Browns moving ahead with plan for new dome stadium, mayor says

The Browns have informed the city of Cleveland of their intention to move forward on a new domed stadium in suburban Brook Park, Mayor Justin Bibb announced Thursday.

In a news conference at Cleveland’s city hall, Bibb expressed his disappointment in the decision by the Haslam Sports Group, which owns the Browns, to leave the current lakefront stadium.

“We must be practical about our many needs and resources,” Bibb said. “The city’s approach has always been rooted in fiscal responsibility and the long-term value for all members of our community. As such, I am deeply, deeply disappointed that our exhaustive efforts, that the Haslam Sports Group has chosen to pursue a move to Brook Park.”

In early August, the city of Cleveland offered the Browns a $1.2 billion proposal to renovate the current 65,000-seat stadium and redevelop its surrounding property that would have included $461 million from the city. The city also offered a 30-year extension of the team’s lease, which expires after the 2028 season. Bibb had asked the Browns to respond to his offer by Aug. 12.

Cuyahoga County officials also sent a letter to the Haslams saying they were backing the proposed renovations and were committed to keeping the NFL franchise in downtown Cleveland “for generations to come.”

The Browns have played on the shores of Lake Erie since their inception in 1946. Their new stadium was built in 1999, when they returned as an expansion franchise. Though it has been upgraded, there are major traffic issues and a parking shortage due to its location.

In response to the city’s proposal, the Browns released renderings for a $2.4 billion state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment complex about 15 miles south of Cleveland. The Haslams have been seeking a 50-50 private/public partnership for the construction of the stadium.

“Similar to other markets in the Midwest, this proposed domed stadium would catalyze our region in a major way,” the team wrote in a letter to fans in August. “The stadium’s year-round activity would anchor a large-scale lifestyle and entertainment district, including experiential retail, residential space, hotels and other unique products, drawing visitors throughout the year and driving substantial fiscal impact for our region.”

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.