Not many people have really wondered how to become a Cleveland Brown Cheerleader, so it really should be no surprise that there is no Cleveland Brown Cheerleading squad.

One of the reasons there's isn't a squad is because the Cleveland Browns have a long history, and the team is old-school. There were no cheerleaders back in 1946, and they don't need them now.

Another possible reason could be the open-air Cleveland Stadium, home of the Browns, located on the south-eastern shore of Lake Erie in a city often plagued by 2 to 3 or more feet of lake effect snow. It could be that it's just not very appealing to former cheerleaders/home coming queens.

The Cleveland Browns' less than stellar record has not generated a formidable number of people willing to be on the football field in the dead of winter in Cleveland for 3 hours.

But it's not true that there are no Cleveland Browns Cheerleaders. There are plenty of them and they are true, loyal fans. They show up eight times a year at the stadium, faces painted brown and orange, holding a plastic cup of beer, and sitting in the bleacher section behind the east end zone called the "Dawg Pound," where at some point a few will disrobe down to their waist to show off their numbered orange and brown chests.

The Dawg Pound came into being in 1985 when quarterback, Hanford Dixon started calling his defensive unit "Dawgs" when they were at training camp. They were to bark when they made a solid play. Fans at the training camp sessions picked up the trend and began barking. A banner was erected in the stadium on opening day pinpointing the bleacher location as the "Dawg Pound". Dog food was eventually banned from the stadium, but beer was not.http://brownsmix.com/2009/03/dawg-pound-legend-of-its-own.html

Although Cleveland does not have a pompom shaking group of ladies on the field like the Baltimore Ravens, they have the dog-faced "Dawg Pound," probably the most enthusiastic and loyal cheerleading troupe in all of the NFL. If you would like to be a cheerleader for the Cleveland Browns you are required to go to the Dawg Pound.

• Admission to the "Pound" has no minimum nor maximum age requirement, other than if beer is going to be consumed, the Dawg must be of legal age.
• A life-like plastic dog mask is suggested, but not required. (The mask has a dual purpose in that it protects the face from the brutal, cold winds off Lake Erie.)
• Most Dawgs are men, but women are invited to join in the festivities as well.
• The participants must have an active role in the many "dare" contests that are offered throughout the day.
• Tear-away shirts are handy if there happens to be a good play in that end-zone. All clothes should be quick and easy to remove.
• Only the most experienced "Dawgs" are allowed to have on gloves when handling the cold beer cups. The bulkiness of the gloves have often caused liquid mishaps in the stands.
• You should be able to try to stand for at least 8 minutes per quarter. Last quarter standing time, though, can be reduced to 2 or 3 minutes if needed. At least one attempt per quarter is satisfactory.
• In case of an overtime game, be prepared to pool your remaining money among your Dawg friends to get a few more beers to be shared among you.
• A good throwing arm may be needed to hurl debris.
• Must be available for both pre- and post-game activities. An experienced "Pounder" will usually devote at least twelve hours per game day for success in having a great day, no matter what.
• You must be prepared to take any steps necessary to help the Browns at all times. This may include actions that are not condoned and ejection is a possibility.

The first thing you need is a ticket to the game. Season tickets are suggested to ensure the same seats for every game in order to become part of the pack.

Dawg Pound season tickets for 2010 are $450.00 for upper Dawg Pound, and $500.00 for the more desirable low down Dawg Pound seats. Included with the season ticket is automatic membership in the "Browns Backer Worldwide" club, discounted parking rates, and discounts on stadium purchases, including beverages. Seat re-accommodation is also available just in case someone really should change seats.

Individual tickets are available for the time when your cousin comes up from Columbus for the game or when a bunch of people decide that going to a Browns game would be really fun. But tickets go very quickly. If there are none available for sale, check the TicketMaster NFL ticket exchange area. This is a service for season ticket holders to sell the seats they will not be able to use. Other ticket broker services are also available online.

If you are thinking about going to the last game of the 2010-11 season against Pittsburgh, it would be wise to begin searching early. Individual tickets usually go on sale in July. Check the Cleveland Browns website periodically.http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/

Makeup (Face and Body Paint)

A trip to Sherwin Williams is not required, nor advised, when purchasing your face paint. The paint should be water based and professional face paint is recommended. Using separate sponges for painting a large area is suggested, one for the orange paint, and one for the brown.

Masks and Combinations

If you have a dawg mask that covers your whole face, no makeup is required. The dawg mask should be of good quality and fit the face snugly. Eye holes should be at the proper level.

Some people opt for a combination of the two, having the face painted, and a fake dog nose. This is a matter of preference, however, the full mask can be put on at the stadium, whereas the paint and dog nose would need to be applied prior to going to the stadium.

• The clock goes off at 5:00 am, and you are up by 7:00. There's no specific hair style that is preferred, in fact, not combing it is acceptable.
• Make up should be applied generously to prevent patches of skin from showing through. If time allows apply thin coats and allow them to dry before adding another.
• Your ticket is in an easily accessible pocket.
• You've distributed all of the cash that you're taking around your body to prevent loss of it all at one time.
• You have a reserve $20.00 in case the game goes into overtime.
• Your photo ID is in a safe place somewhere on your body.