Cleveland Browns Confirm Move to Brook Park as Mayor Bibb Voices Concerns Over Dome Stadium

CLEVELAND, OH – In a move that could reshape the future of sports and infrastructure in Northeast Ohio, Mayor Justin Bibb confirmed the Cleveland Browns are planning to relocate to Brook Park, where a $2.4 billion domed stadium is slated for construction. The announcement comes amid months of speculation and negotiations between the Browns' owners, the Haslam Sports Group (HSG), and local government officials over the future of the team's current lakefront stadium.

During a statement issued by Mayor Bibb, he emphasized the city's efforts to maintain the Browns' presence in downtown Cleveland, highlighting the economic impact the move could have on local businesses. "Our path ahead is clear. We will continue to execute our vision for the lakefront," Bibb said, acknowledging the investments made to develop Cleveland’s waterfront and the need for continued growth in the downtown area. "The Browns' decision to move to Brook Park, however, could cost the city $30 million annually."

The move has sparked concerns among small business owners and community leaders. Many fear that the economic ripple effect of the team's departure will weaken Cleveland’s downtown core. According to Bibb, efforts were made to secure a deal that would allow the Browns to stay at the lakefront, with discussions including plans for a $461 million renovation of the current stadium. However, these efforts fell short as HSG declined to pursue any of the proposed rebuild options, citing financial impracticality.

Mayor Bibb stressed his focus on securing state and federal funding to support downtown infrastructure. "If the Brook Park option does not prove viable, our door is not closed. We are ready to return to the table," he said, calling on the Haslam Sports Group to reconsider their stance. The Browns’ new stadium, if completed, would be a world-class facility designed to host major events year-round, creating new opportunities for regional economic growth. The Haslams plan to cover $1.2 billion of the costs, while the remainder would be funded through public-private partnerships.

Balancing fiscal priorities has been a key part of Mayor Bibb’s strategy. In a separate statement, he reinforced his commitment to responsible financial management, stating, "My responsibility is to ensure that Cleveland residents have a roof over their heads." The city, he explained, cannot afford to jeopardize taxpayer funds without clear long-term benefits. County Executive Chris Ronayne echoed these sentiments, supporting Bibb’s cautious approach to any potential use of public funds.

The Haslam Sports Group’s perspective emphasizes the need for flexibility and innovation. In a statement, the group described the stadium project as a “transformational opportunity” but acknowledged the complexities involved. “We have been reminded many times that the issues with the current stadium resulted from a rushed process that was not thorough and don’t want that repeated," said the Haslam Sports Group. The organization has made it clear that they believe building a new domed stadium is crucial for financial sustainability and enhancing fan experience, noting that their decision is also influenced by the inability to own the land the current stadium sits on.

The city’s loss could become Brook Park’s gain. The proposed stadium would host events 365 days a year, potentially making it one of the most versatile sports and entertainment venues in the region. HSG’s plans extend beyond football, aiming to draw concerts, conferences, and other large-scale events to the area, increasing economic activity and job creation.

A notable player in the background is Huntington Bank, which recently secured a 20-year naming rights deal for the Browns' current stadium, rebranded as Huntington Bank Field. Speculations have swirled about Huntington's possible role in financing the new Brook Park facility, suggesting the bank might have deeper ties to the project than initially expected. Sources have hinted that Huntington could be involved in funding the construction, a move that would allow them to recoup their investment through interest on loans and transaction fees tied to stadium operations.

Mayor Bibb’s commitment to Cleveland's future remains firm, despite the Browns' decision to relocate. "The Cleveland psyche is a tested and enduring one," he said, expressing confidence that the city will continue to grow and adapt. He urged regional stakeholders to support projects that enhance the city’s economy without compromising its fiscal integrity. As Cleveland braces for the potential financial impacts, Bibb underscored the importance of leveraging federal and state support to achieve the city's broader development goals.

The debate surrounding the Browns' move to Brook Park continues, with many Clevelanders holding out hope for a last-minute change. The Haslams have not ruled out further discussions, stating that they are still evaluating all possibilities. However, as it stands, the new stadium is set to open by 2029, ushering in a new era for the Browns and potentially altering the economic landscape of Northeast Ohio.