The Cleveland Browns announced on Monday afternoon they are seeking input from fans as they look to create a new logo for the Dawg Pound, the official fan section at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Fans are asked to submit their original design through the team’s official website, which will hold a vote to determine the favorite submission. The design that receives the highest number of votes will then be placed among designs from three local artists for a final round of voting.
The first round of voting begins on Thursday, while the final round will open on May 10 and close in early June. Submissions should pull inspiration from the Mastiff, which was chosen by fans last month as the breed that best fits the franchise.
“We are fired up to see what ideas our fans come up with an the thought of their logo potentially being selected is a key element in our commitment to creating an amazing experience for our fanbase,” executive vice president J.W. Johnson said in a statement.
“We are always looking for feedback from our fans to improve their experience, so allowing them to serve as a centerpiece of this contest offers an opportunity to engage with each other in real-time and showcase their love for the team and beyond.”
Last year, the Browns solicited the fanbase to choose their field design. They received more than 80,000 votes, which led to a modernized version of “Brownie the Elf” being chosen as the midfield logo over a vintage elf logo and two helmet options.
The term “Dawg Pound” was coined in 1985 by former cornerback Hanford Dixon. It was initially a reference to Cleveland’s defense, though it later became associated with the fanbase after Dixon put up a banner in front of the bleacher section at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.
When the Browns were resurrected in 1999, team officials named the sections in the east end of Cleveland Browns stadium the “Dawg Pound.” They also introduced a logo for the section, which at the time was the only logo developed for an NFL fanbase.
There were two subsequent updates to the logo, including one by designer Todd Radom in 2002 that was modeled after his late bulldog, Casey, as well as as a modernized snarling dog when the franchise unveiled an updated primary logo and new uniforms in 2015.