Hello fellow Portland Browns Backers! I am writing this less than a week away from the kick off of the most anticipated Browns season in recent memory. There's a lot to be excited for both for our Browns and our club.
Our Browns will kick off on September 12, 2021 against the KC Chiefs who we last played in the Divisional Playoff game. The Browns competed well and could have won the game, but alas...it wasn't meant to be. Our showdown week 1 will be a good test for our team, which on paper are stronger today than we were back in January.
The Portland Browns Backers are also excited about our new venue, The Morrison Market (722 SE 10th Ave.). We had modest, but still respectable crowds for our three preseason games. The Morrison Market are also excited to welcome us in and they have put a lot of money into making it right for us. There are multiple tv screens as well as large projection walls that will all be devoted to the Browns. There are also several options for food as well as a full bar and a beer stand. While many were not open during the preseason, I have been assured they will be during the regular season.
Along with the excitement for the upcoming season there is some anxiety as we are still in the midst of a pandemic and Oregon's COVID numbers are higher today than they were before we had a vaccine back in 2020 and early 2021. I know that there will be some of our club members who won't attend this season due to their own health concerns and there are others who won't attend as they don't want to wear a mask. Football is a great distraction, but we also need to remember that our health and safety is a priority. The Morrison Market is currently following all state COVID guidelines and mandates. Please know that there is no time for political debate and the PDX Browns Backers will be following all rules that are mandated to us by the Morrison Market via the Governor of Oregon. As of the time of writing this blog entry, all Browns Backers will be required to wear a mask when not eating or drinking. Please respectfully adhere to this rule so that we can minimize the risks and enjoy watching our Browns in an amazing new venue. Ultimately, the best thing we can all do is get vaccinated to help our state and country safely move forward from the biggest health crisis of our lifetimes.
I look forward to seeing familiar faces again and welcoming new ones.
Be safe & GO BROWNS!
Michael Fell
PDX Browns Backers President