DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum TAILGAAAAAAAAAAAAATE!!!

My Dawgs, My Homies, My Pack:

After 37 (count'em up) years, Clemdawg will actually attend a Cleveland Browns game in person.

My last experience was a pre-season benefit game between the Browns and Bengals at The Shoe in 1974 (!!!)

My Good Fiend betsie k9 dropped a Seattle @ Cleveland Dawg Pound tix on me for my birthday... and needless to say, I'm amped UP!!!

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I'm posting this thread-starter to 'mine the gold' from regular game attendees, so I can maximize my CBS experience. Given my "frequency of game attendance" stats, it might be my last Browns game.... or- next time, I might be too old and feeble to even remember my own name, let alone the names and faces of ANY you hounds! Please feel free to donate any wisdom regarding the 'game day experience' here. I hope to keep this thread going until perhaps the final days leading up to our cross-state trip... so feel free to volunteer any info you might think would be helpful for a "Gameday Noob."

Here are the things that I'm most interested in:

1. Tailgating: Where is DTI located? (explicit, detailed directional info is deeply appreciated)

Whom might I expect to meet that day, if I can find DTI?
How early should we arrive to get the most of the experience?
Food/drink: how are tailgates organized? Is it "each to his own?" Are there "potluck" stations, with communal consumption? Do I bring a 1/2 gallon of Wild Turkey 101 and multiple shot glasses, or does everyone just swig from the bottle, 'cowboy-style?' (hehehe)

2. Parking: neither of us has ever been to CBS. The last time I was at Muni, I was small enough to ride in the back of a 1964 Triumph TR-4. The car was brand new that year (!) Where is the best place to park (and when is the best time to arrive) if I want to enjoy the total DTI/tailgate experience?

3. How will I know I've found the right place? Do y'all have banners, signs, etc?

4. I have my own quick set-up tarp. Should I bring it, or just mooch shade/shelter from folks I'm meeting for the first time? I want to totally immerse myself in The Experience, so I'm down with bringing any/all gear I need to be a 'team playa,' yo-

5. I've read a few "Who's Going?" threads... so I know that there are other tailgating sites that are populated by denizens of this board. Who are you, where are you.... and where might I find you before the game? (Details are appreciated). I'll do my best to chase your locations down and introduce us, as well. I travel well with a flask, so you can be sure to share a toast to the Browns with Me and k9, even if we camp out at another location.

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As you can tell, I'm very, very new to this, but I wish to make the most of my day at CBS... and I also want to integrate smoothly with you veterans. I admit it: I'm a Virgo, with not-so-latent O.C.D. leanings, so I'm starting early, asking lots of questions, and taking detailed notes. Give it to me, Dawgs... I can take it. More data be a good thang.

Although you've never read a single post from betsie k9, he's been a loyal fan for 12 years, a longtime lurker (was a Lions fan, who jumped ship to join Dawg Pound Nation at The Return, and has never looked back- even now! ), and reads the boards regularly. k9 and I will compare notes from this thread, and chart a day's itinerary/agenda. It's my hope to meet as many of you as I can on that day... and to make it one not to be forgotten.

I'm just old enough to still be wowed at the power of the internet- and how much interconnectedness we (can) take for granted, if we want to. Let's face it- the last time I saw the Browns in person, high-fidelity cassette decks were just starting to supplant 8 tracks in well-equipped cars! The fact that I can reach out to folks who are now strangers in face only still blows me away.

The 'net gave me this gift of access to all you guys/gals- The Cleveland Browns Nation- and I want to spend a few inebriated moments/hours with as many of you as I can.

I've enjoyed being a part of this community in ways I cannot express in type. Please help me to spend a little time with you all... and maybe show my appreciation over a shot, a beer, some good food.... and a laugh or two.

AND... no worries- if this post is met with "the sounds of crickets chirping," it's all good... Me and My Main Boy will carve out our own space, toss our steaks upon the hibachi, and revel in the 'being there' that makes us all just.....

.... one of a single, "Bark Heard 'Round The world."



If you'd care to help me in our little one-off cause.... pleeeeeze post your wisdom here.

I thank you all in advance.

Your Dawg- womb 2 tomb,
Clemdawg


WOOOOF!!!!

