Vehicle damages Browns property, police investigate

Tom Withers, The Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are working to repair damage to the turf at FirstEnergy Stadium ahead of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after it was vandalized Monday night.

The team said it provided information to Cleveland police, who are investigating.

During the night, someone broke into the stadium and drove a vehicle onto the pitch, causing « some superficial damage », according to the team. Aerial footage showed tire tracks looping over half the pitch.

The Browns claimed the stadium’s grounds maintenance crew were repairing the surface.

« We are proud of the excellent reviews and reputation of our stadium turf, » the Browns said in a statement. We have been in contact with the NFL regarding this and are confident that after the repairs our field will be ready for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers. »

The Browns, who have lost six of their last seven games, have played at FirstEnergy Stadium since returning as an expansion team in 1999.

Last week, the Browns’ game in Buffalo was moved to Detroit due to a snowstorm that dumped more than two meters of snow on the Bills’ field at Orchard Park.