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19 News is going beyond the headlines to bring you the latest on the stadium showdown
We’re here to cut through the controversy and answer all your questions
The “Stadium Showdown” airs weekly at 6:30 p.m
by Ryan Feyre | Apr 30, 2025 | Agawam, Hampden County, Local News, More Local Headlines
AGAWAM — Less than a year after opening to the public
Feeding Hills’ Still Brook Park will soon have more park amenities for Agawam residents
The City Council recently approved a resolution to use $700,000 in Community Preservation Act funds for the installation of more accessories in the park
two solar-powered fountains and playground structures that reflect the agricultural theme of the park
“I think this is going to be a wonderful addition to Still Brook Park,” said City Councilor Robert Rossi
I think it’s going to be something to be really
opened to the public last fall after many years of planning and development
the town-owned property is now a passive recreation area with walking and hiking trails
The $6.3 million project was funded through multiple sources
the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Community Grant
During the Community Relations subcommittee meeting prior to the full City Council meeting on April 22
Mayor Christopher Johnson said the proposed playground structures for the park will accommodate all ages and include multiple slides
along with a ramp and a small dock near the pond so people who are kayaking or canoeing can go in and out of the water easier
Johnson said the bathroom facility will be solar-powered and self-contained.The package of proposed amenities also calls for additional signage and various lake management treatments that prevent the pond from forming large amounts of algae
No additional parking was included in the package
but there are currently 10-15 spaces along the road and about 10-15 near the pond
it’s a passive recreational facility,” Johnson said of the park
“These [amenities] are designed to number one
provide bathrooms … [and] provide activities so that if you’re going to go out there to picnic
the kids will have something to do while you’re there.”
The councilors were unanimously in support of the amenities after some questioning and discussion
City Councilor Dino Mercadante said he was initially concerned about using such a significant amount of money from the town’s CPA account for the amenities
but Johnson assured him that there is still plenty left for other projects across town
the CPA is a tool to help communities preserve open space
create affordable housing and bolster recreational facilities
CPA funds are generated through voter-approved local surcharge of 1% on property tax bills and an annual distribution from the statewide CPA Trust Fund
If there is money left over from the amenities project when it is finished
Johnson said it will go back to the town’s CPA account
“There’s still a healthy sum in the account,” Mercadante said
that we monitor the situation so that other projects in town can be addressed.”
City Councilor George Bitzas spoke highly of Still Brook Park and said it fills a void in Feeding Hills that many residents felt in the past
“I do agree with my fellow councilors that this is well-spent money,” Bitzas said
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Just hours after researchers for state lawmakers released their analysis of the tax revenue estimates for the Cleveland Browns domed stadium development in Brook Park
the state’s budget director has blasted the plan in a memo obtained by the Statehouse News Bureau
And she says the state shouldn’t put up $600 million bonds for the project that she calls "risky"
which is included in the budget approved by House Republicans earlier this month
“Abundant research over many years concludes that economic benefits do not outweigh the costs incurred by governments,” Office of Budget and Management Director Kimberly Murnieks writes in a memo dated March 26 but released today
“The promised tangible economic benefits – economic growth
and higher tax revenues – do not occur the way sports teams claim
State and city governments are subsidizing development within a single neighborhood
with no tangible benefits for the rest of the city or state.”
And because there are other capital projects waiting on funding—including Dayton’s mental health hospital
state parks and the H2Ohio program—the state “does not have the capacity to accommodate these priorities plus $600 million in bonds for a single sports facility,” Murnieks writes
Murnieks says she’s met with members of the Haslam Sports Group
She notes the size of the project changed from $3.8 billion in June 2024 to $3.4 billion as described by the team owners’ in February in a presentation to state lawmakers
She writes that it appears there are three phases in that project
and that the team has only committed to Phase 1
The Browns have said the project will raise $1.3 billion more than the billion dollars the state will need to pay back the bonds over 30 years
Murnieks writes that the actual cost to pay back the bonds will be $1.01 billion over 25 years
Her analysis notes the $38.5 million in upfront cash that the Browns initially offered “does not even equate to one year’s worth of debt service”
The House budget increased that to $50 million
But Murnieks says because credit rating agencies might feel the revenue stream won’t cover costs
the annual debt service could be between $35 million and $81 million
Murineks writes this plan would “lock up all state sales
and commercial activity taxes within a specific area.” She describes that as “unprecedented” and “administratively burdensome”
And she adds that the Haslam Sports Group “inappropriately overstates projections of future taxes generated by the project
over-inflating positive impacts of the Brook Park development.” For instance
she writes that her office needs more detailed data on sales tax projection because the team “could be counting economic activities that are exempted from state sales taxes,” such as parking and admissions
Murnieks says a spreadsheet she analyzed from October 2024 shows 6,000 construction jobs and 5,000 new jobs
She estimates around 1,500 new service sector jobs
but says they “would not generate income tax revenue sufficient to meet the debt service obligations on the project bonds.” And she compares the building of the Intel manufacturing facility in central Ohio with 7,000 estimated jobs
saying the projections of 6,000 construction jobs for the stadium “also appear to be wildly overblown.”
and would be responsible for its maintenance—which she estimates at $19.9 million a year
And since there’s no dedicated revenue source
Murnieks recommends that if the state owns it
the state should share revenue from events it hosts
Murnieks also writes the $1.01 billion in estimated repayment costs “will likely cost close to twice as much as the Administration’s proposal to use cash from increased sports gaming tax.” Gov
saying it’s the solution he prefers for professional sports teams approaching the state to secure funding for facilities
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInBROOK PARK
Ohio (WOIO) - A driver fled from officers after a traffic stop Thursday and police said a two-year-old child was inside his vehicle
Brook Park Police said they tried to pull over Elijah Martinez
on Brookpark Road after a license plate check came back showing Martinez did not have a valid license
but instead got into a drive-thru line at a local fast food chain
Once he realized that the officer wasn’t going to go away
went back on on the city streets and took off,” said Chief Edward Powers of the Brook Park Police Department
video shows Martinez nearly being hit by a semi-tractor trailer which blared its horn
but the child was found during a sweep of the vehicle and police said they had been seated directly in the path of the truck that almost “demolished the vehicle.”
Chief Powers said this could have just been a minor traffic stop
but now has turned into a felony charge for Martinez
Police are encouraging all drivers to just pull over when requested by officers
“They don’t think about who’s in the car with them
they’re only thinking about themselves and they’re putting a lot of people in danger when most of the time
things will get worked out and it’s not going to be as bad as what you perceive it to be,” said Powers
Martinez is charged with felony fleeing and eluding and additional charges will be considered by the grand jury
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CLEVELAND — From the initial proposal for a $2.4 billion stadium in Brook Park last year
the efforts by the Haslam Sports Group to move the Browns from their stadium downtown have been controversial and rather convoluted
Here's a timeline of events to keep it all straight
This will be updated as more developments with the new stadium and relocation occur
The Browns have completed the next part in the process toward building a new domed stadium in Brook Park
officially executing the clause and taking steps forward in the land purchase agreement
The 176-acre site in Brook Park will not only house the new Huntington Bank Field enclosed stadium
but also the adjacent mixed-use development
"We have executed the clause and taken the necessary steps in our land purchase agreement with the current owners to solidify our future purchase of the 176-acre site in Brook Park for a new Huntington Bank Field enclosed stadium
along with an adjacent mixed-use development," Haslam Sports Group-Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenkins said in a statement
"While work remains with our public partners on the project
this is a key step in our efforts to create a responsible long-term stadium solution that delivers a world-class experience for our fans
attracts more large-scale events for our region and positively impacts our local economy."
