Cleveland Browns to Move Out of Lakefront Home
Mayor and Team Owners Reach Agreement
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb announced on Thursday that he met with Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, who have decided to relocate the NFL team to suburban Brook Park, despite the city’s efforts to keep it in Cleveland.
$2.4 Billion Dome Project
The team has chosen to build a $2.4 billion dome in Brook Park, about 12 miles south of Cleveland, instead of considering a $1.1 billion plan to renovate their current 25-year-old downtown stadium. The new location is expected to be built with a public-private partnership, with the team seeking bonds to cover the public portion of the funding.
Mayor’s Priorities
"As mayor, I will always prioritize the needs of residents and businesses," Bibb said in a statement. "The Haslem Sports Group may want a roof over their heads, but my responsibility is to ensure that Cleveland residents have a roof over theirs." He emphasized the importance of balancing the city’s priorities, noting that "balancing those priorities requires care and precision" and that the city must be "practical about our many needs and finite resources."
Current Stadium Issues
The Browns’ current stadium has faced issues with traffic and parking, which have been cited as main reasons for considering a new location. The city’s proposed $461 million upgrade and re-development of the surrounding property along Lake Erie were also rejected by the team.
Brook Park Site
The Browns have chosen the Brook Park site for its central location, proximity to downtown, RTA, and airport, and existing infrastructure. The site is also expected to support ample parking and optimized ingress/egress for visitors. According to David Jenkins, chief operating officer of Haslam Sports Group, "The Brook Park site is the most compelling option for a dome for several reasons: its central location for our regional fan base, its proximity to downtown, the RTA and the airport, and its strong existing infrastructure."
Conclusion
The Cleveland Browns are leaving their lakefront home behind, opting for a new location in suburban Brook Park. This decision comes after the city proposed a $1.1 billion plan to renovate the current stadium, but the team has chosen to pursue a $2.4 billion dome project instead. The move is expected to have a significant impact on the city and its residents.
FAQs
Q: Why is the Browns’ stadium being relocated?
A: The team has chosen to build a new $2.4 billion dome in suburban Brook Park, citing concerns over traffic and parking issues at the current location.
Q: Who is funding the new stadium?
A: The team is seeking a public-private partnership, with the possibility of bond funding to cover the public portion.
Q: What will happen to the current stadium location?
A: The city’s proposed plans for the current stadium and surrounding property have been rejected, with the team opting for a new location.
Q: How will the move affect the city?
A: The move is expected to have a significant impact on the city, including the potential impact on downtown businesses and the lakefront redevelopment.
