For Immediate Release
May 28, 2015
Browns to host Orange & Brown Scrimmage in
Columbus
Training
camp event to feature scrimmage format at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 7
BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns on Thursday
announced the team will host the “Orange & Brown Scrimmage” at Ohio
Stadium in Columbus on Friday, Aug. 7. The late afternoon intrasquad
scrimmage at The Horseshoe will be free to fans and will feature a
competitive format, updating the recent open practice structure of the
franchise’s annual Family Day/Family Night.
“The intrasquad scrimmage is an important element of our
preparation for the 2015 season,” said Head Coach Mike Pettine. “Ohio
Stadium will provide a great atmosphere for our team to compete, and I’m
confident our players and fans will enjoy the experience.”
It is the second time in as many years that the team’s
highest-attended training camp event has extended outside of Cleveland,
allowing fans from across the state to experience live Browns competition.
Last year’s showcase attracted 20,673 fans to InfoCision Stadium in Akron,
marking back-to-back years the event’s attendance surpassed 20,000.
“We are thrilled to bring the Browns to our State Capital
and to our passionate football fans across the state,” said President Alec
Scheiner. “The Dawg Pound extends across the state and nation, and we
know they have a strong presence in the Greater Columbus area. We hope fans
from throughout Ohio will be able to experience this event at The Horseshoe
to complement our open practices in Berea. We are very grateful for the
hospitality extended to us by Columbus, The Ohio State University, the
Greater Columbus Sports Commission and the Columbus Partnership to make this
event a success.”
The day’s activities begin three hours prior to the scrimmage
at St. John Arena, where the Browns will also bring Dawg Pound Drive to
Columbus. Dawg Pound Drive on Alfred Lerner Way, a 900-foot engaging space
near FirstEnergy Stadium’s south gates, launched in 2014 and offers fans an
interactive pregame space for Browns alumni autographs, a meet and greet with
Swagger, a live music stage, food and beverage specials and other
entertaining elements.
“What a tremendous opportunity for Columbus and all
professional football fans in Central Ohio,” said Ohio State University
Associate Vice President for Business Advancement Xen Riggs. “Columbus
continues to grow as a major sports town at all levels, and it is exciting to
host an organization as storied in rich tradition and professionalism as the
Browns.”
“Our sports community is proud to support the Cleveland
Browns having a presence in Columbus,” said Greater Columbus Sports
Commission Executive Director Linda Logan. “The Orange & Brown
Scrimmage will energize their team’s fans throughout the Columbus Region and
provide multiple generations of families the opportunity to experience the
NFL up close in Ohio Stadium, one of football’s most iconic stadiums.”
Browns 2015 season-ticket members will have the first
opportunity to register for free general admission tickets to the Orange
& Brown Scrimmage during a special pre-sale from June 16-19, while all
fans can acquire tickets starting June 20.
The 2015 Cleveland Browns Orange & Brown Scrimmage is
in association with University Hospitals.
The Browns’ full 2015 training camp schedule in Berea will
be released at a later date. All practices at the Browns facility are free to
fans.
Not including Family Day, the Browns’ 13 open training
camp practices in 2014 set the third-highest combined attendance since 2005
with a total of 43,740 fans who represented 40 states, plus Washington, D.C.
Attendance for 12 of those sessions eclipsed 3,000, while only 11 practices
surpassed that mark from 2005-2013.
Fans may call Browns guest
services (440-891-5050) for more information.
Media Contacts:
Rob Burnett | Cleveland
Browns | [email protected] | 440-891-5000
Dan Wallenberg | Ohio State
Athletics | [email protected] | 614-292-4095
Bruce Wimbish | Greater
Columbus Sports Commission | [email protected] | 614-221-6178
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Additional Quotes:
Browns Vice President of Fan Experience and Marketing
Kevin Griffin (Ohio State football letterman, 1995-1998)
“We’re excited to bring Cleveland Browns football to
Central Ohio. Our goal is to connect with as many members of the Dawg Pound
throughout the state as possible. The Orange & Brown Scrimmage gives our
fans in Central Ohio a chance to see and interact with their favorite team.”
Browns DB Donte Whitner (Ohio State football letterman,
2003-2005)
“It's going to be huge for us. It means a lot to me
personally because I lived in Columbus, played for the Buckeyes and know what
type of fan base is there for the Buckeyes and for the Cleveland Browns.
It'll be special.”
Ohio State Vice President and Director of Athletics
Gene Smith (Cleveland native)
“We are excited to host the Browns and have them in
Columbus. The Browns are a class organization, and it will be exciting for
the citizens of Columbus to enjoy this experience.”
City of Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman
“Our entire community is thrilled to host the Cleveland
Browns in Columbus at the iconic Ohio Stadium. This is an exciting
opportunity for Columbus sports fans and we hope to set a new attendance
record and continue to show the nation how great our sports community is.”
Franklin County Commissioner John O’Grady
“As a life-long Cleveland Browns fan, it’s great that fans
in Columbus will have the opportunity to spend a day getting to know the team
and new players. I’m excited to showcase our fantastic County and City to the
team, too.”
Columbus City Council President Andrew Ginther
“Columbus and Central Ohio are home to tens of thousands
of loyal Browns fans who will make the Orange & Brown scrimmage an event
to remember. This event will focus national media attention on our region and
continue to solidify our City as a premier professional sports destination.”
Columbus Partnership President & CEO Alex Fischer
“We are excited to host the Cleveland Browns in Columbus
for this special event. The organization and its ownership are outstanding to
work with, and we look forward to rallying our community around the Browns to
make this event as successful as possible.”
Experience Columbus President and CEO Brian Ross
“We look forward to hosting the Cleveland Browns’ Orange
& Brown scrimmage in Columbus this summer. It’s a fantastic opportunity
for our community to welcome the team’s athletes and fans of all ages to experience
our vibrant city during their visit.”
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