Browns Unveil Renderings for Proposed $2.4B Stadium in Video, Photos

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVAugust 7, 2024

Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

There may be a new stadium in the Cleveland Browns’ future.

The AFC North team wrote a letter to fans Wednesday explaining that it is exploring building a $2.4 billion new stadium in the Brook Park area. It also released renderings of the new stadium and explained the Brook Park option has become “more attractive” over time.

“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,” the team said.

Cleveland Browns @BrownsWhile we have considered numerous sites throughout Cleveland and the region, our focus has been on two potential paths for the future of our stadium.

While significant work remains, the more we have explored the Brook Park option, the more attractive it has become, and we are… pic.twitter.com/5wXzpNANxz

Cleveland Browns @BrownsThe 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. pic.twitter.com/T36yXZAm8q

As the letter highlighted, the team’s lease with Cleveland Browns Stadium expires after the 2028 season.

The letter also listed renovating the current stadium on the lakefront as the other potential path the team has explored. However, it noted such a decision would require “substantial improvements to ensure future sustainability and make it a state-of-the-art facility that makes Cleveland proud.”

According to the team, that would be fairly difficult given the spacing limitations. What’s more, economic constraints and FAA restrictions would prevent the team from building a dome.

As Albert Breer of The MMQB pointed out, a dome is important from an economic perspective:

Albert Breer @AlbertBreerSo the Browns pursuing a dome, and basically everyone else doing the same, comes down to this—the price point of these places is now well past the point where 9-10 football games a year support the construction. More events = more 💰 (it’s also why there’s turf everywhere). https://t.co/0G8rTslHHm

Cleveland’s letter stressed how a domed stadium in Brook Park would create “year-round activity” through “a large-scale lifestyle and entertainment district, including experiential retail, residential space, hotels and other unique products, drawing visitors throughout the year and driving substantial fiscal impact for our region.”

That would, in theory, include sports beyond just NFL games:

Ben Axelrod @BenAxelrodIt goes without saying, but the Browns are clearly eyeing major events with the stadium. pic.twitter.com/8vaFzCAMjP

How a new stadium will be financed is always a sticking point, and the team said it is approaching this project with a 50-50 public and private partnership in mind. It also said it would cover cost overruns and the $1.2 billion+ private investment “would be the largest private per capita stadium investment ever in this country.”

This comes at a time when the Browns are attempting to establish themselves as consistent playoff contenders in the AFC North.

They went 11-6 and reached the postseason in 2023, although they lost to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round. It was just their second playoff appearance since the 2002 season, underscoring the historical struggles of the franchise that has also never been to the Super Bowl.

Perhaps a new stadium could change the Browns’ fortunes, as they are clearly set on building one in the near future.