Cleveland Browns & The NFL

by **swerb** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 5:15 pm

When planning this year’s NFL Draft Party, I knew we had set the bar high a couple years ago. The crowd started filtering into Panini’s downtown on East 9th street at 9 AM, and was worked into a frenzy by the time the Browns took Joe Thomas off the board at #3, a very popular pick with the masses. After the Thomas pick, the attendees then turned to making fun of Brady Quinn for an hour or so, who was experiencing a very public free fall. Once got to about pick #12, the talk of a Browns trade up innocently started. And then, when the little “on the clock” helmet switched from Dallas to Cleveland, the scene was unlike anything I had seen before. Hundreds of grown men were weeping openly, locked in full embrace with other men they didn’t even know.

This year, I knew we’d need a bigger venue, and one that wasn’t downtown near Progressive Field & The Q. With the growth of the site these last two years, and with STO on board fully to help us promote it, we’ll be looking at a big crowd. We brought almost 200 people to the Steelers tailgate earlier this year, and that was $45 a head. This party is free. And with the Draft now starting at 3:00 PM, and the Indians having a 7:05 home game against the Twins on that day, having it a place like Panini’s would be too chaotic as they draw big crowds before weekend Indians home games.

I needed to find a place that could accommodate as many as 300-350 people. A place still centrally located somewhat, near Cleveland. A place with a ridiculous amount of televisions so everyone could have a good view of the action. A place with good food and beer. And with the Browns having the #5 overall selection, and two second round picks … a place that would and could accommodate hundreds of people for 10-11 hours.

We found that place.

THE MOTHER OF ALL DRAFT PARTIES

When: Saturday, April 25th – Noon to whenever (Draft starts at 3:00PM)

Where: The Winking Lizard, Lakewood OH

http://www.winkinglizard.com/data/content/lakewood.asp

14018 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107-4522
Phone: 216.226.6693

Just minutes west of Cleveland on Detroit Rd in Lakewood, this Winking Lizard is massive, and fired up about hosting the event. For those who haven’t been there, here is a breakdown of the place, which is like a complex:

~Main bar – Open, spacious, easy to walk around and talk to people. Has a stage that seats 40. Main bar area seats another 200 easy, with a big bar, stand up and sit down tables. 25 flat screen HDTV’s … covering nearly every inch of wall space.

~Private dining room – Has doors that close, seating inside for 80-90, with 10 flat screen HDTV’s all over the walls, and the ability to crank up the volume loud in here.

~Basement – Newly remodeled. Has a private bar, six full size bowling alleys, five big screen flat screen HDTV’s, and holds 80-100. It is sweet down there. Also, the Lizard was nice enough to offer our guests FREE BOWLING from noon – 6 PM! Note – only 24 people can bowl on the six alleys at one time.

~Private party room upstairs – Couches, coffee tables, regular table seating, a private bar, three big screens. Holds 80 people.

~Patio - Weather permitting, they will have this set up too for the smokers or anyone else that wants to hang out outside.

Also, they have wi-fi throughout the entire building for anyone who wants to bring their laptop.

Specials/Giveaways: Both STO and Coors Light will be providing a host of cool prizes and giveaways. Shirts, hats, beer mugs, and a whole host of other things. Everyone is going to walk away with something cool.

Also, the Lizard will run a $4.25 32 oz draft beer special for us, as well as a $12.99 Prime Rib special.

Food & Beverage: Free popcorn. Full menu service in all the aforementioned rooms, and the Lizard has great food. Wings, ribs, chicken, burgers, homemade pizzas, and a whole host of other good eats.

They have 19 different beers on tap. Another 150 in the bottle. 14 different kinds of martinis, and every type of booze known to man. No cover charge or prepared menu. Just show up and eat and drink what you want. Ages of all types welcome.

We will need a rough head count, so let me know if you are planning on attending, and with how many people.

by **MartyM** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:00 pm

Rich:

I'd love to be there but a prior committment keeps me away, however, my ace photographer Vince will be there for you.

by **osucrazy18** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:10 pm

absolutly pissed im not gunna be there

OSU SPRING GAME BABY!!

Just a notch more important in my book, gotta spend that saturday with my buddies

sounds amazing though :yessss:

by **skatingtripods** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:20 pm

Awesome place. Our men's hockey tournament (April 3-5) uses it as our post-game place. I can certainly vouch for it.

Rich, put me down for two. I'll have to take off shortly after the Browns pick cause I've got Tribe tickets for that night on the Porch.

by **waborat** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:40 pm

Sounds like you did well Dick...I'll give ya a head count when I get it

by **BruceK** » Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:09 pm

Within walking distance of home - count me in!

won't need a designated driver.

by **mistero** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 5:02 pm

I'm taking a cab.

