Browns and Cleveland Agree on $100M Stadium Move to Brook Park

The Cleveland Browns and the Haslam family have reached a pivotal agreement with the city of Cleveland, marking a significant shift in the team’s future. The long-standing conflict has culminated in plans for a new stadium in Brook Park, which will cost approximately $2.4 billion.

Browns Secured $100 Million Deal for Brook Park Stadium

On a recent Monday afternoon, Cleveland officials, including Mayor Justin Bibb, announced the landmark agreement. The deal allows the Browns to move their operations away from the downtown lakefront area to a new covered stadium located near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Financial Aspects of the Agreement

• The Haslams will provide $100 million to the city.
• Funds will be used for demolishing the current stadium and future city project preparations.
• Demolition costs are estimated at $30 million.
• The payment structure includes $25 million due by December 1, followed by annual payments of $5 million from 2029 to 2033.
• From 2034 to 2043, the city is set to receive $2 million annually for community benefits.

Impact on Future Development

As a part of the settlement, the city will collaborate with the Browns on developing a new road network that will improve access to both the new Brook Park stadium and the airport. The Haslams emphasized the necessity of avoiding traffic issues in the area.

Legal and Political Context

This agreement also marks the end of various legal disputes. Cleveland will drop its pending litigation, which included objections related to the proposed stadium’s height and its suitability for airport flight paths. Previous lawsuits involved claims that the Browns violated their lease agreement and challenged the constitutionality of the Modell Law.

City Council’s Stance

City Council President Blaine Griffin expressed disappointment regarding the deal, indicating that he was informed of the agreement just before the public announcement. Concerns have been raised over whether taxpayers received adequate value given their considerable previous investments in the Browns.

Future Plans for the Browns

The Browns aim to demolish the current stadium after the lease ends, preparing the land for redevelopment opportunities. The objective is to have the new stadium operational by the start of the 2029 football season, with ground-breaking expected in early 2024.

The financing plan for the new stadium includes $600 million from the state of Ohio and an additional $300 million through site-generated taxes. The Haslam family has committed to funding $1.5 billion of the project and is prepared for additional costs if necessary.

With this agreement, the Browns intend to create a premier entertainment venue that aligns with a broader redevelopment vision for the Northeast Ohio region. Mayor Bibb highlighted the potential for creating a vibrant lakefront area as part of this new chapter.