Following a report by Ken Pendergast of the NEO Trans Blog that Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have purchased 176 acres of land in Brookpark, the organization released a statement regarding the team’s future plans for the stadium.”I understood how complex the plans of the future stadium will be. Simply put, we are committed to dramatically improving the fan experience while having a transformative and lasting impact for the benefit of all of Northeast Ohio. We understand the range of potential for stadium projects aimed at bringing large-scale events to the region and approach each opportunity systematically.
We appreciate the collaborative process with the City of Cleveland and Mayor Beebe’s leadership in reviewing the overpass and upgrading the current stadium. In addition, other possible stadium options are being explored at several additional locations in Northeast Ohio as part of a larger planning effort. There is still a lot of work and due diligence to be done before deciding on a long-term solution. Additional updates will be distributed over time.”The statement appears to confirm that the purchase of land near Cleveland Hopkins Airport is indeed being considered for a future stadium. But it’s clear both Brown’s owners and the city tried to make keeping the team downtown a priority during negotiations. Throughout the franchise’s 78-year history, the team’s home games have always been played downtown.
This new facility is located approximately 12 miles from Lakefront, the team’s current home stadium. Such a move would consolidate Browns’ entire operation with the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus practice center located just five minutes from the airport. The team is preparing a project to expand the complex after acquiring part of the neighborhood.
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