The Cleveland Browns have officially declared their intention to proceed with the construction of a new $2.4 billion domed stadium located outside the city. This new facility will serve as the focal point of a retail and entertainment district in Brook Park, a suburb situated approximately 15 miles southwest of Cleveland.
In a public statement, the team indicated that following comprehensive discussions with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, it has concluded that a new domed structure presents more advantages than another renovation of the current stadium, which was established in 1999. “We also explored building a new stadium on multiple sites, both within and outside of Cleveland,” the Browns explained. “Through our thorough analysis, we have determined that simply renovating the current stadium will not address many operational challenges and would only serve as a temporary fix.”
Before the announcement, Bibb revealed that the team had communicated its plans to him. “We must be practical about our many needs and resources,” Bibb stated during a press conference held at City Hall. “The city’s strategy has consistently emphasized fiscal prudence and the long-term benefits for all community members. As such, I am extremely disappointed that our extensive efforts have led the Haslam Sports Group to pursue a move to Brook Park.”
The lease for Huntington Bank Field concludes at the end of the 2028 NFL season. In early April, Bibb shared a letter he had sent to team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, in which he stated that the city was prepared to allocate $461 million toward a $1 billion renovation of Huntington Bank Field, located in the revitalized downtown Cleveland. This proposal had a deadline of April 12, intended to motivate the Haslams to accept the funds and initiate renovations.
However, in August, the team unveiled its plans for a new domed stadium, asserting that it would create “a modern, dynamic, world-class venue that would significantly enhance the fan experience and enable Ohio and our region to compete for major global events year-round.”
The open-air Huntington Bank Field, which overlooks Lake Erie, often endures the brutal conditions of Ohio’s winters. The Browns have asserted that the current stadium “necessitates significant infrastructure adjustments to address our operational and fan experience challenges.” Previously, the stadium underwent a $120 million renovation between 2014 and 2015, shortly after the Haslams acquired the team from the Lerner family.
The Browns stated that the funding for the new dome would not tap into existing taxpayer resources that would detract from other public services. “Instead, the over $2 billion private investment, combined with the public funds, will generate a significant economic development initiative that will create the activity needed to service public bond debt through revenues generated by future projects and the Browns,” the team elaborated.
The public negotiations between the parties are likely to raise discussions regarding the invocation of Revised Code 9.67, widely referred to as the “Art Modell law;” this decision could pose risks to the city, Brook Park, and the Haslams. The legislation stipulates that professional sports teams using “a tax-supported facility for the majority of their home games” and “receiving public assistance” cannot relocate for home games elsewhere. An exception would occur if the local government is provided six months’ notice, and the team must be offered for sale to local buyers first.
Revised Code 9.67 was enacted following the relocation of the original Browns, owned by Modell, to Baltimore in 1995. The city retained the franchise’s history and identity, which were awarded to the expansion team established for the city by the NFL in the 1999 season.
Image Source: The Cleveland Browns @ Instagram
