The Cleveland Browns are encountering significant resistance to their plan for a $2.4 billion domed stadium, intended to replace their current downtown Cleveland location when its lease expires in 2028. The proposed new stadium would be located about 15 miles away in suburban Brook Park, but regional opposition is already mounting.
Recently, the Browns shared renderings and details of their new stadium vision. However, Cuyahoga County officials quickly responded with a letter on Sunday, criticizing the plan and stating that it “does not make fiscal sense” for the community, as it would require $1.2 billion in public funding under a proposed 50-50 partnership with the team.
Cuyahoga County executive Chris Ronayne and council president Pernel Jones Jr. emphasized their commitment to keeping the Browns in downtown Cleveland in their letter. They referenced a $461 million offer from Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb aimed at renovating the current Cleveland Browns Stadium. Meanwhile, Brook Park City Council has passed a resolution encouraging the Browns to consider building the new stadium there.
In response, Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam argued that dismissing any options at this stage would be “short-sighted” given the long-term significance of the decision.
The potential renovation of the downtown stadium was slated to be discussed at a Cleveland City Council meeting on Monday night.
This situation is somewhat reminiscent of a similar scenario involving the Chicago Bears, who, earlier this year, revealed plans for a $4.7 billion domed stadium to replace Soldier Field. However, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office labeled the proposal a “nonstarter,” leading suburban areas like Aurora and Arlington Heights to renew efforts to attract the team.