Hey Everyone!
We are back home from the game and we had a really great experience!
I wended up going with my wife, daughter, and her friend and we talked all the way home about how good it was. I really appreciate all of your advice and help with parking, food, and tips for having a positive time in Cleveland. The stadium and facilities were very nice and we had no issues quickly getting through the gates and security check. I read some reviews of people complaining about it taking too long, but we did try to show up with time to spare and get in early.
Overall - Browns fans were fantastic. I definitely cheered for the Seahawks when it was appropriate, but I'm also the type of fan that tries to remember whose "house" I am in as an opposing fan and try not to be disrespectful or over the top with celebrating. The home town crowd was welcoming and good-natured ribbing was expected and it actually made the experience fun. Sure - there were a couple of obnoxious fans screaming some over-the-top stuff to us - but it was literally a couple of people. .The fans throwing things onto the field and hitting a security guard was unfortunate to see, but I know that doesn't accurately represent the majority of Browns fans.
The game...Well I wanted a good game and it was close and competitive. But I was honestly preparing myself for a long day and was seriously worried when the Browns went up 20-6. Seattle always seems to struggle in the first half (starting slow) and with early east coast starts. Both O-lines did way better than I thought. The Browns had a couple of sacks I believe - and I don't think the Hawks had any. I was definitely disappointed with the pass rush today. It was non-existent. Neither Defense did much to slow the offenses down. I felt like Baker had a good game and that his receivers didn't help him at all - not catching passes and tipping multiple balls that led to critical INTs. And the refs...well let's say they definitely made some questionable calls. As a Hawks fan - I remember those games (and SBs) where we were playing the refs as well as the other team. It sucks - but it is what it is. I felt like the Browns definitely kept it close all game and had chances to win it...but of course I am happy with the outcome.
Thanks again for not running me off in the first place and for the conversation. The Browns, city, and fans have earned my respect and I appreciate the experience they gave my family and I. As long as they're not playing the Seahawks - I will definitely be rooting for the Browns to get their season turned around and heading in the direction that I think many people expected them to be going this season.