This fall, Cleveland's own Platform Beer Company was proud to announce the return of Muni: The Official Craft Beer of the Cleveland Browns to celebrate the 2021 NFL season. This Hazy IPA is available in 16 oz. cans is lighter-bodied and bursting with sweet citrus zest and at only 4.9% ABV, Muni can keep up with Browns fans play after play.
“For me personally, this is an opportunity I could have only dreamed of as a young Brownies fan. We all feel very fortunate to be able to combine two passions of ours, craft beer and the Cleveland Browns, in Muni Hazy IPA,” said Paul Benner, Co-Founder of Platform Beer Company. “The response from Muni last year was incredible! Expectations for year two are high, just like those for the Brownies. We hope that a can of Muni each game day becomes a tradition for Browns fans everywhere.”
The partnership’s second year brings in additional activities and options for both fans of the brewery itself and the Browns as well. Platform Beer Company will be bringing a Muni Van to various Browns celebrations around Cleveland this fall for photo ops, hosting Browns watch parties at their Loraine Avenue pub, and will share with social media followers some creative ways to #TailgateEverywhere, with chances to win exclusive prizes featured in their videos.
“We are proud to partner with Platform for MUNI again this year as we kick off the 2021 season and celebrate our 75th Anniversary season with all of our fans,” said David Safer, Cleveland Browns Vice President of Corporate Partnerships.
"The Browns are dedicated to supporting the Northeast Ohio community and view opportunities to partner with local businesses as part of that commitment," Safer continued. "When we collaborate with local partners to create great products that our fans enjoy, everybody wins."
"I can speak for many of our employees that the Browns have been a part of our upbringing, said Benner. "They’ve played a huge part in our past, our present, and will continue to play a huge part in our future. There’s pride in seeing our logo with the Browns logo. It brings joy to people (our staff included)!"
Platform Beer Company will be bringing a Muni Van to various Browns celebrations around Cleveland this fall for photo ops, hosting Browns watch parties at their Loraine Avenue pub, and will share with social media followers some creative ways to #TailgateEverywhere, with chances to win exclusive prizes featured in their videos. |
Last season, the Browns were only allowed to operate at a limited capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While other NFL teams played in front of cardboard cutouts of South Park characters or no fans at all, the Browns first welcomed 6,000 fans at each of their first two home games before that figure was expanded to 12,000 with the permission of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's administration. For reference, First Energy Stadium has the ability to house 67,895 fans any given Sunday, Monday or Thursday. That means, at most, the Browns were operating at roughly 17.7% capacity during last season.
This, along with the fact that Cuyahoga County was under a strict stay-at-home order, obviously impacted the overall fan experience both inside and around the stadium. That meant no tailgating at the Muni Lot (the beer's namesake) down the street from the stadium. It also meant that local restaurants and breweries, like Platform, were also impacted by the lack of fans watching the game downtown.
Thankfully, Platform was able to soften the blow a bit by offering a free home delivery service. But, it obviously still didn't feel the same compared to a typical Browns home game experience. That's why having the Browns and Platform collaborating together once again was so important.
Not only is this collaboration between the Browns organization and Platform Beer Company but it also is a celebration. It's a celebration of even though we're still in the midst of a global pandemic, things are returning to some semblance of normalcy thanks to masks, social distancing and the availability of vaccines. It's a celebration of not only the Browns trying to compete for their first Super Bowl Championship but also for welcoming back fans to the shores of Lake Erie.
This fall, Cleveland's own Platform Beer Company was proud to announce the return of Muni: The Official Craft Beer of the Cleveland Browns to celebrate the 2021 NFL season. This Hazy IPA is available in 16 oz. cans is lighter-bodied and bursting with sweet citrus zest and at only 4.9% ABV, Muni can keep up with Browns fans play after play. |
But, this isn't the only thing the Browns and Platform have planned for both this season and beyond. Muni is only the beginning for both sides as Benner and Platform, who is the official craft beer partner of the team, see big things coming soon for all parties involved.
"We are excited to continue this multi-year collaboration with the Cleveland Browns and we look forward to the opportunities it brings to both of our companies," said Benner. "There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our fellow Browns fans enjoying a beer that we put an incredible amount of effort into making. The stadium just isn’t the same without the tens of thousands of Browns fans doing their thing, so it’s great to see the stadium full again."
"We are fortunate to work with Platform, who have been exceptional partners," said Safer. "Muni’s success thus far is a testament to our collective fan-focused efforts, and we look forward to exploring more opportunities to expand our relationship.
"Fans have really enjoyed the Muni product. We hear great things about it often and see it in many hands on Sundays."
If you happen to be downtown this football season to catch a Browns game, swing by the original Platform Beer Company in Ohio City to try Muni, or any of their other varieties of beer, for yourself if you aren't at the stadium. Win or lose, it's beyond important for both the Browns and Platform to have fans back at full capacity this year. Join them in the celebration as life hopefully returns completely back to normal sooner instead of later.
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