CLEVELAND — As some venues are opting to require masks and or vaccinations against COVID-19, the Cleveland Browns said on Friday that it’s encouraging the public to get a coronavirus shot. 

The organization stopped short of issuing any sort of mandates. The Browns added that FirstEnergy Stadium will be open to full capacity a season after attendance was limited to 12,000 per game. 

The Browns said that all fans, regardless of vaccination status, should wear face coverings in all indoor settings within the stadium, including restrooms, elevators and the press box. Masks are also recommended for unvaccinated fans in outdoor areas of the stadium where they cannot maintain physical distancing. 

We encourage everyone to seek reliable information on the COVID-19 vaccine,” Haslam Sports Group wrote in a letter to season ticket holders. “As our medical partners at University Hospitals have shared, the vaccine is the single best way to combat the pandemic and is critical to keeping our team, families, and the entire Northeast Ohio community as safe as possible.”

Earlier this week, the Las Vegas Raiders announced it would require fans to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to gain entry. A number of other NFL teams said they will require masks to be worn within indoor areas of the stadium. Likewise, Ohio State will require masks within indoor parts of Ohio Stadium. 

The Browns say their policies align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines that recommend masks be worn by everyone in indoor settings where COVID-19 spread is considered high or substantial.