In recent months, the Browns have continued to take the necessary steps in pursuing a new domed Huntington Bank Field. In Oct. 2024, the Browns announced their decision to focus their stadium efforts on a domed stadium in Brook Park.
conducted a study that through its findings showcased how a Cleveland Browns domed stadium and adjacent mixed-use development in Brook Park is primed for success in Northeast Ohio and can serve as a catalyst for growth in Cuyahoga County
as well as analysis of the projected fiscal and economic impacts of the new Brook Park development
Through the study, RCLCO found three key findings: the viability of the site for mixed-use development in conjunction with a new domed stadium
the positive economic impact of the new stadium and adjacent mixed-use development and the significant benefits a domed stadium would bring to downtown Cleveland
Later that month, Lincoln Property Company – a global full-service real estate firm – was announced as the development partner for the Cleveland Browns' 176-acre mixed-use entertainment district in Brook Park
The development is set to be designed by the architecture firm HKS and will be anchored by a new domed stadium
The mixed-use entertainment district surrounding the stadium will be developed across multiple phases and will ultimately include 300,000 square feet of retail
which is planned to deliver along with the stadium in 2029
will include 450 hotel rooms; 575 apartments; 96,000 square feet of traditional retail
suited for unique food & beverage and shopping destinations; and 137,000 square feet of experiential retail
and other experience-based retail concepts that will drive year-round activation and community involvement
"We will continue to provide updates throughout the process as we work towards bringing this exciting and transformative project to Northeast Ohio," Jenkins said in a statement
The Cleveland Browns share renderings of a proposed option for a domed stadium in Brook Park as they evaluate the best path forward for the future of the stadium
Collinwood Athletic Complex project marks the 16th field dedicated by the Browns
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Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInCLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A new report released today from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission (LSC) states
“The Haslams’ economic impact projections are overly optimistic and lack transparency.”
The LSC is a non-partisan office of the Ohio Legislature that will calculate and review legal questions for lawmakers in Columbus
This report was commissioned by State Senator and Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood)
“The proposed funding plan for the new Browns stadium raises serious legal and financial concerns,” said Antonio
“The Haslams’ projections are overly optimistic at best
and even their own consultants admit the analysis isn’t intended to justify financing
We have reached out to the Haslam Sports Group for a response to this latest analysis and are waiting for a response
According to Antonio the LSC’s report concluded:
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are firing back over newly released documents that raise questions about whether the state should issue $600 million in bonds to help fund a new stadium in Brook Park
from the state Office of Budget and Management (OBM)
raises concerns about the burden this project would place on Ohio taxpayers
questions the methodology used by the Haslam Sports Group and says some of its projections are "wildly overblown.”
But the Browns are pushing back with their own point-by-point response
The Browns’ plan to use $600 million in state funding to finance a new enclosed stadium in Brook Park took two big hits this week
The recently-released reports from OBM and the Legislative Service Commission question the teams’ projections—from the number of jobs the development is expected to create to its tax revenue—echoing the concerns of northeast Ohio leaders like County Executive Chris Ronayne and local stadium finance expert Ken Silliman
“There is still a lack of transparency here,” Silliman said
is firing back against its detractors' claims
“We question many of the memos’ assertions and have worked with our team of national experts to prepare relevant information and responses to the points in the OBM materials
which we have provided to the administration
The LSC memo also contained several inaccuracies and misinformation.”
OBM’s memo questions whether the Brook Park project will actually generate 5,000 new jobs
saying most of the jobs the Browns are claiming to create already exist
“Most of the jobs are simply going to transfer from the City of Cleveland to Brook Park,” Silliman said
But the Haslams' response says OBM overlooks the broader impacts of the development
claiming it will attract major employers that aren't here now
Beyond the conflicting ideas on job creation
OBM’s memo says HSG “inappropriately overstates projections of future taxes generated by the project
overinflating positive impacts of the Brook Park development.”
OBM and LSC call inflated projections of how many events the new facility will bring in beyond football games
you've got things like admission tax and parking tax that are so solely dependent on how much attendance you get,” Silliman said
“And if you fall short of the Brown's projections
you're going to fall short on the tax revenues.”
If the budget is approved in its current form
and the state issues $600 million dollars in bonds to help pay for the Brook Park project
the OBM memo cautions the cost of repaying those bonds over 25 years will be closer to a billion dollars
Spectrum News 1 producer Cody Thompson contributed to this report
has 1,500 more cherry trees than the nation's capital
Ohio (WOIO) - The Ohio House of Representatives voted and passed Ohio’s 2026-27 biennial budget
which includes a plan to get the Cleveland Browns $600 million in state funding for a Brook Park dome project
Just before sending the budget to the House floor for a vote
an amendment was added requiring the Browns to put up more money for their insurance policy
The Browns agreed to put $38.5 million into an escrow account which could help the state pay back the $600 million in loans if the increase in the tax base from the super project falls short
The amendment will now require $50 million into escrow
which in 25 years or the length of the loan
would generate $250 million in the escrow account
The budget was passed out of the House Finance Committee on Tuesday
While there will be blowback from some House Democrats
Republicans hold the majority and are expected to pass the budget
This is not the final step for the budget or the Browns
as the next step will be to send the budget to the Ohio Senate
who does not want the stadium built with $600 million in state issued bonds
but instead a doubling of taxed on sports gambling companies
The House Finance Committee ripped out DeWine’s request to double the taxes
and instead went with what the Browns have hoped for
which is bonds paid back over 25 years with the increased tax revenue from the massive $2.4 billion project
the Browns agreed to put millions into an escrow account
which will act as an insurance policy if the state would fall short on any of its $30 million a year payments
If the Senate makes any changes to the budget
which includes more than just the Browns project
it heads back to the House until the two sides can agree on a final budget
The state has until June 30 to pass a budget and get it on DeWine’s desk
as the governor has the right to veto the budget and send it back
DeWine has been very upfront on legislation he would veto on arrival
he has not committed to such action on a budget that includes the $600 million in bonds for the Browns
Charles and an Oak Brook barn are among the historic places in Illinois considered most at risk by a preservation group
Landmarks Illinois released its 2025 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois list on Thursday
The nonprofit organization’s list includes the Judge William D
Charles and the Fordon Horse Barn in Oak Brook
Other sites that made this year’s list include the W.A
Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1903 JJ Walser House in Chicago
“This year’s Most Endangered list is wide-ranging
not only in the kinds of troubling threats these places face
geographical locations and building types,” Bonnie McDonald
Landmarks Illinois launched its Most Endangered program in 1995 to support advocacy and eventual preservation of the properties it annually lists
is a Greek Revival built in 1844 by Judge William D
the first president of the Kane County Bar Association
plans to demolish the house to create space for a parking lot
In October 2024, the church petitioned St. Charles’ Historic Preservation Commission for a certificate of appropriateness to tear down the house
the commission has recommended denying the request
The church has filed an appeal to the city’s Planning and Development Committee
could be returned to active use as a residence or for retail space
“The Judge Barry House is a rare ‘story house,’ reflecting nearly two centuries of Illinois and national history,” Steve Gibson
the circa-1930 Fordon Horse Barn is in Saddle Brook Park within the Saddle Brook community
bought the barn in 1941 to house his ponies
the Saddle Brook Development Company deeded the barn and surrounding parkland to the Oak Brook Park District
the park district sought to raze the structure by the end of April
the demolition was delayed because of opposition from residents
president of the Oak Brook Historical Society
said the Fordon Barn “represents a window to the past … from a time when farms and pastoral settings were the norm.”
she cited the impact of Oak Brook’s founder
who made the Oak Brook Polo Club “the cornerstone of American polo culture.”
