CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The clock is ticking for the Browns to resolve their stadium situation in Cleveland.
With the lease set to expire at the end of the 2028 season, the final decision to renovate or build new – and how to pay for it – has yet to be made.
For the last two years, the focus for the Browns and the city has been on a dramatic overhaul of Cleveland Browns Stadium in conjunction with developing the lakefront.
In an interview with 92.3 The Fan Thursday at the Billy Joel and Rod Stewart concert announcement, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb stressed the importance of keeping the Browns on the lakefront and making sure that the overhaul is not solely the responsibility of the city.
“Well, as you know, the city, the county and the state will be hopefully, will be key critical partners for us as we think about the future of Cleveland Browns Stadium,” Bibb told 92.3 The Fan. “It is a regional asset and we want to make sure we keep the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, Ohio, right on Lake Erie. That's my goal as mayor.”
An stadium overhaul is expected to cost in excess of $1 billion whereas a new domed stadium will carry a starting price tag of over $2 billion as construction costs and estimates continue to soar.
One of the complaints about the city owned stadium is that is doesn't get enough use year round.
The Haslams have made it a priority to add more major events to the stadium calendar since the last renovation in 2015. The newest event is Billy Joel and Rod Stewart performing September 13th.
“We are thrilled to bring large events such as these to the city of Cleveland, Whitney Haslam Johnson, partner of the Haslam Sports Group, said. “Obviously, one of our main goals is our on-field experience and winning on the field, but also these events are really important and a big priority for us. They have strong economic impact, they're great for the city of Cleveland and also a lot of fun.”
A dome would give the region an asset that can be used as much as Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, but on a larger scale, and attract banner events like the men's Final Four and potentially a Super Bowl, but the price tag could be unaffordable, hence the city and the team's focus on the current facility and doing all that can be done to not only extend the life of the stadium but increase the variety of events it could host with a massive renovation.
“I think the future is bright,” Bibb said. “Excited about our conversations with the Browns and the Haslams about the future of the stadium and what it can mean for the lakefront, but for the city and the region as a whole. And so those conversations are ongoing, but we're committed to making sure we have a world-class facility right here in Cleveland, Ohio.”