Wow!! I'm pretty psyched up FOR you to come up and experience the great times of gameday in person! While I'm positive that you will recieve numerous offers to attend all the different parties that are involved, I'll try my best to give you information that I have found usefull since moving to Cleveland 6 years ago.

In terms of getting here and getting the best of the experience, I highly suggest getting here as early as possible. The Muni opens at seven a.m. now, I think and the lines are already forming by 5. In terms of what to bring, I always suggest whatever your drink of choice is, and that's about it. And I'd buy it before you get here, as there aren't a lot of places close to the lots that sell adult beverages. Now, some folks prefer donations of drink, food or cash for their efforts, however I never expect that and try to provide for anyone that may show up to my tailgate. It all depends on who's throwing the bash, and quite frankly, given your respected standing within this community, I'd be shocked if anyone expected anything other than your presence!

There are numerous lots for 'gating, so be prepared to walk if you truly want to try to hit a few of them up. That said, wear comfy shoes and gear, especially if there is a chill in the air. Any gear you may want to bring is totally up to you, but in my experience, I don't really see too many folks sitting down during the tailgates. Usually, it's a more communal standing thing, sipping brews and tossing cornhole. The lots were I've tailgated are all over the map, The Muni, The Port Authority, The Pit, etc... I've settled into a new routine at the Pit after a few years in Muni. The cost to park in an actual lot is anywhere from 20 to 30 dollars, so plan on that, as well.

With that said, feel free to reach out if you have any more questions and I'll try to provide any info I can. You are more than welcome to stop by The Pit, but I understand if you are unable to considering that you'll be meeting folks and getting to know some of the more vociferous Dawgtalkers, so no worries if it isn't possible.

Really glad to hear that you are getting the awesome opportunity!

Hope you have a great time, Clem!

That's the Sunday of a charity race my family holds every year for my deceased cousin. Otherwise, I'd head up a little early to meet up with you and we could talk about Beethoven and the Browns, in that order.

We will be at our normal spot in the yellow lot just north of CBS. I'll PM you a google maps link later today. SaintDawg, CapitalGG, and bif_Webster from he board will be there and probably others - I think Arch might be coming to this game too? There will be others from your neck of the woods there - my dad will be coming in from Holland and bif_Webster is in Oregon. My brother and i both grew up in Sylvania too.

I wouldn't worry about bringing anything other than drinks. We always have plenty of food and shelter set up.

Hope you can make it by.

I am in the same general Lot as CBus, GG, and Saint and I try to stop by and say Hey (When they get there on time!!!! LOL) every Sunday.... I am located in the corner of that lot by the William G Mather ( Big Huge Ore Boat...you can't Miss it...) I am hoping to be there for Seattle...trying to see what I can do.

Have a great time.

This will be the first home game of the season I'll miss, so we will have to meet up on your next visit....which will be soon since the gameday experience is pretty addicting.

Based upon your stated goals, here is my advice...

1. Start bright and early at DTI if you want to be there that early. Hooper, I think, is still the keeper of DTI, so maybe he can give you more info.

If you don't mind walking, maybe your best bet (since you won't have a home base) is to park some place slightly cheaper downtown and walk. A soft-pack cooler with a 12-pack cooler and a flask of your favorite sipping beverage should be enough. If you run out, there is always a Browns fan with extras who will share.

Get to DTI on foot right at 7 when it opens (east end of the West Lot at Muni. Look for the Union Jack). Hang for about 2 hrs or so. Do a good bye shot or whatever it takes to be in comfortable shape, then take a slow walk through Muni towards the stadium taking in the whole scene. I'm assuming it will take you 45 minutes to walk to your next tailgate (if I'm underestimating, someone correct me so he can leave a little earlier). But take it slow, take it all in.

2. Arrive at Pete's party bus next to the Wm. G. Mather around 10-10:15 (providing he decides he'll be there ). Crack open a beer. Sample anything that is ready. Visit for a beer or 3 and ask directions to find Columbus/Saint/CapGG tailgate. Take the 5 minute trek from the Mather over to the Yellow lot.

