CLEVELAND, Ohio - It's been a while since Cleveland Browns fans have been this excited about a pre-season football game, but the city of Cleveland is preparing for crowds expected at Thursday night's home game against the Washington Redskins.

With standout players like quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., fans are expected to converge on the city for tonight's 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

Fans won't have to compete with Cleveland Indians fans for parking.  The Tribe is playing the Twins tonight in Minnesota.

In preparation, the City of Cleveland has posted rules and regulations that will be in effect for game-day parking and tailgating.

For those planning to use the municipal parking lot on Thursday for the Cleveland Browns preseason home game:

The eastern portion of the municipal lot will open at noon for game-day vehicles while the western part of the lot will not be open to game-day parking until 5 p.m.

Large vehicles (motorhomes, RV's, buses, etc.) are permitted in the eastern portion of the lot for weekday games only.

Security officers will be assigned to the lot to ensure that no vehicles attempt to enter before the designated times. The public is reminded that it is important to obey traffic laws and that no cars are permitted to park or stop on busy roadways.

Ride RTA to First Energy Stadium.

All rail service, including the Waterfront Line, will run until midnight or for an hour after the game ends.

Use the RTA mobile ticketing app to purchase your $5.50 All-Day pass on your mobile device in advance. Or buy a $5 cash, round-trip ticket from 3:30-7:30 p.m. only at the following rail stations: Brookpark, Puritas, Triskett, West 117th, Tower City, Windermere, and West 3rd Street.

Keep in mind that buses are replacing trains between the Airport and West Blvd. due to a construction project. Volunteers will be on hand to assist customers between those stations. Visit http://www.riderta.com for complete schedules and route information.

Municipal Parking Lot Tailgating Rules and Regulations:

The following is the full list of rules and regulations for tailgating activities in the municipal lot for all 2019 Cleveland Browns home games. The list of rules and regulations will be distributed to all vehicles upon entering the lot as well as posted on various signs.

Violation of these regulations may result in fines and ejection.

Below are answers to other common questions and information concerning tailgating activities in the Municipal Parking Lot:

Lot Operation and Fees - This Thursday, August 8th, the eastern portion of the lot will open at noon for game-day vehicles while the western part of the lot will not be open to game-day parking until 5 p.m.

No vehicles will be allowed in the previously mentioned lots before designated start times.

The parking fee in the municipal lot is $25 per parking space. Attendees will be charged for all occupied parking spaces.

The municipal lot opens promptly at 7 a.m. for all regular season weekend home games.

One exception is the Sunday, September 22nd home game, which starts at 8:20 p.m., so the municipal lots will open at 2 p.m.

Cleveland Police will not permit vehicles to line-up or stage on the Shoreway before game time.

Alcohol and Safety - Open containers, consumption of alcohol, and public intoxication are all prohibited inside the municipal lot. For those who plan to consume alcohol during any sporting event, always ensure there is a designated driver. Please exercise caution at all times, and "if you see something, please say something."

Sanitation - There will be 50 portable restrooms, 75 trash cans and three dumpsters in the lot during all regular-season games. Private latrines are strictly prohibited. Please make sure all trash is disposed of properly before you leave any lot.

Parking - Parking restrictions are put in place in downtown Cleveland for each Browns home football game - typically for three hours before each game and until two hours after the game's completion. Look for signs attached to posts, poles, and parking meters in those areas affected by the restrictions. Violators will be ticketed and towed if parked in violation. All associated fines and fees to have an automobile released must be done at the One Stop Vehicle Impound Center located at 3040 Quigley Rd.

Traffic - There will be parking restrictions beginning at 4 p.m. Poles will be marked and will identify the times and duration of the restrictions for the game.