DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum What's going on at SNEBB (Southern New England Browns Backers) and BBW (Browns Backers Worldwide)

Southern New England Browns Backers

Dear Loyal Browns Backer,

The Southern New England Browns Backers are preparing to initiate their 29th year of association with the Cleveland Browns, and it’s that time of year to commence our 2016 Membership Drive. With 396 clubs in the Browns Backers Worldwide Organization, our club number (#41) ranks amongst the oldest. That number is actually lower since many of the earlier clubs are no longer affiliated. In spite of rising inflation, our club has not increased their membership dues in the 17 years I have been president. Yet, we still maintain the tradition of raffling quality Browns merchandise during halftime at our meeting location on Sunday. In the past we have offered both the opportunity to travel to Cleveland for a home game, host special events like the Draft Day Party in April and the end of the year Chow Down in December, as well as maintain a warm, friendly viewing location for our Sunday gathering. Members also receive updated Club News through our internet email system throughout the season and off season if their current email address is on file. At the present time, we are expecting to continue our viewing at Giovanni’s, at 158 Broad St., in Windsor, CT.

Our Facebook page continues to grow. Matt and Bela created and are the administrators of the site, and they have included me as an administrator. It is a “Closed” group meaning anyone can view the site, but only members can write and view posts. You must be a member of Facebook to join. If you are a Facebook member and choose to participate, go to “Southern New England Browns Backers” on the Facebook search engine and ask to join us. Once requested, either Matt, Bela, or I (whoever gets to you first) will admit you to our “Closed” group. At the present time, we have 67 Facebook members.

The Browns Backers Worldwide has purged their old membership list and initiated a new portal for members to join local clubs. If you have never belonged to the BBW, you must go to the Cleveland Browns website, click on “Dawgpound”, “Browns Backers”, “Become a Backer”, fill out the profile, and select the local club in which you wish to affiliate. I will receive your request and admit you to SNEBB. At the present time, we have 62 members.

In spite of numerous complaints to the BBW administration from myself and the Presidents’ Leadership Council, Group Ticket offers for us to attend a home game together still haven’t changed for the better, only offering 500 section seating; not guaranteeing seats together. Last year, there wasn’t enough interest to attempt other options. Please keep in mind, I always have an ear open to consider future opportunities. I truly miss our yearly sojourn to the Homeland.

With new coaches, and a revitalized roster, we all hope the upcoming season will be an improvement over past years. To be included in all this year’s festivities, please print and complete the attached form at your earliest convenience, include your annual dues, and mail it back to me at the address above. Once completed, you will qualify for full privileges of membership to the Southern New England Browns Backers. Active 2015 members who do not re-apply by the season opener will remain on our internet mailing list for a one year grace period in hopes of your return to the fold, but will not qualify for other member privileges. Previous members, unfortunately, will be removed from the mailing list. If you have any questions, or wish to comment on any aspect of SNEBB or the Browns upcoming season, don’t hesitate jotting me a line, and I’ll do my best to accommodate you. I look forward to “Barking” with all of you. Once again, welcome and GO BROWNS!!!

Scott…



P.S. If you have recently applied for membership onto the “new” BBW roster or our Facebook page, and have been accepted into that aspect of the SNEBB family, please jot me an email and let me know what future considerations you may or may not have in initiating a full SNEBB membership. If I am aware of your intentions, I may be able to assist you better.

You planning on any games, my friend?

'peen:

No, not to Cleveland Stadium.

I'm not a "good stadium fan". Even those years I made the annual SNEBB club trip, I didn't go for the game as much as I went to party with "Clevelanders". To be in Cleveland and meet new people.

I often missed most the game exploring the Stadium from beer kiosk to beer kiosk.

Besides, it's much more intimate and intense watching the game in a small room with 30 other rabid Browns fans.

Those Sundays at the club have been my best days of the year now for ~ 5 years.

It's an amazing party. Thirty people all with the same exact party objective.



Imagine this room when the Browns return an interception for a touchdown.

Only 87 more days.

Did you notice I'm wearing my Cody Kessler jersey?

Man, I'd love to see the team get back to winning so we can start enjoying Sunday's like that again.

There's two Official Browns Backer's bars in Chicago, and they meet less than half a mile away. Between the two, there's easily 250 people who show up every week but it used to be that we had that many at one location...

Latest SNEBB news from President Bacon:

Any comments regarding these offers would be appreciated and sent along to Bacon.

