Friday’s first practice of 2020 Browns training camp was a different experience than ever before.
The large grandstands were empty. There were no fan-friendly features like the kid’s play area or concession stands. The popular Dawg Pound ped adoption area is not there either. That’s because there are no fans allowed at the team facility in Berea due to COVID-19 restrictions.
For rookie coach Kevin Stefanski, it’s a disappointing turn of events.
“It is going to be weird,” Stefanski said in his pre-practice Zoom session with the media. “That is a very unfortunate part of this. I have not experienced camp here with the Cleveland Browns fans, but just from what I have heard, it sounds like all of Northeast Ohio used to be here during training camp. It is a shame. We would love to have them out here.”
Stefanski’s tone here is important. He was not being hysterical or angry but said it with the longing nature of someone who knows he’s missing out on something for reasons out of his control.
The Browns are off on Saturday but return to the practice field on Sunday.
