Browns Gameday Traditions | Cleveland Browns - clevelandbrowns.com
2026 Game Themes
Home Opener/Alumni Celebration
Sun., Sep. 27, Week 1 vs. Panthers
The Home Opener will kick off the season at Huntington Bank Field against the Panthers. Pregame will feature the Browns Legends Ceremony presented by AARP Ohio recognizing Lou Rymkus, Brian Brennan and Alex Mack.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Thu., Oct. 1, Week 4 vs. Steelers
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame game returns to celebrate Cleveland's iconic music legacy as the Browns host the Steelers in primetime. This game will feature Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees with music elements throughout the evening and a surprise halftime performance by an Inductee. 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and legendary rapper MC Lyte will also serve as a guest DJ for the game.
Crucial Catch
Sun., Oct. 18, Week 6 vs. Ravens
The Crucial Catch game raises awareness for cancer prevention and early detection. The game will recognize and honor cancer survivors, fighters, and thrivers throughout our community!
Pick up an "In Honor Of" card at any major gate, Club entrance, or guest services booth to recognize a loved one affected by cancer. Fans will stand with their cards with 2 minutes left in the 1st half.
Salute to Service
Sun., Nov. 15, Week 10 vs. Texans
This year-round initiative honors and empowers military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. It became a league-wide NFL effort in 2011 to recognize their service and sacrifice.
My Cause My Cleats
Sun., Nov. 29, Week 12 vs. Raiders
My Cause My Cleats highlights causes and organizations that are important to Browns players. Throughout gameday, players will showcase custom-designed cleats representing the causes they have chosen to support.
Stay in the Game! Attendance Network
Sun., Dec. 6, Week 13 vs. Bengals
The Stay In The Game! Attendance Network game celebrates the importance of school attendance, encouraging students to stay engaged, connected, and committed in the classroom.
Youth Football
Sun., Dec. 13, Week 14 vs. Falcons
The Youth Football game will spotlight the impact of football participation while showcasing youth and high school football players, coaches, and officials from across Northeast and Central Ohio.
Inspire Change
Sun., Jan. 3, Week 17 vs. Colts
The Inspire Change game theme spotlights the NFL's social justice initiative focused on expanding opportunities in communities.
Gameday Traditions & Entertainment
Dawg Pound Drive
A Cleveland tradition that brings the energy of gameday to life before you even step foot inside the stadium. Located on Alfred Lerner Way, Dawg Pound Drive is the ultimate pregame party. From live music with a high-energy DJ to interactive games, giveaways, and special appearances by Chomps and Brownie, there's something for every fan to enjoy. Whether you're gearing up for kickoff or just soaking in the atmosphere, Dawg Pound Drive is the place to be on gameday.
Dawg Pound Captain
Since 2002, the Dawg Pound Captain has been the voice and spirit of the Dawg Pound. A symbolic leader whose sole mission is to ignite the energy of the most passionate fans in football. Each game, this honorary role is filled by a special guest who takes the field just before kickoff to rally the crowd. In 2021, the Dawg Pound Caption got a new responsibility. Before kickoff, the special guest takes the field to smash an opposing team's guitar, a tradition that fires up the crowd and sets the tone for gameday! Over the years, local legends, celebrity fans, and Browns alumni have stepped into this role, cementing the Captain's place as a key part of the gameday experience.
First to Eleven
The Browns' new House Band, First to Eleven, features four members: Audra Miller (lead vocals), Ryan Krysiak (guitarist), Sam Gilman (drums), and Trevor Vogt (bass). The band will be fully integrated into the gameday entertainment experience, performing during pregame and in-game hype moments from a newly constructed stage in the lower bowl of section 125 near the Dawg Pound and visible throughout the stadium. Fans can expect a wide range of genres, from classic rock, pop, dance and beyond.
Drum Captain
Right alongside the Dawg Pound Captain stands the Drum Captain, the rhythmic heartbeat of the Dawg Pound. Stationed in the middle of the action, the Drum Captain pounds the massive Dawg Pound drum to signal one of the most electric moments of gameday: the Browns' entrance onto the field from the home tunnel. This booming cadence sets the tone, builds anticipation, and unites fans in a shared roar of support.
Lead Guitarist
Introduced in 2023, the Lead Guitarist delivers a high-voltage guitar performance that turns anticipation into adrenaline. As the lights dim and the crowd rises, the guitarist rips through an electrifying solo that builds in intensity, echoing through the stadium and amping up fans with every note. The performance reaches its peak just as the Browns storm through the gauntlet doors for their iconic run-out, creating one of the most unforgettable and pulse-pounding moments of gameday.
Flag Pass
A symbol of pride, unity, and unwavering support, the Flag Pass is a powerful gameday tradition. Before kickoff, a Browns player carries the team flag across the field, charging toward the Dawg Pound to deliver it into the hands of one lucky fan. That fan then waves it from their seat, representing the voice of the crowd and the bond between team and community.
Take It To The Dawg Pound
Launched in 2024, Take It To The Dawg Pound is a heartwarming and high-energy pregame moment that puts the youngest fans at center stage. Just before kickoff, one lucky fan takes the field and attempts to score the game's "first touchdown", dodging none other than Chomps and Brownie as playful defenders. It's a crowd-favorite tradition that celebrates youth, excitement and the next generation of Browns fans.
Dawg Tags
Introduced in 2023, Dawg Tags bring the gameday experience to your fingertips. Every seat at Huntington Bank Field is equipped with its own tag, just scan it with your phone to unlock exclusive features designed to enhance every moment of the action. From interactive games and live contests to real-time stats, team content, and fan rewards, Dawg Tags keep you connected and in the game from kickoff to the final whistle. It's your personalized portal to everything Browns, right from your seat.

Ready to make your mark on the field? Apply to perform the National Anthem, present the colors or be the tunnel guitarist at a Cleveland Browns game.
Mascots
Chomps
Hobbies: Hanging in the Dawg Pound, reading, and playing fetch.
Favorite Song: "Bad to the Bone" by George Thorogood and the Destroyers
Favorite Subject: Gym
Favorite Part of Gameday: The Dawg Pound
Brownie
Hobbies: Going to Browns games, DJing, and pranking friends.
Favorite Song: "Cleveland" by MGK
Favorite Subject: Science
Favorite Part of Gameday: The Guitar Smash!