Browns raise ticket prices, plan for full stadium in 2021

The Cleveland Browns ended their 18-year playoff drought in January and nearly upset the Kansas City Chiefs in the postseason tournament. 

Understandably, it will cost fans a little more to see the Browns play at FirstEnergy Stadium this coming fall.

Per Daryl Ruiter of Cleveland sports radio station 92.3 The Fan, the Browns informed season ticket holders via a Monday email that they're raising prices and planning to have both a full stadium and also a ninth home game in 2021. It's widely believed the NFL will shift to a 17-game regular season beginning this year.  

"While our main focus will always be on the well-being of everyone within our stadium – players, coaches and of course, our incredible fans – we are encouraged by the current developments related to COVID-19 in our region and hope that we will be allowed to have a full capacity at FirstEnergy Stadium this upcoming season,” Browns senior vice president of communications Peter John-Baptiste said in a statement shared by Ruiter. "Our team responded strongly to the limited number of fans we were able to responsibly host for all home games last year, and we know how incredibly important it is for our players and coaches to have fans in our stadium creating the best homefield advantage in the NFL.

"As we do each year, we evaluate our ticket pricing structure based on multiple factors to ensure that it is reflective of the current market, gives our season ticket members various flexible payment options and delivers value while creating the most memorable fan experience." 

According to Ruiter, the Browns capped attendance at roughly 12,000 fans for home games last year. He added that "the Browns estimate that their average season ticket price will remain among the six lowest totals of all NFL teams next season." 

The Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also raising prices coming off their successful season, and the New England Patriots are operating as if they'll be cleared to fill Gillette Stadium to full capacity in the fall. 

Last month, Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker said there's a "good shot" the Hall of Fame Game between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers scheduled for Aug. 5 will be the league's first event at a full stadium since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States last year.