Browns Commit $100M to Cleveland for New Suburban Stadium Approval

In a landmark decision, Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb and the Cleveland Browns ownership have finalized a $100 million agreement. This settlement paves the way for a new suburban stadium for the franchise while also preparing the current lakefront stadium site in Cleveland for future urban development.

Browns’ New Stadium Plans in Brook Park

The proposed stadium is a state-of-the-art domed facility with a projected cost of $2.4 billion. It will be located in Brook Park, adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and approximately 15 miles south of downtown Cleveland. Construction is expected to begin in 2024, with an aim for the Browns to play in their new stadium by 2029.

The Browns currently play at Huntington Bank Field, which opened in 1999 as Cleveland Browns Stadium. This venue replaced Cleveland Municipal Stadium, which was active from 1931 until its demolition in 1996.

Financial Commitments and Community Involvement

The Haslam Sports Group, led by Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, has made several financial commitments under this agreement:

• $25 million payment to Cleveland by December 1.
• Annual payments of $5 million from 2029 through 2033.
• Additional $2 million per year for community benefit projects from 2029 through 2038.

The estimated cost of demolishing the existing stadium is around $30 million, which the Haslams have agreed to cover. This investment also signals a broader commitment to promote community development and infrastructure improvements in the region.

Transportation Considerations

The city and the Haslams plan to collaborate on enhancing transportation infrastructure to address potential traffic challenges associated with the new stadium. This includes developing a new road network to serve both the Brook Park facility and the nearby airport.

Legal Resolutions

As part of the agreement, both parties have dropped ongoing lawsuits. Previously, the Browns had sued the city of Cleveland and Ohio over the constitutionality of the state’s “Modell law.” Meanwhile, the city had filed legal action against the Browns for allegedly violating their lease and appealing the Ohio Department of Transportation’s approval for the new stadium’s height.

The ODOT has waived the height limit after assurances that construction would not impact any flight paths, complying with Federal Aviation Administration requirements for lighting and marking.

Community Commitment and Future Prospects

According to the Haslams, the new stadium represents a significant public-private partnership that will enhance Cleveland’s lakefront and support the region’s economic development. They emphasize their commitment to the Cleveland community, building on charitable initiatives since acquiring the team in 2013.

The new stadium will be constructed on the site of a former Ford Motor Co. plant. Strategically, the construction will involve significant investments, including $1.2 billion from the Browns and $600 million from state funding. The team is also in discussions with Brook Park officials to secure additional financing for the project.

This $100 million investment is seen as a transformative step for both the Cleveland community and the Browns, marking a significant milestone in the franchise’s future.