CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Browns have announced plans to relocate from their downtown stadium to a new facility in suburban Brook Park. This decision comes despite the city’s attempts to maintain the team within Cleveland limits. Mayor Justin Bibb confirmed on Thursday that he had discussions with Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam regarding this transition, which they hope will better serve fans and the team’s needs.
Instead of accepting the city’s proposal for a $1.1 billion renovation of their 25-year-old stadium, the Browns have opted for a more ambitious $2.4 billion plan for a new dome stadium in Brook Park, located approximately 12 miles south of downtown Cleveland. Mayor Bibb emphasized in a statement that his priority remains the well-being of Cleveland residents and businesses, arguing that while the team may want a new roof, the needs of the community must come first. He asserted the importance of careful consideration when balancing these priorities given the limited resources available to the city.
The current lease for the Browns at the existing facility will run out following the conclusion of the 2028 NFL season. In an effort to keep the team in Cleveland, city officials last month proposed a plan to invest $461 million into upgrading the current stadium, sharing the financial burden with the Browns while also aiming to enhance the surrounding Lake Erie area.
Since its opening in 1999, when the Browns were reestablished as an expansion team after moving back from Baltimore, the current stadium has faced criticism for needing significant improvements. The Browns have cited challenges related to parking and traffic as key factors prompting their search for a new stadium site.
In a letter outlining their reasons for the Brook Park location, David Jenkins, chief operating officer of the Haslam Sports Group, noted that the area is advantageous due to its central location for fans, closeness to downtown, and accessibility to public transport, including the airport. Jenkins highlighted that the expansive site provides opportunities for economic growth and efficient visitor access due to ample parking and effective traffic management options.
The financial aspect of the new stadium remains challenging, with the Browns pursuing a public-private partnership to fund the $2.4 billion project. They have suggested using bonds to cover the public investment portion.
Jenkins reassured that the Browns value the success of Cleveland’s downtown area, acknowledging that moving to Brook Park could impact the immediate economy. However, he expressed optimism that the year-round use of a new domed stadium could still generate positive momentum for the downtown area, particularly if it coincides with new developments along the Lake Erie waterfront. He suggested that reimagining the lakefront without the stadium might ultimately result in better utilization of the North Coast resource for long-term success.