CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – NFL commissioner Roger Goodell joined senior Browns officials in Columbus on Tuesday to lobby state lawmakers to support the team’s proposed $3.4 billion enclosed stadium and development.
Goodell was joined by Browns managing and principal partner Jimmy Haslam, chief operating officer David Jenkins and chief administrative officer and general counsel Ted Tywang in meetings with Ohio governor Mike DeWine and other top state legislators.
“We appreciate Commissioner Goodell joining us in Columbus to meet with Governor DeWine and other state leaders,” Jenkins said in a statement to 92.3 The Fan. “And him conveying his respect for the State's strong leadership and the extraordinary time spent creating a productive construct for a public-private partnership that can result in Ohio's first enclosed stadium.
“We are grateful for his support for a new enclosed Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park, as he understands the transformative impact such a project can have on Northeast Ohio and knows Browns fans deserve the same world-class fan experience that has become the standard across the NFL.”
In April, the Ohio House passed a state budget that included an amendment for $600 million in bonds for the enclosed stadium but the Ohio Senate is contemplating a hybrid plan that include DeWine’s original proposal to raise the state’s gaming companies tax but bond that projected tax revenue to keep it separate from bonds that rely on the general fund for backing.
“Governor DeWine and the General Assembly have demonstrated tremendous leadership by working with the Browns on a plan for Ohio’s first-enclosed stadium and we appreciated today’s productive conversations,” the NFL said in a statement. “A new Cleveland Browns stadium in Brook Park could have an extraordinary impact on all of Northeast Ohio, including downtown Cleveland, as it would attract significant events year-round. Stadiums as anchors to mixed-use developments have become prevalent throughout the country and generate significant economic impact to local communities. We look forward to working with the Browns to bring the Brook Park project to fruition.”
The final budget is expected to be signed by DeWine by June 30, which will inform the Browns if they can complete the purchase of 176 acres of land bordering Snow and Engle Roads in Brook Park and begin the process of closing on financing for the project.
The Browns aim to break ground in Brook Park by next spring while local officials, including Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb and county executive Chris Ronayne continue to oppose the project in favor of a $1 billion renovation of the existing lakefront stadium.
