Cleveland Browns to leave lakefront stadium for suburban Brook Park
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Huntington Bank Field on the lakefront. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios
Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam plan to vacate the city-owned stadium on the lakefront and build a roofed complex in the suburb of Brook Park.
Why it matters: The decision follows two years of discussion about the Browns' future and months of lobbying by local elected leaders to keep the team downtown.
- It also tees up negotiations about the scale of public subsidies for what has been projected as a $2.4 billion project.
State of play: Bibb said the city exhausted all efforts to retain the Browns downtown, including recently offering Burke Lakefront Airport as the site of a new facility.
Catch up quick: Bibb offered the Browns a $460 million package for a renovation of the existing stadium, comprised chiefly of admissions taxes and parking revenue, and has pursued a lakefront master plan with amenities designed to complement the stadium.
- He said Thursday the city's accelerated lakefront planning was, at least in part, at the behest of the Browns' owners.
What they're saying: In a statement, the Haslams said building a new dome would bring about "transformational economic opportunities" compared to renovating the existing stadium.
The other side: County Executive Chris Ronayne joined the chorus of Brook Park opposition in August and said the county would not support any plans to publicly finance a facility outside the city of Cleveland.
- "This dog doesn't hunt," Ronayne said, referring to the risky financing.
What's next: Per local reports, the Haslams intend to open their new facility in time for the 2028 season, after their current lease expires.
- Bibb said, however, that if the Brook Park location ultimately proves not to be viable, his administration will be waiting "with open arms" at the negotiating table.
The last word: "The Haslam Sports Group may want a roof over their heads," Bibb said. "But it is my responsibility as mayor of this great city to ensure Cleveland residents have a roof over theirs."