Dear SNEBB,

I got a call from Iman Warren (Group Account Executive) regarding the Group Ticket offers this year and thought I'd throw it out there to see what you all think. She says we can put 20 or so people (that's the estimate I gave her) together (2 rows of 10 each), but they are in the 500 sections. She said she could get us near the 50 yard line up there, and with stadium improvements, the walk up isn't as bad as that year we were in the Upper Pound. For the Jets game on Oct.30, the cost is $58 per seat, the Cowboy game on Nov.6 is $75 per seat (considered a premium game), and the Giants game on Nov.27 is $47 per seat.
I told her I would email the club for their reaction, and get back to her in a couple days. Obviously, the longer we wait, the opportunity for us to get the better 500 level seats diminishes, so I would appreciate your responses as soon as possible. I would lean toward the Jets game. Cheaper than Dallas, but still in that "warmer" weather perameter. Anyone interested?

Just a FYI...there are escalators that take you up to the 500 section. You don't have to walk.

Uh oh..

This is scary.

An email from SNEBB president Bacon (received an hour ago)

Dear SNEBB,
Just got a heads up call from Giovanni's saying that the people at NFL Ticket are raising their price from $5,500 to $9,000 for them, and Ricky is in the process of negotiating. Sounds rather ominous to me. Hope I don't have to form a last minute Search Committee for another location! Thoughts? or Volunteers if we need searchers?

Received an hour ago.

This is sad news for Browns Backer Clubs across the country (across the world really).

It looks like Direct TV will price the homey Browns Backers venues out of business.

That means Clubs will have to watch games at large bars with other team fans. We've had a few brief times in the last 30 years when we had to do this.

It sucks. I can't stand watching the Browns next to opposing team fans. (Especially Steeler fans)(or Bengal fans)(Raven Fans)(Eagle fans)(**insert team name here** fans)


Dear SNEBB,
Called Direct TV and asked for a 2016 NFL Sunday Ticket price list for businesses based on capacity (apparently that's how they determine cost). She told me that information is in another office that is closed today, but would call me back at 2 tomorrow afternoon. Do I sense a runaround?
May have to help Giovanni's with the cost, but haven't heard back yet from Ricky on how things went with his negotiation, and I also need verification of cost. Could reinstate 50/50 Raffle for additional income. Other Browns Backers President's have been notified. Many don't know what their location is paying (but will try and find out), others had last year's but not this year's cost (and are now quite worried), all are outraged with what the cost for them may be. Some clubs may be folding due to the cost.(Hopefully not us)
Dave Miller is checking out Buffalo Wild Wings in case an emergency September 11 viewing location becomes a necessity (it's right on I-91 in Windsor about 5 minutes from Giovanni's), and to see if they can "rope off" an area for us. Hopefully that won't have to happen, but on the other hand it may have to work for multiple games. Who knows now? Need more research before anything is official. Just trying to keep everyone informed. Text me your thoughts.
Wish us luck!

Our intrepid leader.

SNEBB President Bacon

Why do you post this dumb stuff?

If you don't like it don't read it.

Cyber-Bully Versatile Dog aside,

This could be the end of the Southern New England Browns Backers.

I received the following email an hour ago. It says we're out of Giovanni's.

This timing is awful. Less than two weeks before the start of the season. Bacon will undoubtedly try his best to keep the club together. But this is a tough one.

More than once, I've mentioned how watching the Browns with SNEBB is the highlight of my year.



Dear SNEBB,
I called DIrect TV. Instead of using the EVO (estimated viewing occupation) they are now going by the Fire Marshal's capacity for the establishment. That includes the restaurant part of Giovanni's even though there are no TVs or viewers there: a sleazy move on their part to increase the numbers and therefore increase their fees. In our negotiation, Ricky said Giovanni's will only get the Sunday Ticket if we give them $2,500 to defray the $9,500 cost. Couldn't talk him any lower. THAT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN!! I offered $1,000 in hopes that would give us time before next year to relocate. but he refused...therefore, Giovanni's is toast.
The only short term idea I can come up with is going to the Buffalo Wild WIngs (703 Poquonock Ave.,Windsor,CT) which is right next to I-91 at Exit 38 for week one unless something else materializes before then. It's only a short drive (closer for most) from Giovanni's so that shouldn't inconvenience your commute. Dave Miller has tried talking with them, but has yet to meet the general manager of BBW in an effort to get a section "roped" off for us. Worst case scenario is we get some people to move so we can sit together, or get there early enough to do it ourselves. Once Dave meets with the manager, we'll know more.
For the remainder of the season, I will form a search committee to see if there is another more suitable viewing location. Megan Rock and the Browns have been notified of our dilemma and temporary move so that the Backer Portal will reflect the change.
Needless to say, I am extremely perturbed by these developments and feel we have only Direct TV and their money grubbing front office to blame. I highly encourage anyone
to snub the organization any way they can.
Call or text me me if you any comments. thoughts, or suggestions

Sorry to hear this Bud. Please tell Bacon I said hi and my thoughts are with you all in finding a new location.