“It is worth saving and preserving a place where American history happened,” Arts said
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It's grand opening weekend for a handful of popular Milwaukee-area beer gardens
South Shore Terrace Kitchen and Beer Garden has already been open since April 11
Here's a look at several about to make their season debuts:
check the beer gardens' websites/social media to make sure they're open
The Whitnall Beer Garden is having a soft opening May 2 and its official opening day May 3
There will be food from Gift of Wings Grill
fish fry dinners on Wednesdays and Fridays
The beer garden's live music series runs Friday
May 3's grand opening will include a brief ceremony at 11:30 a.m
featuring remarks from Milwaukee County Board Supervisor Kathleen Vincent
followed up by a 20-minute toast with free beer and root beer
MORE INFO: whitnallbeergarden.com
The Estabrook Beer Garden is having a grand opening Maifest Weekend May 2-4
hot dogs and giant fresh-baked pretzels are also available
MORE INFO: estabrookbeergarden.com
The Third Ward Beer Garden (Milwaukee)The Third Ward Beer Garden at Catalano Square Park will be making its season debut May 3
wine and ready-to-drink cocktails and have picnic table seating
Entertainment will include live music Thursdays through Saturdays
as well as games like cornhole and outdoor Jenga
Opening day festivities will include a ceremonial keg tapping at 3 p.m
with free beer from that keg while it lasts
and live music from local singer-songwriter Jake Williams from 3 to 6:30 p.m
MORE INFO: thirdwardbeergarden.com
which coincides with Revolutionary War weekend at the historic Village Park
Many of this season's beer garden dates align with historical and immersive events going on in the park (the lineup of those can be found here)
The Biergarten is free to attend unless there's an event admission price
The beer garden will feature a variety of food vendors
craft beers and entertainment throughout the season
will feature a Friday fish fry from 4 to 7:30 p.m
The beer garden is family-friendly with plenty of room in the park for children to run and play
LOCATION: Menomonee Falls' Old Falls Village Park
Dates: May 2 and 3 (Revolutionary War weekend); May 9 and 10 (German Mai Fest and dachshund races); May 30; June 12
and 14 (WWII Days and USO-themed variety show and dance); July 25 and 26 (Roaring 20s event and lawn party); August 1 and 2
(1960s era and Vietnam War reenactment weekend); September 5; On September 6 and 7
the biergarten is included with Renaissance Faire admission; September 12; On September 13 and 14
the biergarten is included with Pirate Fest admission; October 3 and 4 (WWI reenactment weekend); and October 10 and 11 (German Oktoberfest and dachshund races)
MORE INFO: oldfallsvillagepark.org
The Menomonee Falls Historical Society's Depot Beer Garden, which also calls Village Park home, kicks off its season on May 16
The Tap Yard's area locations — Schlitz Park
Heavenly Roasted Nuts and Carrie’s Crispies
The beer gardens will host an array of events on select dates
All four locations listed here are dog-friendly
they must be well-behaved and on 6-foot leashes
MORE INFO: thetapyards.com
Milwaukee: facebook.com/thetapyardmilwaukee
Waukesha: facebook.com/thetapyardwaukesha
Brookfield: facebook.com/thetapyardbrookfield
Menomonee Falls: facebook.com/thetapyardmenomoneefalls
The Tap Yard also has a West Bend location
A revised conceptual rendering of the proposed and enclosed Brook Park stadium plus supportive development to the southeast of the stadium
This view looks westerly from above Interstate 71 toward Cleveland Hopkins International Airport beyond (HKS)
the last of the big hurdles appears ready to be surpassed for the Cleveland Browns football team’s move from downtown to Brook Park
there’s a million other things that can happen or not happen in the next year before financing might close and construction contractors are given the green light
But most of those hinge on events occurring now at committee hearings in our state’s capital
The timing is driven by the biennial budget crystalizing in those committee meetings between now and the end of April
the details of a decision are refined toward final passage in June
our state lawmakers want the Browns playing their home games in Brook Park
This is a “seal the deal” action because it is answering a critical question: whose state funding request will be included in the state’s next two-year budget starting July 1? Will it be Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed stadium and sports education funding initiative
supported by a doubling of taxes on sports betting
Up to $180 million per year could be generated from DeWine’s proposal
based on projections from existing sports betting revenues
But doubling the taxes will cause many gamblers to take their money elsewhere
Skeptics estimate the annual revenues will instead be $130 million or less from the doubled tax
Funds for sports facilities and educational programs
would be competitively awarded as one-shot grants from that pot of funds whose revenues will vary from year to year
So it cannot safely be used as a revenue stream dedicated to retiring construction bonds over
Site plan for the Haslam Sport Group’s Brook Park enclosed stadium and supportive development
The Haslam Sports Group (HSG), owner of the Browns, have a purchase agreement to acquire 176 acres of land at 18300 Snow Rd.
they want to build a $2.4 billion enclosed stadium plus $1.2 billion worth of adjacent hotels
The Haslams don’t want to compete for state funds with professional
high school or primary school sports facilities and programs
It wouldn’t be a good look if the first four or five years of this new program went entirely to pay for a billionaire’s new toy while a moldy roof is leaking at an inner-city soccer training complex
or a rural school’s baseball field is a muddy mess for much of the spring
The other option was for state lawmakers to embrace HSG’s proposed value-capture
tax-increment financing (TIF) mechanism of new state tax revenues generated by the new stadium
and any surrounding developments within a to-be-specified stadium district
And that’s where state lawmakers appear to be leaning toward while at the same time leaning away from DeWine’s proposal
If DeWine’s proposal was probably the last hope of keeping the Browns in Downtown Cleveland in the existing stadium
The design concepts exist for this stadium renovation but taxpayers have yet to see them
Our state lawmakers got to see them and said they were pretty impressive
But we’re just “We The People” so we didn’t get to see them
DeWine offered his proposal to avoid having to pick a winner and loser in the Browns stadium debate
He apparently believed there would be a winner and loser based on where the Browns play starting with the 2029 NFL season
The Browns lease with the city of Cleveland for use of the lakefront stadium ends after the 2028 football season
The Haslam Sports Group believes that by building an enclosed stadium will be a draw for those living to the east of Cleveland
Their contention is that their proposed stadium would be the farthest east enclosed stadium of its size in the United States
It should be noted that whoever does the maps for the Haslams needs to brush up on their geography of where competing stadiums are located (HSG)
Ohio lawmakers didn’t want to wait for the court’s opinion
Perhaps they already know how that will play it out
In testimony earlier this week before the Ohio House of Representatives’ Arts
HSG’s Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel Ted Tywang
claimed that everyone wins if the Browns leave Downtown Cleveland for Brook Park
“The Brook Park site is only 12 miles from Downtown Cleveland and just outside the Cleveland city limits
close enough for the dome stadium to have a substantial positive impact on downtown
particularly given the year-round activity and major events it will bring to the region,” Tywang said
“The new Huntington Bank Field enclosed stadium project will be complementary to downtown — not competitive.”
