland rocks.

Casey said he wants to go back to Arrowhead for his next game. (Though it will probably be Indy).Good idea. That trip to the Browns game is good practice for the kind of environment he'll encounter in middle school.

[PunkinDrublic]

At the end of the day those of us who don't have to live in Cleveland are the real winners. Enjoy your abandoned factories and high unemployment losers.

[PunkinDrublic]

My 13 year old son and I went to the game. He has been to oen other professional game - at Arrowhead. We were verbally abused - as expected. I was in my D Johnson jersey and he in all black. We sat in the upper deck "cleveland" end zone. i coached him to just ignore the verbal assaults and be a gracious winner. Basically, respect that you are in enemy territory.

We enjoyed the game. He was amazed at how stupid the drunk people were acting and didn't understand why they were picking on us even though we were respectful. I taught him lessons about being a gracious winner and loser.

Funniest thing was as we walked out of the stadium we were called "losers" and my son questioned why they called us that when we won the game? Also a 30 year old man flipped my son off - first time an adult has ever done that.

Cleveland rocks.

Casey said he wants to go back to Arrowhead for his next game. (Though it will probably be Indy).


Just think if they put all of that passion and energy into getting an education they wouldn't be relegated to living a meaningless existance in that toilet of a city.

[ClevelandBronco]

Funniest thing was as we walked out of the stadium we were called "losers" and my son questioned why they called us that when we won the game?

Well, you didn't win the game. You didn't play the game. You watched the game.

Still, it's always classless to abuse rival fans. It's a bit odd that after a game the opposing players get together and joke around and catch up on each other while the fans exit screaming and threatening each other.

Fans are idiots.

[Buck]

My 13 year old son and I went to the game. He has been to oen other professional game - at Arrowhead. We were verbally abused - as expected. I was in my D Johnson jersey and he in all black. We sat in the upper deck "cleveland" end zone. i coached him to just ignore the verbal assaults and be a gracious winner. Basically, respect that you are in enemy territory.

We enjoyed the game. He was amazed at how stupid the drunk people were acting and didn't understand why they were picking on us even though we were respectful. I taught him lessons about being a gracious winner and loser.

Funniest thing was as we walked out of the stadium we were called "losers" and my son questioned why they called us that when we won the game? Also a 30 year old man flipped my son off - first time an adult has ever done that.

Cleveland rocks.

Casey said he wants to go back to Arrowhead for his next game. (Though it will probably be Indy).

To be fair, I got much worse at Arrowhead last week. I wasn't with a kid though. It was like my Chargers jersey was just a sign that said, "you are allowed to touch me" or something. I almost got into a fight before the game started but a crew of CP people broke it up before it started.

[R&GHomer]

My 13 year old son and I went to the game. He has been to oen other professional game - at Arrowhead. We were verbally abused - as expected. I was in my D Johnson jersey and he in all black. We sat in the upper deck "cleveland" end zone. i coached him to just ignore the verbal assaults and be a gracious winner. Basically, respect that you are in enemy territory.

We enjoyed the game. He was amazed at how stupid the drunk people were acting and didn't understand why they were picking on us even though we were respectful. I taught him lessons about being a gracious winner and loser.

Funniest thing was as we walked out of the stadium we were called "losers" and my son questioned why they called us that when we won the game? Also a 30 year old man flipped my son off - first time an adult has ever done that.

Cleveland rocks.

Casey said he wants to go back to Arrowhead for his next game. (Though it will probably be Indy).

Good for you man. I'm not sure how I would react if someone flipped off my kid though. What a douche thing to do

[donkhater]

Well....

I live in Indy and most Colts fans I talk to think that KC fans are easily the most obscene and obnoxious fans they encounter. From the "..home of the Chiefs" bit to the language and drinking, it does get pretty bad. I was at the playoff game (2006?) and it was pretty embarassing to say the least.

I'm going to the game in 3 weeks. I'll be curious to see how it is.

[NewChief]

Well....

I live in Indy and most Colts fans I talk to think that KC fans are easily the most obscene and obnoxious fans they encounter. From the "..home of the Chiefs" bit to the language and drinking, it does get pretty bad. I was at the playoff game (2006?) and it was pretty embarassing to say the least.

I'm going to the game in 3 weeks. I'll be curious to see how it is.

Ironically enough, my wife hates Indy fans more than any other fans. They all traveled up there for the playoff game against them. People knew they were Trent's family and fans were saying things like, "Trent Green is brain damaged." and "Trent Green can't remember his name, huh huh huh" and all kinds of other shit that is just beyond the pale when you're talking to a player's family.

Most people, when we traveled, would start harassing us. As soon as they found out we were related to a player, though, their anger would be replaced by fascination and/or interest. Like, "No shit. You're Trent Green's sister? That's ****ing cool. I hate the guy... but wow. That's cool." In Indy, though, the fans were actually going after the family even worse (and personally) when they found out.

[Deberg_1990]

They run the risk of pissing off long time season ticket holders for sure.

I can certainly appreciate them trying to create a "family friendly" experience, but on the other hand, there are certain enviroments where you just have to except the risks. You cant shield your kids from lifes ills 100% of the time

[POND_OF_RED]

To be fair, I got much worse at Arrowhead last week. I wasn't with a kid though. It was like my Chargers jersey was just a sign that said, "you are allowed to touch me" or something. I almost got into a fight before the game started but a crew of CP people broke it up before it started.

