New developments in Browns stadium talks: I-Team

CLEVELAND (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team has uncovered what’s happening now in deciding if the Browns stay on the lakefront or build a dome in Brook Park.

We’ve found action from the mayor’s office to the middle of the crowd.

Last Sunday, we watched Browns fans pour into Huntingdon Bank Field for the start of a new season.

But behind that, we’ve learned what’s going on to determine whether the Browns renovate the stadium or build a dome.

Brook Park Mayor Ed Orcutt went to the home opener to investigate. He went to learn everything involved in putting on an NFL game just in case the Browns build a dome.

“Brook Park continues to investigate. Do our due diligence,” Orcutt said. “We were there to take a look at the operation from security and public works on game day. What actually does happen?”

The I-Team reported this week that team owners went to the Cleveland mayor’s office after the first game.

We wondered if Jimmy and Dee Haslam revealed a decision, but the mayor’s office says everyone is still talking.

“We have not heard any definitive decision on the stadium location as of yet,” said city spokesperson Sarah Johnson. “The city is committed to making every responsible effort to keep the Browns playing on the lakefront.”

New documents released to the I-Team reveal the story behind $3 million worth of emergency stadium repairs. The costs are covered with your tax dollars.

The work included fixing concrete, stopping leaks, replacing equipment with the stadium water system and more. The records refer to wear and tear on a building decades old.

With any stadium decision, expect a hefty price-tag.

Leaders from the city of Cleveland, Brook Park and the Browns have all had separate meetings with Governor Mike DeWine about funding.

We also checked in with the governor’s office about state money being used for the Browns stadium project. We are told no decision has been made on funding yet.

Cleveland City Council president Blaine Griffin says he has thrown out more stadium ideas too. But, he believes the team owners already know what they want.

“It has become evident to me, and I don’t blame them, that the Haslams want to think big. They want a new stadium. They want a dome stadium. They want a legacy project,” Griffin said.

Nonetheless, for now, everyone is still talking — even investigating what goes into a Browns game day.

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