CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns’ proposal to leave the lakefront and play in a new covered stadium in suburban Cleveland is hitting a major obstacle.
In a letter to team owners Dee and Jimmy HaslamCuyahoga County officials said Sunday they support a proposed $1.2 billion renovation of the team’s current stadium and are committed to keeping the NFL franchise in downtown Cleveland “for generations to come.”
Earlier this week, the team unveiled visualizations for a $2.4 billion state-of-the-art stadium and entertainment complex to be built in Brook Park, Ohio, about 15 miles south of Cleveland.
The Haslams, who have owned the Browns since 2012, believe a new stadium that could host year-round events – possibly a Super Bowl and Final Fours – would spur development and economic growth throughout the Northeast Ohio region.
The Browns’ proposal came about after the city of Cleveland allocated $461 million for a major renovation of the current 65,000-seat stadium, built in 1999, and redevelopment of the surrounding land.
In the letter, signed by Executive Director Chris Ronayne and Council President Pernell Jones Jr., the county argued that a new stadium “does not make financial sense” for Cuyahoga residents and taxpayers.
“In addition, no proposal can be considered that would pose an unacceptable risk to the county’s general fund,” the letter states. “We believe it is our responsibility and in the best interest of our community to prioritize reinvestment in existing public assets.”
In a statement, the Haslams acknowledged that a stadium renovation or new project would be “incredibly complex.”
“We have been reminded many times that the problems with the current stadium are the result of a rushed and not thorough process, and we do not want to see that repeated,” they said. “We have received the county’s response and are still in the process of gathering information and carefully considering both paths. It would be shortsighted for Northeast Ohio to eliminate all options for a long-term decision of this magnitude at this time.”
Financing the dome/complex project proved to be a major challenge, as the Haslams proposed a 50-50 private-public partnership for the $2.4 billion project. They suggested that bonds could cover the public portion, with the money coming from revenues from the dome and surrounding hotels and retail locations.
The Browns’ current lease on the stadium expires after the 2028 season. The team has played at the site since its founding in 1946.
The county argues, among other things, that the Browns in the city center are essential to a vibrant downtown and pointed to public investment in Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians, and an expansion of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as signs of urban development.
“The stadium is more than just a venue. The team represents the heart and soul of Northeast Ohio and strengthens the identity and pride of our community,” the letter said.
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