CLEVELAND (WJW) — The announcement that the Cleveland Browns will be moving their stadium to Brook Park has fans reacting with a mix of enthusiasm and outrage.
Although they all love the team, they are clearly divided over the relocation of the stadium.
“We’re the Cleveland Browns not Brook Park Browns,” said season ticket holder Sue Barto.
Stadium history: A look back at decades of Browns games played on the lakefront “I think it’s great,” said James Stadnicar.
“I like the fact that we’re getting a dome. I hate that it’s moving out,” said Joel McVicker.
The announcement came out Thursday after 2 p.m. as Cleveland fans were heading to Progressive Field to watch Game 3 of the American League Championship Series.
“It’s poor timing because it interrupts the excitement for the Guardians game,” said Marty Sfiligoj.
Barto agreed, “On this day when we’re supposed to be here for the Guardians. I think it’s crap.”
The current stadium opened in 1999, replacing Municipal Stadium, and was paid for with support from the NFL and money from a Cuyahoga County sin tax.
City leaders admit it’s in need of extensive repairs and would benefit from a roof and had been in discussions with the Haslams before learning of their decision this week.
Some fans are excited over the prospect of a state-of-the-art facility which can also be used for concerts and could potentially host a Super Bowl.
“I think more manageable and I think it will be a better location in general,” said Joek Jernberg-Briggs.
“And it’s cold here. Who doesn’t love a dome?” said Stadnicar.
But the impact on other businesses could be significant. On any given game day, anywhere from 75,000 to 100,000 people head downtown.
Bars, restaurants, hotels, parking facilities and a number of other establishments have all benefited from the traffic and are concerned about losing it.
“It’s very busy, very profitable, and it’s gonna cut us a little bit,” said Timia Wilburn with Platinum Parking.
“It’s a happening spot,” said McVicker. “You’re ruining some of the businesses down here and the atmosphere of the Muni Lot.”
Stadium history: A look back at decades of Browns games played on the lakefront Michael Deemer, president and CEO of Downtown Cleveland, said in a Thursday statement to FOX 8 News:
While we are disappointed to hear of the Cleveland Browns’ decision to relocate to Brook Park, Downtown Cleveland, Inc. remains committed to the continued growth and development of our city center. This departure presents both challenges and opportunities, and we are not the first city to find ourselves in this position. The future is yet to be determined. We will continue to work closely with Mayor Justin Bibb, the City of Cleveland, local businesses, and community leaders to transform downtown into a vibrant 18-hour, 15-minute neighborhood that seamlessly connects and integrates surrounding districts.
Michael Deemer, president and CEO of Downtown Cleveland
Fans hope the energy can be replicated in Brook Park and said there’s only one sure-fire way to unite them behind the new site.
“As long as they start winning, everybody’s gonna be happy,” said Chris Anderson.
“It’s Cleveland. Die-hard fans — we’ve persevered through worse,” added Kathy Sfiligoj.
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