The Browns’ proposal to leave their lakefront location for a new domed stadium in Cleveland’s suburbs has encountered significant opposition. In a letter addressed to team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Cuyahoga County officials expressed their support for a $1.2 billion renovation of the team’s current stadium, emphasizing their commitment to keeping the NFL franchise in downtown Cleveland “for generations to come.”
This development comes just days after the Browns revealed plans for a $2.4 billion state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment complex to be constructed in Brook Park, Ohio, about 15 miles south of Cleveland. The Haslams, who have owned the Browns since 2012, believe that a new stadium capable of hosting year-round events, including potential Super Bowls and Final Fours, would spur development and economic growth across the Northeast Ohio region.
The Browns’ proposal followed the city of Cleveland’s offer to contribute $461 million towards an extensive renovation of the existing 65,000-seat stadium, which was erected in 1999, and the redevelopment of the adjacent property.
In the letter, signed by county executive Chris Ronayne and council president Pernell Jones Jr., the county contended that a new stadium “does not make fiscal sense” for Cuyahoga County 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 responded, acknowledging the complexity of deciding between a stadium renovation or a new project. “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.”
Financing the dome and entertainment complex poses a substantial challenge, with the Haslams suggesting a 50-50 private/public partnership to fund the $2.4 billion initiative. The public portion would be financed through bonds, with revenue generated by the dome and its associated hotels and retail spaces.
The Browns’ current stadium lease expires following the 2028 season; the team has occupied this site since its inception in 1946. County officials argue that retaining the Browns downtown is crucial for maintaining a vibrant city core and cited public investments in Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame expansion as evidence of ongoing 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 concluded.