Sorry to hear that my man....I always enjoyed when your group made a Cleveland trek and joined forced in the Muni. I hope it works out for you guys.

I don't know man....Conn posts some of the best stuff on the boards. It's a nice change-up IMO.

The fact his Browns Backers Club might have to fold isn't dumb IMO.

We're out of Giovanni's after 5 years.

SNEBB will meet at Buffalo Wild Wings for the season opener.

This of course sucks.

This is why:

At Giovanni's we had our own room. Everyone in the room was a Browns fan. When Bacon had announcements or raffles, he could easily address the crowd.

It was cozy. We were an isolated, homogeneous group all with one focus. A very intense Browns fans experience.

We had a dedicated server. A waitress who waited just on us constantly throughout the game.

Bacon, Weiner and Maston (The SNEBB brain trust) always got there an hour early and arranged things (tables, chairs, raffle prizes, posters, etc.).
(Bacon, Maston, Weiner)

There were always drink and food specials.

You could park right outside Giovanni's front door. (the place was empty except for maybe ~ 6 regulars at the bar)

Weiner (that's attorney Weiner) is certifiably insane.

(he’s a “personal injury” lawyer with a backlog of clients. A real bulldawg in the courtroom)

He will have to tone it down a notch.



I’ll probably go to the opener. But to be honest I go more just to be part of a group of crazies.
I don’t care about the game as much as I do the screaming and acting crazy. It’s like 16 great parties. All with great friends.

I’m sure Bacon is pursuing other venues. But there’s many logistical difficulties at this late date.

Finding a suitable place (preferably with an isolated room), In a fairly convenient location (there are SNEBB members 40 miles to the south and 40 miles to the north)(of centralized Hartford, CT), communicating all this to members.

Direct TV sucks. It was a real slimeball move to drastically raise the NFL Sunday Ticket price two weeks before opening day.

I may go berserk the first time I have to listen to an Eagles fan screaming at the top of his obnoxious lungs at a pick-6.

This may be it for me. Maybe for SNEBB. I can't imagine many Browns fans gathering at BWW for a whole season.

SNEBB found a new home at the Doubletree Hotel ~ 2 miles from Bradley International airport in Windsor Locks, CT.



This is the actual room we were in.



Very private. And crowded with Browns fans. Opposing fans wouldn’t even think about coming in there to watch the game. They would not be comfortable.

We got lucky. My only worry is that it’s a nice hotel and you can definitely here us yelling throughout most of the first floor.

Here’s Bacon’s email:

Dear SNEBB,
An exciting first quarter, where all at The Shade were saying, "Who are those guys", then...Josh got assaulted, the refs hosed us on the Pryor taunt, and all deteriorated into yet another Browns loss.
The good new is our new location. Mohammed, Marysol, Debbie, Matt, and the Double Tree staff treated us well. The accommodations were stellar, and we enjoyed our first day at our new locale. The one glitch was the sound that we had to access through our cell phones, but were assured it would be corrected by next week. We'll have to wait and see if that happens. I got reports of good food, comfortable seating, clean restrooms, and a much better viewing atmosphere. I will also discuss the possible options of pitchers of beer that weren't available yesterday. They did fill Steve's and my Brown's mugs instead of their normal glasses, so maybe we can arrange something with them. If anyone has other suggestions for me to discuss with them, let me know and I'll do my best.
Thanks go out to Tierney for her assistance with the cell phone app to get the sound. Us old timers aren't as fluent on some technologies, and appreciated her efforts.
I know 5 or 6 of you had other commitments and were unable to attend. Hopefully, you will be able to join us next week to watch yet another starting quarterback take the snaps. The Dolphins are definitely beatable.
GO BROWNS !!!

Good news! Glad to hear it Bud!

Only two miles from Tennessee, Pit.

NO PLACE in Connecticut is two miles from Tennessee Rocky. lol

Ain't it the truth.

Here is the week 4 President Bacon SNEBB report.

Keep in mind a few things about Bacon.