with “optimal local collaboration,” the local fiscal impacts from the Brook Park stadium and development zone could not only pay for the local investment in the stadium
but also generate considerable excess public revenues that could be used for future capital repairs in the building and other important public purposes
But will we get “optimal local collaboration” in a region where it has yet to happen
HSG’s proposed state funding mechanism would be to designate in law a TIF district from which state tax revenues would be dedicated for several decades to service an issuance next year of up to $600 million in construction bonds
If state lawmakers are confident in this proposal
the chances of a Brook Park Stadium look pretty good
Projected revenue sources and amounts spread over 32 years to retire construction debt
Of particular interest is the column at the far right showing the Haslam Sports Group’s proposed reserve
intended to reassure state lawmakers that this stadium won’t be a financial drain for Ohio taxpayers (HSG)
But there are concerns that the Haslams’ revenue estimates are too rosy
Critics doubt that they will be able to attract enough non-football events throughout the year to Greater Cleveland to attract a meaningful number of new visitors
Those visitors would be needed to generate new state tax revenues from the stadium and from proposed new hotels
Among those concerned is Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne who has questioned the Haslams’ projected numbers of Brook Park stadium visitors
He represents another group of potential stadium investors from which the Haslams want support — the taxpayers of Cuyahoga County
They now pay a 30-year countywide sin tax generating about $120 million total during that three decades to retire the bonds for the lakefront stadium built in 1999
Whether that gets extended and redirected to a new Brook Park stadium first depends on if Ronayne and the Cuyahoga County Council put it on the ballot
they continue to say they would do so only for a downtown stadium
But perhaps the Haslams can make them an offer they can’t refuse — such as a big donation to help lakefront redevelopment
Browns sources have told NEOtrans the Haslams are offering
Another $480 million would be generated by local taxes generated by the stadium and its hoped-for development district
The Haslams have tried to reassure city officials and taxpayers in Brook Park that their city services won’t be risked by this investment
Some have asked how can a small city like Brook Park can afford a stadium this big
Looking toward the proposed Brook Park stadium surrounded by thousands of parking spaces from which the Haslam Sports Group would control all of the revenues
Nearly everyone will have to arrive by car since the most direct walking path from the Brookpark Red Line station is nearly 1 mile long
A new path built along the tracks into the stadium could shorten the walk by about 500 feet
There are no plans to link the stadium with Hopkins International Airport and its Red Line station (HKS)
So the municipality is merely a legal conduit through which the local values and tax revenues from them can be captured
Tywang displayed a chart to state lawmakers (shared earlier in this article)
showing them that the Brook Park stadium’s financial numbers do work — if you are confident that the Haslams can attract the number of events and visitors they claim they can
The revenue data is spread over 32 years to retire construction debt
HSG added a column on the far right side of the financial chart
showing that HSG intends to provide a deposit of $38.25 million to back-stop their pitch that stadium won’t be a financial drain for Ohio taxpayers
That reassurance is what finally won over the lawmakers
With the proposed enclosed stadium in the background
the Haslams want to surround it with mixed-use developments
Many of those developments will be attracted by the number and size of events and visitors they draw (HKS)
HSG and the Browns mortgaged their future by paying Watson the most guaranteed money for any quarterback in NFL history — until Buffalo’s highly rated Josh Allen got paid more this week
And HSG/Browns gave up three first-round draft choices for Watson who has played fewer than half of the available games since he joined the Browns in 2022
But it seems state lawmakers are willing to overlook that and believe HSG will be good stewards of taxpayers’ money
Was the downtown lakefront stadium alternative really that bad compared to Brook Park
Were current/former managers of other domed stadiums asked to testify whether the Haslams have a shot at attracting that many non-football events
We The People were never given the opportunity to make an informed choice of how to instruct our public servants to act
barring a miraculous legal outcome or some other surprise
it looks like Brook Park is going to be the place where the Browns play at home
Given that the average cost for a family of four to attend an NFL home game was over $800 in 2024
how many of us taxpayers will be able to attend
unless all of the games end up on a subscription service
The future of our Website depends on revenue from our readers
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are going public with their request for the state to issue $600 million in bonds to help pay for a new enclosed stadium in Brook Park
The team’s general counsel is scheduled to testify about the project in front of an Ohio House committee late Tuesday afternoon
A presentation and written testimony submitted to that committee include new details about the Brook Park plans and the team’s approach
it’s clear that Haslam Sports Group isn’t buying into Gov
Mike DeWine’s proposal to double the tax rate on sports-gaming companies to gradually fund major investments in professional athletic facilities
RELATED: DeWine proposes using some of the money sports bettors lose in Ohio to help pay for new sports stadiums
the owners of the Browns are still urging the state to issue bonds tied to tax revenues from a new 176-acre suburban sports and entertainment district
They’re asking the General Assembly to change a law that caps the state’s contribution to stadiums and other sports venues at 15% of total construction costs
And in return for an unprecedented amount of public support
the Browns are offering to put some cash in the bank at the start – a cushion that can be used to cover debt payments if the team’s financial projections don’t pan out
The dollar amount of that potential up-front payment isn’t included in written testimony submitted to the House Arts
Athletics and Tourism Committee by Ted Tywang
Haslam Sports Group’s chief administrative officer and general counsel
But a spreadsheet included in his presentation shows that it would be $38 million
a payment the Browns are describing as pre-paid rent
“This unique up-front payment structure would further hedge state risk and would be the most conservative state funding construct of any major sports-related development in the country,” Tywang wrote
“Our proposed funding construct is also a replicable model for Ohio that could be utilized by other professional sports teams in the state who are planning to invest at least $1 billion in private capital in a facility and related development plan and are not asking for existing state revenue sources.”
The Browns say a new suburban stadium would cost $2.4 billion
They’re looking to split that price evenly with taxpayers
with $600 million from local sources and $600 million from the state
The team says it would cover any cost overruns on the project
Haslam Sports Group is proposing approximately $1 billion worth of private development around the stadium
A site plan submitted with Tywang’s testimony offers an overview of the project
which also would include 12,000 to 14,000 surface parking spaces
off Snow Road near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
is a former automotive plant site that’s been cleared and cleaned up by a group of industrial real estate developers has cleared and cleaned up
The Browns want various government entities to issue bonds to help finance stadium construction
That debt would be paid off over 25 years using some of the tax revenues from the broader development
from parking taxes to admissions taxes to state and local income taxes
Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam outlined the broad strokes of their proposal last month
during a meeting with reporters at the team’s headquarters in Berea
Now they’re pushing to get buy-in from public officials before the state’s biennial budget gets finalized in late June
RELATED: Browns detail their Brook Park stadium financing plans publicly for the first time
Tuesday’s committee hearing will be the first chance for a public back-and-forth about the project with lawmakers
after months of behind-the-scenes lobbying by the Browns
“We do not take lightly the magnitude of the $600 million we are requesting from the state towards the stadium’s construction,” Tywang wrote in his submitted testimony
“but it is important to emphasize the context and judicious nature of our ask
Unlike investments of other states in recent NFL stadium projects around the country
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has balked at the team’s proposal
saying the risk to taxpayers is too high and the Browns’ math is overly optimistic
he’s been urging the Haslams to recommit to Downtown Cleveland
where the team’s lease on city-owned Huntington Bank Field ends after the 2028 NFL season
RELATED: 'This dog doesn't hunt.' Cuyahoga County leader say they won't back a new Browns stadium in Brook Park
are sorting through the numbers with their lawyers
Mayor Edward Orcutt has told News 5 the project could bring new businesses and residents to the suburb of about 18,000 people
But he wants to make sure the benefits outweigh the costs
RELATED: Brook Park mayor all in on Browns stadium as long as it's a financial win for the city
with the goal of opening the new stadium and a first wave of mixed-use development in time for the 2029 football season
They need to close on the land purchase and start construction in early 2026
and the stakes are high,” Tywang wrote in his testimony to state legislators
Indiana and Minnesota have all created world-class dome venues that have catalyzed enormous economic activity in those states
The House committee hearing is scheduled to start at 4:15 p.m
stakeholders and local and state elected officials join to officially break ground on Buttery Brook Park improvements.Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
state and local elected officials gathered on April 8 to celebrate a groundbreaking event for the long-awaited Buttery Brook Park improvement project
will introduce several new amenities designed to make the park more inclusive and engaging for residents of all ages
Planned improvements include four new pickleball courts
a new bandshell for performances and events
a half-mile walking loop and the planting of 200 new trees
The improvements will also include repaving the basketball courts
The upgrades were made possible with a matching Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grant
The town received a $500,000 grant in 2024 for the second round of improvements
they had to first get the match funding from Town Meeting
Town Administrator Lisa Wong said the voters approved approximately $900,000 under the condition that South Hadley receive the grant and reimburse the money
Wong further explained that the last major investment into this park that the community was involved in was in 2013
playground improvements green space and a spray park
four pickleball courts were built at Buttery Brook Park in July 2022
“It’s going to be amazing,” Wong stated about the upcoming improvements
Buttery Brook Park was created in 1980 by South Hadley Parks Superintendent Joseph Taylor and has grown into a popular local spot
The improvements will elevate the popularity with a new concert space
better courts for potential tournaments and an outdoor space to do work on your computer
The project was also made possible with funding efforts by Friends of Buttery Brook
Friends of Buttery Park President Kim Prough said the group has raised close to $200,000
Prough talked about finally seeing improvements begin and the crowd of people there to see the project advance
we’ve got [South Hadley Chamber of Commerce] we’ve got everybody here
Although the Friends of Buttery Brook Park have raised close to $200,000
Prough stated that there is still more money that needs to be raised
“We do have a little more to go but you know you’ll all hear from me about fundraisers,” Prough said
“We’ve committed the funds to get this going
We’ve also committed $50,000 toward the project so you know it’s really been a labor of love to really see this grow.”