Look out below!

by **diminishingskills** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 1:39 pm

Looking forward to it. Won't be there till maybe 6-7, as I will probably be the only attendee to have run around Churchill Downs earlier in the day.

by **Steve Buffum** » Wed Mar 04, 2009 1:43 pm

DiminishingSkills wrote:Looking forward to it. Won't be there till maybe 6-7, as I will probably be the only attendee to have run around Churchill Downs earlier in the day.

You're a horse? You're a very fast typist for a guy with hooves.

by **MadThinker88** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 12:44 am

Parents still live in Lakewood so at worst I can stagger to a bed if necessary.
Been to this place before and I can say with confidence, it won't be big enough

Unless something else comes up (like another bash at the brother-in-laws place), I'm in.

by jb » Thu Mar 05, 2009 2:36 pm

A place still centrally located somewhat

Nope.

I refuse to go west past W 30th street.

Much like Woody in Michigan, I refuse to spend money on the west side past W 30th. ( Do I need this -> ;-) ;) :wink:

)

by **Huge0126** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 12:03 am

Sounds like a great party. With three picks in the first two rounds, the Browns should make things interesting at the draft party (no more mad dog at the meat market). Now, as an east sider who's heard of the "west side", I have a few questions: Do I need a passport? Do I need to learn a foreign language? If I drink several (hundred) beers, how do I get home?

by **Erie Warrior** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 10:48 am

Since it's WIFI enabled, any chance we can have a live broadcast from the Lizard? Have interviews with people about the picks, future of the team and things like that? It would be great to hear the beer induced BS coming from everyone as the draft proceeds.

by **pup** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 10:58 am

Erie Warrior wrote:Since it's WIFI enabled, any chance we can have a live broadcast from the Lizard? Have interviews with people about the picks, future of the team and things like that? It would be great to hear the beer induced BS coming from everyone as the draft proceeds.

Stay tuned.

by **consigliere** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:43 am

Pup wrote:
Erie Warrior wrote:Since it's WIFI enabled, any chance we can have a live broadcast from the Lizard? Have interviews with people about the picks, future of the team and things like that? It would be great to hear the beer induced BS coming from everyone as the draft proceeds.

Stay tuned.

Yeah, this is something already in the works.....more details later.

by **Fire Marshall Bill** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 8:58 pm

Any good safe places close by to spend the night?

by **Hi Oktane** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:35 pm

Looks like I'm gonna miss out again this year. Will be at a hoops tourney in Cincinnati that weekend with my 8 y/o.

by **swerb** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:52 pm

Fire Marshall Bill wrote:Any good safe places close by to spend the night?

Not within walking distance Audie. At least not that I know of. All the Cleveland hotels are 5 min down the road though.

by **leadpipe** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:00 pm

Swerb wrote:
Fire Marshall Bill wrote:Any good safe places close by to spend the night?

Not within walking distance Audie. At least not that I know of. All the Cleveland hotels are 5 min down the road though.

Although in the year 2009, that's a five mile roll of the dice the Lead Man ain't throwin'.

Catch a 10 buck cab and eliminate the draft day gunfire.

by **swerb** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:04 pm

Lead Pipe wrote:
Swerb wrote:
Fire Marshall Bill wrote:Any good safe places close by to spend the night?

Not within walking distance Audie. At least not that I know of. All the Cleveland hotels are 5 min down the road though.

Although in the year 2009, that's a five mile roll of the dice the Lead Man ain't throwin'.

Catch a 10 buck cab and eliminate the draft day gunfire.

Yes, by no means was I advocating walking. Area in Lakewood where the Draft Party is .... fine.

A couple miles east into West Cleveland down Detroit? Wear Kevlar for any Saturday strolls. The cut off is West 117th.

by **pup** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:48 pm

Hi Oktane wrote:Looks like I'm gonna miss out again this year. Will be at a hoops tourney in Cincinnati that weekend with my 8 y/o.

Priorities Oktane. Where they at?

by **Bayou Tribe** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 3:12 pm

Erie Warrior wrote:
Since it's WIFI enabled, any chance we can have a live broadcast from the Lizard? Have interviews with people about the picks, future of the team and things like that? It would be great to hear the beer induced BS coming from everyone as the draft proceeds.

Stay tuned.

Iiiiiiiiinteresting, that could be good. Is there a spot on fb where I can confirm attendance for the web-based draft bash? I'm obviously out but it sounds awesome. 3 picks in the first day is nice too, adds a little excitement to the day. Enjoy it fellas.

by **Fire Marshall Bill** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 5:52 pm

LOFL

Nice choice!.....