1) He is an extraordinarily knowledgeable Browns fan.
2) He's often in contact with the Browns front office. The Browns have a very committed Browns Fan Relations Dept. They know Scott Bacon.
3) He's on the high side of optimism. He has to be. He's been our beloved club president since 1999.

Dear SNEBB,
You can't win many football games when you turn the ball over three times in a row, even if it should have been two. Amazing how we got screwed there, not to add the huge first downs they gave Washington from those phantom interference calls. Sorry to sound bitter, but it's way past getting ridiculous. Amazed they didn't call the "bow and arrow" penalty on us.
With injuries mounting, and more rookies being added to the squad, it's looking more and more like a tough year. Guess we have them " right where we want 'em". Yankee Doodle may look right past us next Sunday because they think we suck. Maybe we do have them where we want them. New England fans can't be too pompous after the shut-out drubbing they got from the Bills.
Another great crowd at The Shade. Where would I be without you. Never a tough loss when surrounded by such phenomenal friends. You know I won't be watching at home next Sunday. Welcome back Folkweins after a 5 year hiatus, and Brian for one...and guess who won the Browns "umBela"?
Hope you make it down (up) to watch another Boston Massacre.
GO BROWNS !!!

PS. The official SNEBB t-shirt has a Clobster (the official club mascot) on the front with the phrase "Where do we have 'em?....

...and on the back - "right where we want 'em."

Bacon's week #5 report:

"Dear SNEBB,
A disappointing loss to the Pats. Hope you didn't run into any obnoxious New England fans with their gloat on. Not much good to say about the game. Most lost interest early. but we still had a good crowd in spite of being on local TV. At least those who came didn't have to commiserate on their own.
The injury front is up and down. Looks like Joel Bitonio hurt his foot and didn't practice. Cody and Josh are nearly healed, as is Cam Erving. Tramon and Barnidge were also limited, but Nassib is back. Coleman still a few weeks away from returning.
Knowing the Middle Tennessee Browns backers, there might be more Cleveland fans in the crowd next Sunday than last. I'll keep this email short until I have good news. Hoping to see you all at The Shade.
GO BROWNS !!!"

Hey, where are we gonna play these people?

Bacon's latest game/club report:

Dear SNEBB,
Sorry for the lack of correspondence in the last two weeks, but I just haven't had any good news to communicate, and if your can't say something nice.....
After discussing several options for this week's Thursday night game, no consensus was achieved, and it was decided everyone should just find your own special spot to view the game. Therefore, there will be no official SNEBB viewing locale. We, of course, will be back at The Shade for the Pittspuke game on November 20th.
We had a smaller crowd against the Jets at The Shade due to 7 of our members attending the game in Cleveland. However, we were back to near full force last Sunday. I continue to reiterate that it's a lot more fun watching the game with my fellow cohorts than being without them. I truly enjoy your company. This year's failure on the field may keep some away, but that group that comes every week are certainly dedicated Browns fans.
Cleveland is on the clock. See you on the 20th.
GO BROWNS !!!


SNEBB was well attended for the Cowgirls game. (at The Shade Bar - The Double Tree Hilton Hotel).

Despite 0-8, I'd say ~ 25 members there. It's not the game, it's the event.

(OK, you caught me - it's the game. If the Browns were say 7-2 the Shade would be rockin' with 50+ screaming Browns fans.)

September 11, 2016

S.N.E.B.B. (Southern New England Browns Backers) doesn't "take a knee".

This was the season opener that SNEBB had to spend at Buffalo Wild Wings while we looked for a new venue for the club.

The Club is standing for the National Anthem.

The Heads of SNEBB.

Rain or shine. Win or lose. These people love the Browns.

Just looking at the pic, no wonder you guys are looking for a place to call home.;)

‘Peen:

We found one.

Beginning with week two, at the Double Tree Hilton bar The Shade in Windsor Locks, CT

It’s a very fancy hotel by Bradley International Airport. (Only a mile from SNEBB’s original venue Jake’s Cafe - back in 1987).

This is the room we meet in:

This is a fancy conference/luncheon room. Those are glass doors that look out to the main hall of the hotel. People are always walking by and gawking at us because of all the yelling and screaming (and mostly crying)



The Hotel Manager has shown up a couple times to check out what’s been going on at his hotel.

At first, SNEBB seems like a riot of drunk sailors on shore leave (because of all the noise).

Upon closer inspection you realize we’re not sailors.

PS. We packed this place last Sunday game and will undoubtedly pack it again this Sunday for the Steelers game. And everybody is eating and drinking. The room would otherwise be quite and empty. I think it's safe to say we are welcome. It's good for business and it definitely livens the place up. Even free publicity. It is quite an oddity. If the Browns were say 7-3 there'd be 50+ Browns fans there.

