Browns Release Statement Regarding Future Stadium Plans
Following a report from Ken Prendergast of the NEO Trans Blog, outlining the purchase of a 176-acre plot of land in Brookpark by Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, the organization issued a statement regarding the team's future stadium plans.
"We've been clear on how complex future stadium planning can be. One certainty is our commitment to greatly improving our fan experience while also creating a transformative and lasting impact to benefit all of Northeast Ohio. We understand the magnitude of opportunity with a stadium project intent on driving more large-scale events to our region and are methodically looking at every possibility. We appreciate the collaborative process with the City of Cleveland and leadership of Mayor Bibb in analyzing the landbridge and renovating the current stadium. At the same time, as part of or comprehensive planning efforts, we are also studying other potential stadium options in Northeast Ohio at various additional sites. There is still plenty of work to do and diligence to process before a long term solution is determined and will share further updates at the appropriate time."
The statement seems to confirm that the reported land purchase near Cleveland Hopkins Airport will in fact be considered as a space for a future stadium. It's apparent though that both, Browns ownership and the city have tried to prioritize keeping the team downtown throughout the negotiating process.
Throughout the 78-year history of the franchise, the team's home game have always been played in a downtown venue. This new property is located about 12 miles from the team's current home stadium on the Lakefront.
If such a move were to happen it would also consolidate the Browns entire operations with the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus practice facility located just five minutes away from the airport. The team is gearing up for that complex to undergo an expansion project after acquiring sections of the surrounding neighborhoods as well.
