The city of Cleveland has presented a proposal to the Browns for the renovation of their stadium in an effort to keep the NFL team in the downtown area instead of relocating to a new dome in suburban Brook Park. The proposal includes $461 million from the city, with $227 million anticipated to be sourced from a ticket tax increase. Additionally, a 30-year extension of the team’s lease, set to expire after the 2028 season, has been offered.
Mayor Justin Bibb has urged the Browns to reply to the offer by August 12. In a letter to owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Bibb emphasized the importance of revamping the current facility, stating that public financial support should be directed towards developments within the City of Cleveland for the best interests of the community and Cuyahoga County.
The Browns, founded in 1946, have been playing along Lake Erie and have been situated in their current stadium since its construction in 1999 upon their return as an expansion franchise. Despite some upgrades, the stadium faces challenges such as significant traffic problems and a shortage of parking due to its lakefront location.
Mayor Bibb highlighted the significance of the Browns staying downtown, citing its vital role in supporting numerous downtown businesses and jobs. The team is considering either a substantial renovation of the existing stadium exceeding $1 billion or constructing a dome approximately 14 miles south of Cleveland, with a projected cost of $2.4 billion or more, funded by city, state, and county taxes.
While no final decision has been reached, the Haslams, owners of the Browns, have emphasized their commitment to prioritizing the interests of Browns fans. General manager Andrew Berry expressed a preference for the team to play in a dome. The Haslam Sports Group CEO Dave Jenkins underscored the ongoing collaboration with Cleveland, Brook Park, Cuyahoga County, and the state of Ohio to devise a long-term stadium solution aimed at enhancing the fan experience and benefiting Northeast Ohio.
The team is diligently exploring various options to determine the optimal course of action for both fans and the broader Cleveland and Northeast Ohio communities. The emphasis is on envisioning a forward-thinking, innovative approach that aligns with the region’s evolution and yields positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