Homar Gomez (D-Easthampton) were also at the groundbreaking event to discuss the significance of this project
local groups and voters who wanted to see this project come to fruition
and he explained that it helps with the funding process when the project has the community’s support
He also discussed the impact of this 21st century park and said
“The parks that we had when we were kids did not look like this
I think there are still splinters in my body from that wooden park [in Ludlow] and bruises and scars from it so to have a playscape and a facility that’s safe for children
you can use this playground in an accessible manner.”
Gomez talked about how this park can also help with mental health
and we are struggling and places like this one will help our community so thank you for thinking of every single detail
I wish I had this when I was younger; that I could bring my three daughters and use the computer at the same time.”The renovations are expected to be completed in phases over the coming months
Brook Park Mayor Edward Orcutt gave the Brook Park city council on a update to a potential Cleveland Browns dome
the Brook Park hired counsel will meet with the Browns to discuss zoning changes that would be needed to turn what is currently a vacant manufacturing lot
The Browns vision for the project includes not only a dome
but the potential for mixed use properties for office space
The meeting will also cover operation costs
revenue and what Orcutt calls a backstop for the dome
meaning a plan if something like an NFL strike or a pandemic were to happen
Also released by Orcutt for the first time
is there have been three meetings between the city
The dome would be built on the former Ford Plant 2
and in the same area as the current Ford Plant 1
“One of the three meetings was just with Ford executives alone,” Orcutt told the council
“So they came down from Michigan and met over in Berea with the Browns
they were excited to hear about the project
They like the fact that they have potential new neighbors that will be the Cleveland Browns.”
Orcutt went on to say that Ford indicated they would be making upgrades to its property to blend in with the Browns project
Also indicating Ford would be investing in a huge sign to put on the top of Plant 1 to advertise to NFL audiences
One question from the council to Orcutt was to address the rumor the Haslam Sports Group (HSG) was given the option to purchase Plant 1
The city of Cleveland has filed a lawsuit in an effort to stop the National Football League’s (NFL) Browns from leaving the team’s lakefront home and building new stadium in Brook Park
In October, the Browns made the city aware of their plans to build a US$2.4 billion stadium and entertainment complex in Brook Park
Team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam have proposed that the construction would be partially funded by public money
the city of Cleveland is now looking to invoke the Modell Law
which essentially states that any professional sports team using state funding for its home venue cannot leave without permission or providing six months’ notice
It also gives residents a chance to buy the team or find a new buyer
The city’s lawsuit claims that the Browns violated the law by not doing either of those things
The Browns have played at their current home since 1999. In September 2024, it was renamed Huntington Bank Field as part of a 20-year stadium naming rights deal
The name will transfer to the new dome venue in the Brook Park suburb if the move goes ahead
The city’s lawsuit stated: ‘The Modell Law’s requirements are straightforward
It provides that if a team takes taxpayer money and plays in a tax-supported facility
then the owner must either obtain the City’s authorisation or give the City and others the opportunity to purchase the team before moving the team away from that facility.’
The Browns have filed their own lawsuit seeking clarity on the Modell Law
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The Cleveland Browns owners have told city leadership they'll see them in court
Bibb argued the owners did not yet provide the opportunity for anyone else to purchase the team as required by law as the Haslams proceed with their plans to move from the Downtown, city-owned stadium to a new, $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park.
"The Browns understand that the City intends to assert legal claims in connection with those matters
as it has made clear in earlier public statements
and the Browns look forward to expeditiously resolving all of the parties' claims in the litigation pending before the Honorable David Ruiz in the Northern District of Ohio," wrote Anthony White
"The City is entitled to assurance that the Browns intend to uphold their contractual obligations
including complying with Ohio law," Herdman wrote
"Rather than assure the City that the Browns intend to comply with their legal obligations
the Browns provided no meaningful response
The City has no choice but to read the Browns' letter as a direct refusal to comply with their lease and Ohio law's requirement ..
This confirms for the City that the Browns (and its owners) are directly flouting duly-enacted Ohio law as well as the Browns' contractual obligations to the City."
In October, the Browns sued Cleveland in federal court
arguing the Modell Law was unconstitutional
Legal experts have told Ideastream Public Media the law is ambiguous
particularly the interpretation of what "in the area" means
Brook Park is less than 20 miles from the current stadium
The Haslams may be required to field offers to purchase the team
The Modell Law may only delay the building of a $2.4 billion domed stadium by six months
as the law requires a six-month vacancy notice from owners to the city
The Browns estimate a three-year construction period
The team's Downtown lease with the city ends in 2028
Regardless, Bibb has said the Downtown lakefront master plan is proceeding "with or without" the Browns.
the nearly half-billion North Coast Connector project secured an additional $69 million in federal grant money toward the project that will re-envision the lakefront and Shoreway through multi-modal transit
The city has received nearly $130 million from the Department of Transportation since October
Ohio — The Cleveland Browns made their case for a new Brook Park stadium district in an unexpected place Thursday night – a town hall meeting in Hudson
Haslam Sports Group executives presented the plans at a town hall meeting convened by state Sen
a Hudson Democrat who hasn’t decided where he stands on the team’s request for $600 million from the state to help pay for the project
Weinstein said he’s been getting a lot of questions from constituents and wanted them to hear directly from Browns executives
The town hall moved a conversation from the halls of power in Columbus to a packed meeting room at a suburban library – a decidedly unfiltered setting
“You lost me at Deshaun Watson,” said Andrea Bucey-Tikkanen
a Hudson business owner who spoke up during a question-and-answer session near the end of the meeting
A lifelong Browns fan and former season ticket holder
she said the team’s choice of the controversial quarterback turned her away
Watson came to Cleveland facing allegations of sexual misconduct
He’s settled civil lawsuits with two dozen accusers but was not criminally charged
Bucey-Tikkanen loves some of the ideas the Browns are floating in Brook Park
where the team hopes to build an enclosed stadium surrounded by apartments
and massive parking lots near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
“I can’t get behind anything when I’m still ticked
Other audience members said it’s the wrong time to be talking about subsidies for professional sports venues
with so many pressing local needs and federal and state government cost-cutting
our food banks and our libraries and our education are being defunded just seems morally repugnant to me,” one woman said
The team’s general counsel and chief administrative officer
He said the Brook Park stadium project won’t cut into existing tax-revenue streams and will be a net financial win for the state and the region
RELATED: Browns reveal more details about Brook Park plans in a pitch to state lawmakers
The Browns are asking the state to borrow $600 million for the new stadium by issuing bonds – debt the state would then repay
income-tax revenues and commercial activity-tax revenues from the entire Brook Park project
That exact proposal made it into the Ohio House’s revision of the state budget bill this week – along with a potential change in state law that would let Ohio make outsize investments in major sports facilities that anchor so-called “transformational” mixed-use districts
RELATED: Ohio House GOP budget proposal slashes school funding
The House is expected to vote on its version of the budget in the next few weeks
the bill will be moved to the state Senate for more debate and changes
The General Assembly has to pass a budget and send it to Gov
Mike DeWine for his signature – and possible vetoes – by the end of June
State support is an essential piece of the puzzle for the Browns
who are on the clock to get funding in place so they can break ground in Brook Park early next year
The team’s lease on the existing lakefront stadium in Cleveland ends in early 2029
The Browns hope to move into a new suburban home by the beginning of the 2029 NFL season
team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam acknowledged that without state buy-in
they’ll have to shift their focus back to renovating Huntington Bank Field Downtown
“There’s no bigger opportunity that a sports team has than kind of this generational time at the end of a lease to evaluate its future,” Tywang said during Thursday’s town hall meeting
He described the Brook Park stadium as a long-term solution
a building that will serve the Browns for 50 years
The team says the stadium would cost $2.4 billion to construct
They’re seeking $1.2 billion of that from the public – half from the state
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has rejected that request
The Browns haven't said how they'll fill the gap
along with money for the mixed-use development around it
This isn’t some pretty pictures,” Tywang said
Bucey-Tikkanen said the presentation was too granular and technical for a general audience
And she said some of the remarks from the team of Haslam Sports Group executives sounded like platitudes
said it was important to get public feedback – good and bad
“There’s a lot of passion around the Cleveland Browns
and there’s a lot of passion about the future of our stadium and how it’s gonna be funded,” he said after the meeting
“If we’re not out here hearing from people and understanding what folks’ concerns are
Several audience members approached Haslam Sports Group executives privately to express support for the project
But people who spoke up during the meeting were largely critical – or focused on other issues
John-Baptiste stopped short of committing to more town hall appearances
“We feel like we have a great story to tell,” he said
“I’m not sure exactly what the format will be
But we’re definitely gonna be out talking to folks so they understand what this project is
And we want their concerns on how we might need to adjust things to make it better.”