Only kidding my friend. Looks like a real nice spot. Hilton runs a nice chain. Drinks are drinks.....hows the grub.

Oh, hey 'peen.

I think the food is good. But I'm easy.

It's not cheap. Weiner (the Club attorney) always buys me a grinder for lunch during the game (Grinder - hoagie, sub).

Most of the other SNEBB members always get food. Like meals off the menu.

And everybody drinks. So SNEBB runs up a healthy group tab.

Like I said above, if we weren't there, the hotel bar would be empty.

As it is, it's bedlam during Browns games. It would be even crazier if the Browns won a few games.

Mohammad, the hotel manager, is growing to love us. I'm sure he will be excited to see us back next year.

I think he was nervous at first. But we're mostly working people. Often spouses/girlfiends are there. Sometimes a kid or two.

It's a very unusual phenomenon. In the middle of Connecticut.

quote by SNEBB president Scott Bacon on June 14, 2016

"With new coaches, and a revitalized roster, we all hope the upcoming season will be an improvement over past years"

Just another sign how bad the Browns are:

Today was the least number of SNEBB members I ever saw attend a game ~ 15.

A non-locally televised 1 pm Sunday game no less. On a cold drizzly day.

During the Kosar years there'd be ~ 60+ on Monday night games!

Game on until midnight? Work the next morning? Place would be packed.

I skipped going to the game because I just didn't feel like it - wasted $150 on not using my season tix. I probably won't go to another game this year - I've got better things to do. I can't believe that I feel this way, but I just don't care. A really bad thing is my 13 year old son doesn't care either. Over the previous 2 seasons he hated missing games. He is one of the few young Browns fans I think - the franchise is losing fans left and right, they are in serious trouble IMO.

Conn....have have been around the world 4-5 times.....I mean for real. I know what a grinder is....grinders, riders, subs, hoagies, they all spell goodness.


Like I said, looks like a nice place. I'd be very content watching games there. I don't mind paying a premium for a nice enviroment. Heck, I seek that.



Columbus....I ate my Steelers tickets as well, but you know, those were paid for months ago. That money was long gone.

To me it's the cost of doing business. Some months you make money, some months you hopefully break even.

I feel the same way. The money is gone when I pay for them - doesn't really matter. It is just a shame I don't even care to use them, and I'm really more distraught that my son doesn't care either. My dad, who is the reason I am a Browns fan, doesn't care either. Heck, I tried to give them away, lol, and couldn't even do that! This sucks.

I understand. I feel the same way. I am going up for the Cincy game in Dec. It's more about kicking around the old hometown and thinking about at which restaurants I am going to dine. If it's a crappy day, I might just Uber to a nearby bar and watch on TV.

Well, probably not that. I have made a few friends near my seats and people who work there. I suppose I will want to say goodby until next year.

quote above by 'peen:

" ...those were paid for months ago. That money was long gone."

In accounting lingo this is called "Sunken Cost". Something already paid for that has no recoverable value. (In your case, the tickets)

In short, It's best just to move on. Use the experience for future decision-making.

Right choice.

I've beaten myself up too many times doing exactly this. "Why did I blow $200!?!"

Dear SNEBB,
The Christmas Miracle is upon us. Not only did we pick up our first win, but San Francisco and Jacksonville both won keeping our #1 pick in tact. Frisco has Seattle next week, so no way they steal the #1 from us even if we manage to knock off Pittspuke. Also rooting for another Philly loss to get the second first round pick a little better.
With just one week left, I encourage all to shrug off your New Year's Eve hangover and join us at The Shade next Sunday. Would love to see you all one more time before the darkness of the off-season sets in. Hope you all enjoy the holidays.
GO BROWNS !!! (GO BUCKEYES!!!)
Scott...
(finally got my real name back)

email from our beloved SNEBB president Scott Bacon

One month to go before the Draft. I am assuming we will meet at The Shade unless I hear any alternative suggestions. Drop in a comment if you plan on attending. I'll give them a call a week or two before the event to make sure they'll be on board. Two picks in the first round make it a special night for Browns fans. Any thoughts on who we'll be picking?



If you or any member of your family wish to join The Southern New England Browns Backers (SNEBB), you can obtain President Bacon's contact info via the Official Browns web site.

Note: Contact info for Bacon can be found on the Browns' official site.

SNEBB Draft party last 2016. Bacon far right.