If you wander down West 3rd Street on a Cleveland Browns gameday and find yourself drawn by the scent of smoked meat and the beat of live music, chances are you've stumbled onto “The Pit.” And if you're in The Pit, you’re about to meet the Greatest North American Tailgate Society, better known as GNATS—a Browns family, a philanthropic force, and one of the most vibrant tailgates in all of the NFL.

Founded by Steve “Captain” Weber in 2007, GNATS started small—just a tight-knit crew of about 20 Browns diehards in the legendary Muni Lot. But over time, the group evolved and sought something different: a more welcoming, family-friendly tailgate experience where Browns fans of all ages could come together to celebrate football, community, and good food. They found their home just across Route 2 in the Burke Lakefront Airport lot, where they set up shop on the highest elevation point and dubbed it the "Grassy Knoll." That clever bit of topography gave birth to their first name: the Grassy Knoll Airport Tailgate Society.

Today, GNATS has grown into something much bigger—a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tailgate machine that hosts up to 500 fans at every home game, with a full-blown entertainment trailer, live DJ, organized food and drink service, and one of the warmest, most inclusive gameday atmospheres you’ll find anywhere in the league. The name eventually evolved into the Greatest North American Tailgate Society—but for those who show up week after week, GNATS has always meant one thing: family.

Pull into The Pit—located at 1085 W. 3rd Street, just one block south of Huntington Bank Stadium—and you’ll see right away what separates GNATS from the crowd. It’s not just the tricked-out tailgate trailer with its flat-screen satellite TV and mobile kitchen. It’s not just the premium BBQ that puts hot dogs and hamburgers to shame. It’s the sense of belonging. You don’t need to bring anything but your love for the Browns and maybe a few bucks for the donation jar. Everything else—food, drink, music, community—is provided.

Want to toss a beanbag? Cornhole’s set up and ready. Want to dance? The DJ’s already spinning. Want to mingle with Browns Backers from around the country—or fans of opposing teams just in town for the weekend? Everyone is welcome here, and GNATS goes out of their way to roll out the orange carpet for all.

Captain Weber, a Mentor native and lifelong Browns fan, is the heart and soul of the operation. He hauls the trailer to every home game and many road games too, often teaming up with Browns Backers chapters across the country. Inside the trailer: tents, tables, drink supplies, and all the essentials for turning any parking lot into a Browns block party. The concept is simple: make a donation, grab a plate, pour a drink, and feel right at home.

What GNATS does off the field is just as impressive. They are deeply committed to giving back. Over the years, they’ve donated hundreds of toys to Toys for Tots, boxes of food to the Cleveland Food Bank, and raised funds through raffles, merchandise sales, and 50/50 drawings. Every little action—from those who bartend to those who help tear down the tents—is a contribution to something bigger than just football. It's about community service, unity, and keeping the spirit of Cleveland alive, win or lose.

Tailgate leadership is a team effort. GNATS is now a well-oiled operation with officers who manage bar supplies, food logistics, DJ equipment, and social media. Their online presence is active and growing, but the real energy is in-person—where the regulars are greeted with hugs, and first-timers often become lifers.

There’s also tradition. Every tailgate season is dedicated to the memory of Big Ray, a GNATS legend gone but never forgotten. And every season ends with a heartfelt thank-you message to their loyal supporters—recognizing that while the team may falter, GNATS never loses the tailgate.

As Captain Weber says, “You could bring your grandmothers to this tailgate.” And he means it. This isn’t a rowdy free-for-all like the Muni Lot; this is Cleveland's block party, where passion runs deep, the food runs hot, and the love for the Browns—and each other—is what keeps people coming back, rain, snow, or shine.

So next time you're in Cleveland on gameday, look for the trailer, the smoke, the music, and the Browns jerseys gathered around long tables of barbecue. Welcome to GNATS. The name may be tongue-in-cheek, but the experience? That’s the real deal.