The findings from a study conducted by RCLCO
showcase how a Cleveland Browns domed stadium and adjacent mixed-use development in Brook Park is primed for success in Northeast Ohio
It can serve as a catalyst for growth in Cuyahoga County
RCLCO conducted an independent market analysis for the real estate opportunities at the site of the Brook Park development and potential future of Huntington Bank Field
"We really look at this site as complementary in the broader landscape of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
overall," Managing Director of RCLCO Erin Talkington said
have multiple venues that host events and today those types of events aren't coming to Cleveland
Cleveland's spending is actually leaving and going to places like Indianapolis and Detroit to go to those events
this is really an opportunity not just for this particular site to have more activity
but for the region to capture economic activity that's been leaving and to bring in visitor spending that's not coming here today."
The first key finding highlighted how the site is viable for mixed-use development in conjunction with a new domed stadium
RCLCO compared other sports-anchored projects around the country that have set the precedent for large-scale mixed-use developments
Those examples included The Battery in Atlanta
Wisconsin (adjacent to the Packers stadium) and the Deer District in Milwaukee
Wisconsin (adjacent to the Milwaukee Bucks arena)
A domed stadium can attract up to an additional 1.5 million visitors through a mix of year-round programming of various sizes and major events
Indianapolis and Minneapolis hosted concerts and other major events 3-5 times more often than Huntington Bank Field
Over 40 percent of visitors to the three major non-Browns events at Huntington Bank Field in 2024 were outside of Ohio
At other large events similar to those that would be targeted for the new domed stadium
65-75 percent of visitors would be out of market
"The region should be really excited for this opportunity
and we recognize that it's hard to envision today how one NFL venue can be different from another NFL venue when it's just moving not that far down the road," Talkington said
"This has the potential to really change the economic impact for the region out of that venue based on the new visitors and the amount of new spending and events that occur and the visitors that can really come to the region from out of state today and the spending that Clevelanders are sending other places that we can retain."
The second key finding demonstrated how the stadium in Brook Park and the adjacent mixed-use development will generate positive economic impact for the region
RCLCO projected an annual direct economic output of $1.2 billion across Cuyahoga County
as well as create nearly 5,400 permanent jobs
Of the $1.2 billion in annual economic output
$550 million is projected to come from the surrounding mixed-use development
Another $217 million is projected to occur at the stadium from major events and other non-NFL activities
showing significant economic impact to the region
the project is projected to generate $181 million in additional economic impact
which would support businesses and jobs in other communities around Ohio
the project is expected to support nearly 5,400 full-time permanent jobs
2,520 in the adjacent mixed-use district and 1,980 at surrounding businesses serving visitors
residents and employees associated with the project
The project is also expected to support another 2,540 indirect and induced jobs across Cuyahoga County
Talkington explained the significant economic impact a project of this nature would bring
"We're talking about $1.2 billion in overall economic impact with over $200 million of that off site and over 5,400 permanent jobs once this development is completed," Talkington said
"And that includes both people working in the stadium as well as working in the surrounding mixed-use development
We really think that at the end of the day
this is a better utilization of this venue and a better opportunity economically and more efficient opportunity economically for how a stadium can contribute to the regional economy than an open-air venue that needs some work and isn't going to change anything from an economic perspective today."
The third finding from RCLCO emphasized that while the Browns would relocate to Brook Park
the new domed stadium would also bring significant benefits to downtown Cleveland and the City of Cleveland as a whole
The increase of events would bring an uptick of visitors to Northeast Ohio – many of whom would come to stay and dine in downtown Cleveland
restaurants and hotels downtown is projected to increase by about $11 million over what is generated today by the activity at Huntington Bank Field
The data suggests that 40 percent or more of visitors come from out of state
and the need for hospitality infrastructure for those games and events would spill into downtown Cleveland
"When we look at this type of domed facility and adjacent mixed-use development
this type of venue is really unique to the region and we expect that based on what we know about some of the concerts and other non-NFL events that have been hosted in the Browns' Stadium today
that at least 40 percent of visitors are coming from out of state already," Talkington said
This is an opportunity to bring in spending to the region and bring in new visitors who will probably stay overnight and spend money
you look at the area around Brook Park and what can be accommodated on the site
the site itself is only estimated to have 400 or 500 hotel rooms at the end of the day," Talkington continued
"To accommodate the visitors that are coming here and their preferences
downtown Cleveland is going to have to host a lot of these visitors
And when we look at the specific spending that's happening today from NFL games downtown
as well as the future spending that might happen as spillover from games happening in Brook Park as well as those major events we're talking about
we actually think downtown benefits to the tune of 10 to 12 million dollars a year."
The move to Brook Park also opens an opportunity for the lakefront redevelopment
producing a greater long-term regional opportunity for impactful year-round use
Moving the stadium off the lakefront will build on downtown's renewed momentum for lakefront development driven by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb's strong commitment
the $80+ million in state and federal lakefront infrastructure grant funding already secured and the new lakefront authority which will drive the development process
There is up to 2.0 million square feet available for transformational mixed-use development over time at the stadium site and would generate hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue for the City of Cleveland
with additional information among each finding
demonstrate the path to success in Brook Park and the positive economic impact a domed stadium would have in Northeast Ohio
a nationally renowned real estate consultancy
to help guide us with our future stadium planning process," Haslam Sports Group Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenkins said in a statement
and office/retail needs in relation to sports venue-anchored real estate developments reinforced three primary conclusions
which underscore why a new Huntington Bank Field enclosed stadium in Brook Park will have a transformative impact on the Northeast Ohio region and Greater Cleveland
"We are pleased to share key findings from this study to further illustrate why we strongly believe a new enclosed stadium and adjacent mixed-use development in Brook Park is the best long-term solution for our fans and how it will transform our region."
