The Cleveland Browns sent a letter to Browns fans across Northeast Ohio and beyond on Wednesday, stating that they are still deciding between a renovation of Cleveland’s lakefront stadium and the construction of a new domed stadium in Brook Park.
The Browns also released a rendering and video of what a $2.4 billion Brook Park stadium could look like. Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam want the costs shared 50-50 with the public.
Fans have a mixed reaction on a possible move to the suburbs. The Browns have always played on the lakefront, but a domed stadium could be an economic boon to the area, similar to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
“The other and more transformational option is to build a $2.4 billion new domed stadium in Brook Park, creating a modern, dynamic, world-class venue that would greatly enhance the fan experience and enable the State of Ohio and our region to compete for some of the biggest events in the world 365 days a year,” the Haslams said in the statement. “Similar to other markets in the Midwest, this proposed domed stadium would catalyze our region in a major way. The stadium’s year-round activity would anchor 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.
“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 large footprint is also ripe for major economic development and supports ample parking and optimized ingress/egress for our visitors. Our diligence of the site is ongoing, but our work to date has shown positive results on the FAA, environmental and traffic/infrastructure fronts.”
Here is a look at how the Cleveland Browns envision their new, $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park: pic.twitter.com/azo9fnPBqW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 7, 2024
Cleveland Browns Stadium opened in 1999, two years before Acrisure Stadium. The Tennessee Titans are also building a new domed stadium, succeeding the current Nissan Stadium beginning in 2027. Nissan Stadium also opened in 1999.
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II said earlier this year that the organization is exploring options to upgrade Acrisure Stadium.
“We are going through a stadium assessment at this point. Really looking at what it’s going to take to be in this stadium for the next 10, 20 years, whatever it’s going to be,” Rooney said. “It’s a process, and we’ve hired some consultants to help us look at it. We like the stadium. It’s a great facility. And with the right kinds of improvements, can continue to be our home for a long time.”
Rooney said that the Steelers will not be seeking a dome or roof as part of their request for renovations, however. It’s also hard to imagine the Steelers leaving the North Shore for the suburbs.
Cleveland’s lease is up in 2028, while the Steelers’ lease ends in 2030. Acrisure itself has a deal in place with the organization for exclusive naming rights to the building through 2036.