3. Arrive at the Dawgs from Columbus tailgate around 10:30-10:45. EAT! Eat very well. Have a JagerBomb. Eat some more. (We don't get set up until 9:30-ish, so you should be showing up just in time to eat)

4. At 11:15, make a decision. Are you going to stay where you are or try to find the Pit. It will be short visit and a bit of a rush to get there, but if you want to "do it all", do it all.

Of course if you are "running late" because you stayed at 1 tailgate or another for too long, your decision is made for you. I think trying to make 3 tailgates is plenty ambitious. Most of all, have fun!

jc...

Those of you that tailgate in the yellow Port Authority lot, whereabouts in the lot are you set up? Directly north of the stadium by that warehouse, or more west by the slips? That lot is enormous. Occasionally we have a couple beers in the Port Authority lot, or we might walk over to the Muni lot. If we go there, we're at the far west end entrance...there are two buses, one orange and one camo, flying a banner as well as Browns and USMC flags. We're at the orange bus.

Have fun, Clem!

We are right next to the warehouse directly behind the stadium on the west side.

Here is a google map. We are the blue pin.
Our tailgate spot

Oh, nice. My dad and I probably drive right past you every game. We park on the north side of that warehouse. It's usually half empty back there, and you pretty much have a straight line to the exit after the game.

j/c

The day approacheth, Canines.

I'm reviewing all the posts, so I can co-ordinate with My Homey for the big day. Thanks to all of you for being so generous with the info and invites. We'll try to hit as many sites as we can, for two reasons:

1. You all are treasured members of The Big Pack
2. Neither of us want to wear out our welcome.

One big question that both of us want to ask: "What should a couple newbs like us bring to the party, in order to do our part?"

Neither of us are mooches, and we won't feel like real bona-fide 'Gaiters if we don't support the cause. Should we tote some grub along/ Bring extra cash for the till? Like I said- this will be my first game since I was a teen, and...

....(gulp)

...I've never been to a tailgate party of any sort- ever!

Hit me back with the 411, so's that we can slide smoothly into the "accepted protocol," won'tcha?

Thanks in advance,
Clemmy
(WOOF,WOOF!)

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BTW: I'd consider it a personal favor, if you guys would "flow some love" to My Boy, bestie k9 when we show up.... he's the one responsible for me even getting to attend this game. A former Lions fan, he adopted the Browns in '99, and hasn't wavered since... not even this year, when Detroit is doing so well. No bandwaggoner here, you know....

He's just finished M. Boyer's book: "Browns Essential" (which I loaned him), so he could immerse himself in the culture that he jumped into. Dude doesn't do anything halfway, you know? He's been a great friend for almost 20 years, had my back on more than one occasion... and sat right next to me when My Band assaulted Carnegie Hall last May. A true Dawg, even if he's a "newer pup in the pound." Told me tonight that he'll wear his 17 jersey, but will strike out the "Edwards" name (he's a UM alum, but don't "hate him because he's from there"... hehehe)... and put SIPE across the nameplate! What a show of Browns solidarity, eh?

I thought it would be fun for him to just duct-tape a "D" in front of the "Edwards," since that's how Brayleon's career seems to be heading, but I kinda like his idea better now.

Anyway... we're looking to have the best time we can with as many Dawgs as can be arranged, so please- postUP! Details are warmly welcomed.


Dawggone.... this is HUGE! Can't wait to shake some hands, share some shots, and rip the stands apart as we celebrate a win over the Seahawks!

Hope you have a great time Dawg.

It's been way too long since I have been able to go to a game, so have double the fun to make up for me. lol

Plans are coming together, Dawgs. I've scoured 2 maps of the CBS area, and have a basic itinerary laid out. I've found Muni on the maps, and just need to know one thing: where will I find DTI? I've been told that y'all set up on one of the little "green areas", but I see more than one on the map.

Is it at the east or west end of the lot? We'd love to drop in, hoist a couple in honor the Browns/DT'ers, and meet up with some Dawgs... sniff a few butts, you know... details be a good thang, yo.

There are a couple other tailgates we want to hit, but I know where they are.

can't sleep,
can't concentrate at work...
can't wait!!!

DTI is about in the middle of the Muni lot, right next to the "toll gates" where you pay to park.

thanks, Columbus!

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and meet up with some Dawgs... sniff a few butts,

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I would imagine that GM would dissuade you of that particular idea in a heartbeat ......