The first phase of the offseason program kicks off nine weeks of meetings and workouts
Browns employees participated in virtual panel discussion for the launch event
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to begin on April 24
The four fellows will work for the Browns in various departments
Browns won four AAFC championships from 1946-49
bringing their total franchise championships to eight
Players will return to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus beginning April 22
Cleveland will hold joint practices for the fifth consecutive year
A look at each spot where the Browns are set to pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
Garrett has broken franchise and NFL records to cement himself in history
Bitonio will play his 12th season for the Browns in 2025
The Cleveland Browns are one step closer to Brook Park
The Ohio House passed their budget bill
including $600 million in bonds for the Browns to build their new stadium
The Browns plan to pay back the bonds with the profits from their Brook Park campus
The bonds could cost the state more than $1 billion over thirty years
The budget bill heads to the Senate for their input before reconciliation between the two chambers
and then it’ll be sent to Governor Mike DeWine
Ohio politicians don’t believe there will be a hiccup in passing the bill
They expect the budget bill to be signed by June 30th
a frustrated Mayor Justin Bibb announced the Cleveland Browns will move to Brook Park
Speculation has been swirling that the city's NFL team would decamp for the suburbs since February
when news broke that the team's owners had reportedly secured an option to purchase 176 acres in Brook Park
have said they were strongly considering moving the team to the neighboring suburb
where they would build a $2 billion domed stadium complex
something that city and county leaders have opposed
deeply disappointed that our exhaustive efforts that the Haslam Sports Group has chosen to pursue a move to Brook Park," Bibb said during the press conference
"They had the opportunity to reinvest in Cleveland ..
We put those options on the table in good faith
The move will "undoubtedly damage the city
county and region in a multitude of ways," Bibb said
adding that the Brook Park complex "threatens viability of Downtown sports" that the city and county have already heavily invested public subsidies in
Bibb, who has vowed to move forward with his sweeping lakefront plan with or without the team
said preliminary plans already exist for possible uses of the Browns site
In September, the Browns struck a deal with Huntington Bank for naming rights of the lakefront stadium or any other stadium the team would call home should they choose to relocate
That stadium will be known as Huntington Bank Field
Bibb said when discussion first started on a new stadium
the team said it was not interested in a domed stadium because the cost would be too high
pitting the Brook Park site against Downtown Cleveland
The mayor said the city lost critical time to find a new site and even floated the idea of building a domed stadium on land now occupied by Burke Lakefront Airport
Bibb said the city would welcome the team back "with open arms" if public financing for the Browns planned Brook Park stadium does not pan out
Cleveland City Council Member Brian Kazy released a statement Thursday urging the county and state to draw a red line when it comes to investing any taxpayer dollars toward the new stadium
it’s all about feeding at the public trough," Kazy wrote
"It's disappointing that the Haslams are looking to pit City against City to fleece taxpayers out of money to build a shiny new fortress
This move demonstrates a lack of genuine commitment to Cleveland and the region..
Their lack of investment in the city is frankly embarrassing."
The Haslams confirmed the news Thursday afternoon
“Our stadium planning process started in 2017 and as Mayor Bibb mentioned today
and collaborative dialogue with the Mayor and his staff
working together to find the optimal long-term solution for our stadium
with our initial focus on renovating the current stadium and engaged design
construction and engineering experts to develop a plan to do so
We also explored building a new stadium on multiple sites
We’ve learned through our exhaustive work that renovating our current stadium will simply not solve many operational issues and would be a short-term approach
we will not attract the type of large-scale events and year-round activity to justify the magnitude of this public-private partnership
The transformational economic opportunities created by a dome far outweigh what a renovated stadium could produce with around ten events per year
In the spirit of exhausting all downtown options and continuing to work in good faith with the Mayor
when he announced his efforts to potentially make Burke available for development last month
we engaged in further diligence with the city and County Executive Ronayne’s staff regarding a potential dome stadium on Burke
geotechnical and environmental challenges were again apparent
County and our team doing their best to make the economics work
building a stadium on the Burke property is cost prohibitive and not feasible
especially with no certainty regarding potential timing of closure of the Airport
We have communicated to the Mayor and his team at every step of the process regarding our mutual efforts to keep the stadium downtown and we conveyed to them yesterday
our most impactful investment for our region is to focus on making a dome stadium and adjacent development in Brook Park a reality
With the funding mechanisms we continue to work on
this stadium will not use existing taxpayer-funded streams that would divert resources from other more pressing needs
will create a major economic development project that will drive the activity necessary to pay the public bond debt service through future project-generated and Browns-generated revenue
A solution like this will be transformative not only for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
but also the entire state of Ohio from the resulting events
moving the current stadium will allow the city and region’s collective vision for the Cleveland lakefront to be optimally realized
and downtown will benefit from the major events the Brook Park dome brings to the region
Cleveland and Northeast Ohio are the fabric of the Browns and that will always be the case
Our community commitment to Cleveland and efforts to improve the lives of its residents will not change
our work with Mayor Bibb and city officials has been transparent and collaborative throughout
We will continue to work in earnest with city
and state officials to work together on these transformational opportunities
we understand this is a complex process with more questions still to be answered and we will continue to communicate openly as our process evolves
We recognize our season on the field has not had the start we all hoped for and are working hard to improve each week to make our fans proud
it is critical that we remain committed to the best long-term
sustainable solution for our stadium and to providing the world-class dome experience our fans deserve. We are confident that the Brook Park project will significantly benefit the Northeast Ohio region for generations to come.”
Haslam Sports Group (HSG) announced their plans for a new Cleveland Browns stadium with a letter from Chief Operating Officer of the Browns David Jenkins and a flyby video of the proposed facility
The move comes after HSG’s decision to shift the Cleveland Browns’ home stadium
Included in the plans are a transparent stadium roof
concourse experiences and a wide range of products not available at the current location,” according to the letter released
Jenkins’ letter says that the proposed stadium will “drive the fiscal and economic impact necessary to pay for the public portion of the funding model” while remaining accessible for home-game attendees
“We love Cleveland and Northeast Ohio and are committed to our community
This project reinforces our dedication to Greater Cleveland and all of Northeast Ohio,” Jenkins said
“We’ve made a promise to ensure our team remains the Cleveland Browns
and our Brook Park plans solidify that commitment.”
These plans were not met with cheers from all
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb blasted the Haslams for their stadium plan
“The Haslam Brook Park scheme will burden taxpayers and damage downtown to benefit billionaires.” In his statement
Bibb said that “[t]heir scheme relies on average ticket prices nearing $700
and the assumption thousands of people will pay high rent to live in luxury apartments in the shadow of the airport.” Bibb also referenced the Haslams’ previous public commitment to renovate the Browns’ current stadium: “[t]he City of Cleveland offered nearly half a billion dollars to keep the Browns in the city
based on the Haslams’ original request for a transformed lakefront stadium.” He added
“It is disingenuous and insulting to say—as the Haslams do in their recent federal court filing—that the city doesn’t have a competitive plan for the lakefront.”
Bibb also claimed that the stadium move violates state law
Ohio’s Modell Law states that teams playing in taxpayer-funded stadiums cannot move their stadium without permission from the “political subdivision” (in this case
the City of Cleveland) or less than six months’ notice and an opportunity for the political subdivision and any individuals within it to purchase the team
HSG refuted this statement in a press release on March 18
claiming that “the City of Cleveland has been misguiding Clevelanders by inaccurately conflating the Brook Park project with Art Modell breaking a lease and moving a team to an entirely different state
The City has done so by invoking the so-called Modell Law—an Ohio law passed in the 1990s in response to the relocation of the Browns out of Ohio—to try and halt the project.” Brook Park is less than 20 miles from the Browns’ current lakefront stadium
HSG has also filed an updated lawsuit against the City of Cleveland
HSG’s Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel Ted Tywang said
“Our actions in court are intended to ensure that the city’s irresponsible and baseless attempt to apply the Model Law to the Browns does not slow our momentum to build a world-class stadium right here in Northeast Ohio for the Browns
an amendment regarding funding for the new facility has been drafted and would insert a $600 million package of bonds into the state budget
This $600 million would contribute to the $3.4 billion necessary to build the new stadium and surrounding development
Ohio — Brook Park is working to move the ball down the field for a new Cleveland Browns stadium – and trying to stay above the fray that erupted this week
City officials weighed in Thursday afternoon
following 36 hours of sparring between Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne and the Browns over the impact of the project and the team’s ask for $1.2 billion in public money
RELATED: A 'betrayal of Ohio taxpayers' War of words heats up between Cleveland and the Browns
Mayor Edward Orcutt described the proposal as a “fiscally sound
innovative approach that will work for the public.”