They were probably just trying to see if you were real. You'll have to forgive us. To us, Chargers fans are still a rarity. :)

[PunkinDrublic]

I think by yuppies they meant anybody making over $25,000 a year.

[Elwaysux]

I was there as well. I was in the front row of the upper deck in the end zone opposite the Dog Pound. Security must have gone past me half a dozen times but never came back down with anyone. I have been to many games at Arrowhead and have never witnessed the number of fall down drunk people like I did in Cleveland. I was more worried driving out of the lot with those knuckeheads on the road then I was about us winning the game

[|Zach|]

It is pretty amazing how many people get embarrassingly drunk at games.

[CrazyPhuD]

Hmmm you know the LA Browns is sounding better and better as a team, plus you'd get greater latino following!

[WhitiE]

It is pretty amazing how many people get embarrassingly drunk at games.
Hey! Show us your tits!

[ClevelandBronco]

Hmmm you know the LA Browns is sounding better and better as a team, plus you'd get greater latino following!

¡Eso es racista!

[runnercyclist]

My son also found it very amusing that the Brown's mascot is "The Brownie", which it turns out is an elf. I thought, (really) it was a fairy.

Either way...hilarious.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Our yuppies have a middle section which looks pathetically empty compared to the rest of the seats.

Oh, unless the Chiefs are good and/or in the playoffs. Then they get off their asses and fill the gold seats.

[notorious]

The most respect I have been given at a game is an Invesco. I wore red, but I respected the fans there and they returned the favor.



Shrugging off fun banter is the easiest thing in the world. You just have to keep a decent perspective.

[grandllama]

Well....

I live in Indy and most Colts fans I talk to think that KC fans are easily the most obscene and obnoxious fans they encounter. From the "..home of the Chiefs" bit to the language and drinking, it does get pretty bad. I was at the playoff game (2006?) and it was pretty embarassing to say the least.

I'm going to the game in 3 weeks. I'll be curious to see how it is.

Man, you sound like the Colts fans I deal with on a daily basis. Never met a bigger bunch of wine and cheese fair weather fans in my life.

This is the city where I bought two lower level PLAYOFF tickets in 2006 for $40 because the ticket owner thought the Colts were playing pretty crappy (this was their Super Bowl year, remember) and they didn't want to fight the 40 degree weather downtown... to watch a game indoors! Now after building a gigantic barn downtown Colts fans complain if the roof is open on a 60 degree day. If the back window is open, they complain it is too windy or is giving them a chill. They complain about what an inconvenience the 2010 Super Bowl is going to be.

There is a thread on here somewhere about how well Chiefs fans were treated before and after that playoff game... I don't know what you are being told, but this city, Indianapolis, embarrassed the living sh*t out of me as I attempted to at least partially explain its virtues to many out of town friends.

They have absolutely 0% emotional investment in their team and within two years of Peyton retiring (or a two game losing streak for that matter) this city will forget the Colts even play games on Sunday and once again will become a basketball city (if the Pacers are even still here).

I will be at that game as well in three weeks and will proudly (and more than likely loudly) be representing my home city while you meekly try to blend in with the one of the worst fan bases in professional sports.

[donkhater]

Man, you sound like the Colts fans I deal with on a daily basis. Never met a bigger bunch of wine and cheese fair weather fans in my life.

This is the city where I bought two lower level PLAYOFF tickets in 2006 for $40 because the ticket owner thought the Colts were playing pretty crappy (this was their Super Bowl year, remember) and they didn't want to fight the 40 degree weather downtown... to watch a game indoors! Now after building a gigantic barn downtown Colts fans complain if the roof is open on a 60 degree day. If the back window is open, they complain it is too windy or is giving them a chill. They complain about what an inconvenience the 2010 Super Bowl is going to be.

There is a thread on here somewhere about how well Chiefs fans were treated before and after that playoff game... I don't know what you are being told, but this city, Indianapolis, embarrassed the living sh*t out of me as I attempted to at least partially explain its virtues to many out of town friends.

They have absolutely 0% emotional investment in their team and within two years of Peyton retiring (or a two game losing streak for that matter) this city will forget the Colts even play games on Sunday and once again will become a basketball city (if the Pacers are even still here).

I will be at that game as well in three weeks and will proudly (and more than likely loudly) be representing my home city while you meekly try to blend in with the one of the worst fan bases in professional sports.

I agree with most of your post about Colts fans, but you and I had very different experiences at that playoff game. I was in the upper deck and a large majority of KC fans were drunk and obnoxious. Rooting for your team is one thing but getting into people's faces in their stadium is beyond annoying. When the Chiefs were losing nonetheless.

[Fritz88]

Haven't seen Rain Main posting after the game..... Just sayin'.

[lazepoo]

Having grown up in Indianapolis, I can attest that all of the above are true and the reason that I will never root for a professional team from Indiana.

[NewChief]

I agree with most of your post about Colts fans, but you and I had very different experiences at that playoff game. I was in the upper deck and a large majority of KC fans were drunk and obnoxious. Rooting for your team is one thing but getting into people's faces in their stadium is beyond annoying. When the Chiefs were losing nonetheless.

As I said: rooting against a player is one thing... but yelling at his wife and children that you hope he gets put into a coma or becomes a vegetable is another.