Naa I still sniff a few butts while I'm there.

I hope your experience is everything you hope it will be.

I went to the DTI once. It was in '06 for the Steeler's game. It was cold and drizzling all day. Still, it was great to meet the Dawgs and drink and eat and drink. Even though we lost I had the time of my life and will never forget it.

Good luck!

Thanks for the well-wishes, ddub!

We're pretty amped about it. My Boy is arriving at my house @ 6:00AM! (he's a fisherman, so this is nothing new for him. Me? -not so much. The timestamps on my posts is enough evidence that I'm a 'night owl'....) We hope to be parked, and strollling the lots by 9.

I expect to have a great time visiting with Dawgs I feel I know, because of sites like DT. I'm also hoping for an exciting game, with a breakout performance by the team.

You know-... tonight, we're standing out in the loading bay outside the concert hall, and I'm talking to Tom- a longtime friend and casual Browns fan. After telling me that he went to 2 games last year and the season opener this year, he said, almost word-for-word what I posted earlier this week, about the learning curve being graphed like a staircase.... and that he expected to see the team 'ake a jump" this week or next. It was weird, because I hadn't told him abbout DT or my recent post on here. Maybe that's a good sign.

Anyway- I get to feel like a real part of The Nation for the first time in forever.... and that's gonna be an experience to remember, for sure!

Woofin' it up already,
Clem

Have a great time Clem!

Irrespective of the score it will be an experience to remember .... Enjoy Dawg Talk Island and Columbusdawgs & friends hospitality is not to be missed!

Ok.. we are the hell outta here and on the road kids. See you all in believeland.

And, we're home. My wife drove like a bat out of hell. When I looked over and saw "92 mph" I had to say "un, hon, at this speed, if we rolled our windows down and each put out one arm, we'd be flying. S'pose you could slow it down a tad?"

She dropped it to 80.

As for the game? Well, the Browns won. So we have that going for us.

As for the tailgating? Great time. Hate to even mention names, as I'll forget some, no doubt. Columbusdawg and saint, I believe capitalgg, and some others hosted "The Greatest Fried Food" fest in Cleveland. Bif was there, his wife, Americandawg, met Pete314, Clemmy and Betsie K9 showed up, geez, there were more.......I hate my memory, as it's not great at things like this.......I know there were more...

I'll think of them, one by one.

Had a great time. And, at least the Browns won. Walking out of th stadium, I looked at my wife and said "I don't know if I've ever come here, watched a victory, and walked out feeling this "blah" in my life."

I had a blast!

It would have been nice to see six points scored on a single play, but I'll take a win (in person) ANY DAY... no matter how lackluster.....

The highlight was being able to finally put some faces to so many posts I've read over the years.

Seeing the Browns from between the uprights in the Dawg Pound was an experience I'll not forget. The scale of the place, the great sightline, the atmosphere- incomparable.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the entire day: the sound of the crowd during that last Defensive stand near the end of the game. I've only once before heard a sound that approached that level of power- when I played a "Three Tenors" concert at Tiger Stadium (the last major public event ever held there, btw) in Detroit... and that only came close. I truly felt like "The 12th Player."

It was great to be part of a communal event on this scale- so many individuals united by one common interest. Amazing.

bestsie k9 and I blasted Funk and R&B all the way home, while laughingly reviewing the day's events, and all the great Browns fans we'd just met.

We Dawgs were hooked- and promised each other we'd make this trip again.

Thanks, each and every one of you-
for the great food,
for the wonderful communal vibe,
for the great conversation....
...and for making a couple "Gameday Newbs" feel right at home.

You guys made a good day at CBS GREAT!!!

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Perhaps the most impressive thing about the entire day: the sound of the crowd during that last Defensive stand near the end of the game. I've only once before heard a sound that approached that level of power- when I played a "Three Tenors" concert at Tiger Stadium (the last major public event ever held there, btw) in Detroit... and that only came close. I truly felt like "The 12th Player."

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Moments like those make me happy that I endure the hardships of season tickets. It pays off on days like this. Even if the game was pretty bad, being able to get up and make some noise without p.o.ing the ppl behind me because they are also on their feet making noise is satisfying.