CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns’ ambitious plan to relocate from the lakefront to a new domed stadium in Cleveland’s suburbs has encountered a significant setback.
In a letter addressed to team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Cuyahoga County officials conveyed their preference for a $1.2 billion renovation of the existing stadium and reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the NFL franchise in downtown Cleveland “for generations to come.”
Just days earlier, the Browns had revealed designs for a $2.4 billion state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment complex to be constructed in Brook Park, Ohio, approximately 15 miles south of Cleveland.
The Haslams, who have been at the helm of the Browns since 2012, envision a new stadium capable of hosting year-round events, including potentially the Super Bowl and Final Fours, to spark development and economic prosperity across Northeast Ohio.
The Browns’ proposal emerged after Cleveland offered to contribute $461 million toward a substantial renovation of the current 65,000-seat stadium, built in 1999, along with redeveloping the surrounding area.
County executives Chris Ronayne and council president Pernell Jones Jr. argued in their letter that a new stadium “does not make fiscal sense” for Cuyahoga’s residents and taxpayers.
“Moreover, any proposal that would create an unacceptable risk to the County’s general fund cannot be considered,” the letter stated. “We believe it is our responsibility and in the best interests of our community to prioritize reinvestment in existing public assets.”
The Haslams acknowledged the complexity of deciding between renovating the current stadium or embarking on a new project in their statement.
“We have been reminded many times that the issues with the current stadium resulted from a rushed process that was not thorough and don’t want that repeated,” they said. “We have received the county’s response and are still in the process of gathering information and doing diligence on both paths. It would be short-sighted for Northeast Ohio to rule out any options at this point for a long-term decision of this magnitude.”
Funding for the proposed dome and complex emerged as a significant hurdle, with the Haslams suggesting a 50-50 private/public partnership to cover the $2.4 billion cost. They proposed using bonds for the public portion, with revenue generated by the dome and its surrounding hotels and retail sites.
The Browns’ current stadium lease runs until the end of the 2028 season. The team has operated on this site since its founding in 1946.
County officials stressed the importance of the Browns remaining downtown to support a vibrant city core, citing public investments in Progressive Field, the home of the Cleveland Guardians, and an expansion at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as examples of urban development.
“The stadium is more than just a venue. The team represents the heart and soul of Northeast Ohio, and reinforces our community’s identity and pride,” the letter emphasized.