My carry license isn't any good in Ohio, ya know?

:guns:

by **FUDU** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 11:59 am

Winking Lizard in Lakewood?, I love you Rich.

by **OSU819903** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:35 pm

Be there for sure, awesome idea and I can't wait to meet some of you guys.

by **idoctribefan** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 5:05 pm

Did the NFL shorten the length of time between each pick this year? How long is Day One supposed to take? I couldn't be up to Lakewood till 6ish. idoc's workin' for the weekend. :git:

by **tbone** » Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:00 pm

Swerb wrote:
Fire Marshall Bill wrote:Any good safe places close by to spend the night?

Not within walking distance Audie. At least not that I know of. All the Cleveland hotels are 5 min down the road though.

One of the hotels Rich speaks of is noneother than the Jose Mesa Days Inn, which cant be more than a $5 cab ride away down Lake. There's a Travelodge right there too.

http://www.courttv.com/archive/casefile ... /mesa.html

http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/ ... e&tab=tab1

by **Guest** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 12:14 pm

Yeah...the Travelodge had a slightly better guest review (3 1/2) than the Days Inn, so I booked us there.

Not exactly the Ritz, but close enough, since my Designated Driver isn't exactly familiar with the entire area.

by **BruceK** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 10:01 pm

By the way, the cluster of hotels north of the airport at I-71 and W 150th are no more than ten minutes away. There's a Marriott, a Holiday Inn, and a Baymont or LaQuinto.

And if you need a cab leaving the party, use Westlake Cab - they are local and cheaper.

by **MadThinker88** » Sun Apr 05, 2009 4:16 pm

Great point about the hotels over by W 150 and I-71.

by **dem425** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 7:52 pm

Rich:

Put me down for 2..........

Thanks for the invite

Uncle Peeker

by **swerb** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 2:35 pm

For the first 250 to show up ... courtesy of STO:

by **skatingtripods** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:03 pm

Those shirts are absolutely bad ass.

by **Fire Marshall Bill** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:16 pm

Sweet...I'll be first in line and bringing a Sharpie for sigs

by **mistero** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 7:58 am

Got those in small? I've been hittin' the nutra systems with Golic.

by **swerb** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 8:35 am

mistero wrote:Got those in small? I've been hittin' the nutra systems with Golic.

We got two set aside for you. A small, for the presently sleeker, trimmer Mistero.

And then a XXL for the winter after the Browns cause you to devolve into a drunken mess that adds back on 30-40 pounds.

by **mistero** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 9:08 am

Thanks Swerb, guess I'll just take the XXL.

:cheers:

by **swerb** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 10:11 am

http://sportsmediawatch.blogspot.com/20 ... -back.html

Draft start time pushed back to 4 PM this year.

by **4thQtrGlory** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 11:59 am

Swerb wrote:http://sportsmediawatch.blogspot.com/2009/03/nfl-draft-start-time-pushed-back.html

Draft start time pushed back to 4 PM this year.

heard about this a few weeks ago. They are trying to turn it into a primetime event from now on. Pretty good idea if you ask me.

by **BooyaCS** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:17 pm

Did the NFL shorten the length of time between each pick this year? How long is Day One supposed to take? I couldn't be up to Lakewood till 6ish. idoc's workin' for the weekend

First round is 10 minutes
Second round is 5 minutes

ESPN was saying the draft started at 4pm.

Oh and Swerb I don't know if MadThinker told you but I will be showing up with 1 other.

by **Dozen** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:46 pm

I appologize if this has been asked but is the STO draft party the same as TCF's draft party? I only ask because I saw no mention of TCF on the STO add during the game.

by **peeker643** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:48 pm

They mentioned The Cleveland Fan.com but it's not part of the text that is displayed. I've heard it a few times now.

by **Dozen** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:50 pm

Peeker643 wrote:They mentioned The Cleveland Fan.com but it's not part of the text that is displayed. I've heard it a few times now.

I figured so but when I caught the game briefly all I heard was come to the sto draft party, hence the question..........thanks Peek

by **jonne99** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:02 am

just wanted to say i hope everyone has a great time at the draft party
(those shirts are so damn cool)

Hopefully the browns won't F this up and hopefully I'll be able to make the next TCF event

by **swerb** » Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:30 am

jonne99 wrote:just wanted to say i hope everyone has a great time at the draft party
(those shirts are so damn cool)

Hopefully the browns won't F this up and hopefully I'll be able to make the next TCF event

Two biggies coming up in late summer.

Golf outing on Sat Aug 22, tailgate for the Buckeyes game at Browns Stadium on Sept 19.

Also working on a Browns tailgate ... potentially a Browns training camp event.

Cleveland Browns & The NFL

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