Browns Alumni Weekend and Browns Fantennial Weekend honors team, NFL history to start league’s 100th season (8.28.19)
For Immediate Release
Aug. 28, 2019
BEREA, Ohio – As the NFL commemorates its 100th season, the Browns will honor their cherished alumni, history and fans while celebrating the future of the game during 2019 Browns Alumni Weekend and Browns Fantennial Weekend from Sept. 6-8. The weekend’s festivities are highlighted by the unveiling of a statue in the likeness of Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Otto Graham on Saturday, Sept. 7 and capped by tributes throughout the team’s regular season opener against the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 8. The weekend’s activities will open with the Browns and Alumni showing their appreciation for Northeast Ohio youth and high school football through unique elements at the St. Ignatius-Mentor game on Friday, Sept. 6.
More than 50 Browns Alumni, including more than 20 members of the Browns Legends program, are expected to participate in the weekend’s celebration.
At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, the Browns will officially debut Graham’s statue on the southwest side of FirstEnergy Stadium during a ceremony commemorating his career and life. In addition to Browns executives, alumni and team personnel, 39 members of Graham’s family are currently scheduled to attend the event, including his 95-year old wife, Beverly.
“As we celebrate the NFL’s 100th season, we are honored to pay tribute to Otto Graham with this timeless sculpture that will properly recognize him not only as one of the Browns’ top players but also as one of pro football’s greatest all-time quarterbacks,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam. “This year’s Alumni Weekend and Fantennial Weekend will be truly special as we welcome many of our Browns Legends back home in Cleveland, as well as have the opportunity to thank and host many members of Otto Graham’s family.”
Browns fans are encouraged to attend the statue unveiling, which will be accompanied by a bonus Dawg Pound Drive setup from 1-4 p.m. Attendees will be able to enjoy all of Dawg Pound Drive’s main activations, as well as an autograph session from select Browns Legends and Browns Alumni (2:30-3:30 p.m.). The team will also hold a Locker Room Sale (cash only), benefitting the “Get 2 School, Stay in the Game!” Network, with items available directly from the team’s facility and past Browns players at affordable prices.
Prior to Saturday’s ceremony, Head Coach Freddie Kitchens also invited all Browns Alumni to be special guests during the team’s walkthrough that morning (no media availability scheduled). To finish the day, Browns leadership and Alumni will gather in FirstEnergy Stadium’s 7UP City Club for the 17th Annual Cleveland Browns Legends Recognition Dinner.
Tickets are not required for Saturday’s statue unveiling ceremony or other elements of Dawg Pound Drive, a 900-foot fan engagement area outside of FirstEnergy Stadium’s south gates that often includes zip lines, a 40-yard dash, vertical jump, football toss and other activities; concerts with local bands and DJs; photo opportunities with Swagger; entertaining games, including inflatables, cornhole and more; the Browns Give Back tent; Browns merchandise stands; food trucks; and food and beverage deals.
To kick off the weekend, Browns Alumni and team representatives will celebrate and connect all levels of football in Northeast Ohio during a special Cleveland Browns High School Game of the Week, featuring St. Ignatius and Mentor High Schools on Friday, Sept. 6. Cleveland Browns High School Game of the Week is presented by Ohio Cat in association with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM).
2019 Browns Alumni Weekend and Browns Fantennial Weekend culminate with the season opener against the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 8. At halftime and throughout gameday, the Browns will recognize their championship teams, Browns Legends and pivotal moments in the franchise’s history. 2019 Browns Alumni Weekend is presented by FirstEnergy.
Alumni Weekend schedule:
Ninth Annual Cleveland Browns Alumni Golf Outing
Friday, Sept. 6 (9 a.m.)
Westwood Country Club
22625 Detroit Road
Rocky River, OH 44116
Cleveland Browns High School Game of the Week
St. Ignatius at Mentor
Friday, Sept. 6 (7 p.m.)
Jerome T. Osborne Stadium
8620 Munson Road
Mentor, OH 44060
Otto Graham Statue Unveiling
Saturday, Sept. 7 (1:30 p.m.*)
Southwest Gate
FirstEnergy Stadium
100 Alfred Lerner Way
Cleveland, OH 44114
*Dawg Pound Drive open to fans from 1-4 p.m.
Cleveland Browns Legends Recognition Dinner
Saturday (5:30 p.m.)
7UP City Club
FirstEnergy Stadium
100 Alfred Lerner Way
Cleveland, OH 44114
Cleveland Browns Legends Gameday Recognition
Browns-Titans halftime (1 p.m. kickoff)
On-field tributes to Browns Legends and Alumni
FirstEnergy Stadium
100 Alfred Lerner Way
Cleveland, OH 44114
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