Increased parking fee sacks Browns fans

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Browns fans who park in county-owned lots will be paying up to $25 on game days this season.

Cuyahoga County commissioners have approved parking rate increases for Browns games and other special events.

Fans will pay anywhere from $3 to $25 at the lots, depending on what surrounding, privately owned lots are charging on event days.

Last season, the county charged $15-$20 to park at its facilities for Browns games.

County officials say the rate hike is needed because of a deficit in the county’s garage fund and because fewer cars have been parking in its downtown garage this year.

The county’s overtime costs for cleaning up after games also are up.

Blackout avoided

Facing their first television blackout since 1995, the Cleveland Browns said their home exhibition opener against Detroit on Saturday will be shown on local television.

Although tickets remain available in their 73,000-seat stadium, the Browns said they reached an agreement with WKYC-TV to broadcast the game. WYTV Channel 33 also will show the game.

Low expectations for the Browns this season, coupled with Cleveland’s poor performance in a 17-0 loss to Green Bay last week, haven’t helped ticket sales.

The Browns have historically been one of the NFL’s top draws, but the tough economy and the team’s poor record over the past decade has led to a decline in interest.