Browns to abandon lakefront stadium for new dome in 2028

In a significant move for the franchise, the Cleveland Browns have officially announced their plans to vacate their stadium along Lake Erie, where they have been since their return in 1999. The team is set to transition to a new, state-of-the-art domed facility in Brook Park, which is located 12 miles south of downtown Cleveland, with a projected investment of $2.4 billion. This decision comes as their lease at the current stadium approaches its expiration in 2028. During discussions about the move, Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam met with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb to communicate their plans. Despite efforts from the city to negotiate funding for renovations to the current stadium, the Haslams concluded that a new facility would better suit the franchise's future needs. They cited persistent operational issues that wouldn’t be resolved through renovation and the lack of large-scale event capability at the existing venue. The Browns' leadership expressed confidence that the Brook Park project will foster economic growth for the Northeast Ohio region, positioning it to attract numerous large-scale events and enhance year-round activities. However, funding for the initiative remains uncertain with ongoing discussions about potential public/private partnerships. City officials, while disappointed about the inability to reach a compromise for renovations, underscored the need to prioritize the city's needs and resources amidst the planned transition.