CLEVELAND, Ohio — In previous years, thousands of fans would flock to Berea to watch the Browns practice during training camp, but that in-person experience won’t be happening as fans will not be permitted at training camps across the league this season due to COVID-19 protocols.
“We are disappointed; we can’t see the training camp—that’s the thing we do every year, go to training camp, tailgate, go to the game,” said Roberto Ortiz of Cleveland.
Although fans like Ortiz won’t be able to watch training camp practices in person from the sidelines, he will be able to watch from home. Starting Friday, August 14, the Cleveland Browns will launch “Browns Live: Training Camp.” The platform will allow fans to engage with the team digitally, offering fans an exclusive close-up view of all practices.
“It will be a good thing to see all the players together, and see how they are coming along together.” Ortiz said.
“Browns Live: Training Camp” will also provide in-depth football analysis, sights and sounds from the field and interviews with players, coaches and alumni. Fans will be able to ask questions, share comments and participate with partner promotions and giveaways. The online experience is actually a welcome change for browns fan Chris Williams, who moved from Akron Ohio to Lebanon, Missouri five years ago.
“I love it, it’s a brilliant idea, I’m glad that it’s happening. I wish it would’ve happened sooner, not COVID of course, but the virtual thing. It’s about to get bigger than what people are believing it to be,” Williams said.
Williams said he understands the need to create the safest possible environment for players, coaches and fans as the country continues to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. He said nothing is more important to true Browns fans than players’ health and safety.
“I’m more so worried about what’s to come with the virus rather than the season; if you’re an offensive lineman, a defensive linemen, you know how close you have to be from one another, football how it is—COVID is a real issue.
Williams is a moderator and co-administrator for a Cleveland browns Facebook group, said many of the members will be logged in to see how their team is shaping up ahead of the season.
“It’s people that are overseas on the page that we are on now, it started out with 10 fans, 13 fans (and) now we are at 70,000 in two years.”