a $2.4 billion enclosed stadium surrounded by roughly $1 billion worth of mixed-use development near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
will be a game-changer for the community he represents – and the entire region
The city’s economic development commissioner echoed that stance
the numbers look to pencil out,” Paul Marnecheck said during an interview at Brook Park City Hall
but… Mayor Orcutt has issued an order to all of us
The Browns aim to start construction in Brook Park early next year so they can move in 2029
after the team’s lease ends at Huntington Bank Field on Cleveland’s lakefront
They're asking the state and Cuyahoga County to issue bonds to help pay for the stadium
income taxes and parking taxes from the entire project would go toward paying debt service on the county-issued bonds – along with revenues from a proposed increase in the countywide bed tax at hotels and a fee on rental cars
“The overly optimistic projections on the financial modeling put this county at risk,” he said Wednesday
during a news conference where he urged the Browns to stay Downtown and work with Cleveland to renovate the existing
Orcutt said Brook Park has taken a deep look at the proposal and the financials
responsive and collaborative throughout that process
we would collaborate with Cuyahoga County on such a generational project for this area and one that
based on the comprehensive and innovative approach
will not only pay for itself but generate revenue that can be utilized for important projects not only in Brook Park but throughout our region,” Orcutt wrote
Financing experts say Brook Park can’t shoulder the load of issuing $600 million in bonds
Marnecheck said the city is still exploring all its options
“I’d prefer not to say if Brook Park could or can’t
until we have a chance to really go through that with our financial experts,” he said
He said the topic of infrastructure —who pays for it
how it’s funded and who will ultimately own it — is still being discussed
Those costs often fall on the public sector
it’s not only for the next five years,” he said
How do we structure this today so it makes sense for the long-term?”
As a lifelong Browns fan and longtime season ticket holder
Marnecheck is thrilled by the possibility of a new stadium
In their messages to fans about the project
the Browns have said a new Huntington Bank Field would have the closest front row – and back row – to a field in the NFL
“As a guy who sits up in the nosebleeds by choice
It’s really exciting to see what this could be for my beloved Browns,” Marnecheck said
But that vision hinges on securing a mix of public and private financing
They’re lobbying the General Assembly to include support for the project in the next biennial budget
RELATED: Browns reveal more details about Brook Park plans in a pitch to state lawmakers
there's no shortage of debate about the numbers
Bibb called the Brook Park plans a “scheme.” Ronayne cautioned state lawmakers to take a closer look
and it’s risky for the state of Ohio,” he said
I’d be wondering about this plan in Cleveland and its risk to my taxpaying dollars to the state of Ohio.”
RELATED: War of words heats up between Cleveland and the Browns
Conversations about the financing plan moved out from behind closed doors earlier this month when the team's general counsel made a pitch to an Ohio House committee
The Browns insist that their projections are conservative
and that the public will more than recoup what it spends
The public process hasn’t started yet in Brook Park
“We’re still working through that,” Marnecheck said of the next steps
“We’re hoping to have some announcements for the public
but we want to make sure that when we do present to the public
we have everything properly calibrated and we’re ready to make a full presentation.”
His message to everyone who’s watching all the twists and turns in this saga
There’s still a lot of information to come.”
You can read the statement from Mayor Orcutt below:
The City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County aren’t backing down
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne fired back at Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam on Wednesday as the city and county battle to keep the Browns playing on the lakefront while the Haslams push forward with their plan to build a $2.4 billion dome in Brook Park
Haslam Sports Group files amended complaint, seeks resolution on proposed dome in Brook Park
Bibb referred to it as “the Haslam scheme,” and Ronayne called the financing a “risky bet with public dollars.”
Ronayne emphasized the projected revenues are based on a “best case” scenario
assuming more than 2.3 million event tickets sold every year at the dome for 30 years
That would put non-NFL tickets at 1.6 million annually
more than downtown domes draw in Minneapolis
He also said the dome would have a negative impact on facilities within the county
including Rocket Arena and Huntington Convention Center
The county has already made and is obligated to continue to make public investments at those sites
“It’s a risk we shouldn’t take,” Ronayne said
“We have offered a viable proposal to keep the Browns playing on the lakefront in a reimagined stadium as the centerpiece of a huge lakefront development — for half the cost to the public of the dome in Brook Park,” Bibb said in a statement
“The Haslam scheme pays for itself on the backs of fans
make it more expensive for you to attend games
and steal events away from downtown Cleveland to pay for their stadium
The Haslam stadium ploy raises more questions than it answers and makes wild assumptions that will crush taxpayers.”
Analysis: Plenty of work left, starting with putting together puzzle pieces at QB
The Haslam Sports Group pushed back in a statement from a spokesman
“We have detailed the work completed in collaboration with our team of experts and have taken a conservative approach in our exploration and projections for both stadium options,” he said
“The work shows definitively that an enclosed stadium in Brook Park is the most viable long-term solution
and the best choice to ensure a thriving future for the Cleveland Browns
Statement from Browns spokesman after statement from Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. pic.twitter.com/VCb4FjiihG
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) March 19, 2025
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He also took issue with Ronayne saying the revenue projections from admission taxes would require Browns ticket prices to reach an average of nearly $800 over 30 years
“We have not finalized any ticket prices and are committed to offering ticket options at a variety of price points,” the HSG spokesman wrote
“We can say definitively that the average ticket price claimed by the Mayor and County Executive is more than three times what we would expect the average ticket price at the new stadium to be.”
The comments from Bibb and Ronayne were in response to the Haslam Sports Group on Tuesday filing an amended complaint to its federal lawsuit objecting to the “Modell Law,” which the City of Cleveland intends to use to prevent the move to Brook Park after the lakefront stadium lease ends after the 2028 season
The Browns claim that moving to a nearby suburb
while also questioning its constitutionality
The Haslams want to start construction on the dome in 2026
seek resolution to the situation and continue to affirm their commitment to the project in Brook Park
Mailbag: If Browns trade down, how far would they go?
the HSG lawyer said “the city seeks to hold the Browns hostage to its failure of vision.”
the Browns considered a billion-dollar state-of-the-art renovation to the current stadium that would’ve been part of a larger lakefront development project
the city still does not have an actionable plan for connecting the lakefront to Downtown on any timeline
let alone one that can be executed by 2029,” the lawyer said in the filing
The filing called the renovation plan “short-sighted,” saying it would cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and “leave them with nothing more than they have now — a deteriorating open-air stadium that sits idle most of the year.”
Bibb posted his statement on X with a comment
“The Haslams made misleading statements about the diligent work the city has done over the past three years to revitalize the lakefront
& keep football on the lakefront,” he wrote
“They want to squander taxpayer dollars to invest over a $1 billion into a domed stadium in Brook Park while openly violating state law.”
released a statement contradicting the HSG lawyer
“After decades of endless talk about lakefront development
the City of Cleveland has a clear vision and well-funded plan to make this connection real
securing $20 million from the State and $130 million from the federal government to construct the North Coast Connector,” he wrote
“The Browns have the opportunity to anchor transformational change in our downtown.”
In August Bibb released a plan for a 30-year lease extension on the lakefront
including a total city investment of $461 million
which doesn’t include any new commitment from Cuyahoga County or the state
The largest chunk from Cleveland would be $227 million from increases in admission tax revenues — from fans buying the tickets — with $120 million from county sin tax revenues and $20 million in existing stadium capital reserves
The Browns questioned the legitimacy of the numbers and announced in October they were moving forward with the plan for Brook Park
which would include a $1 billion privately funded mixed-use development around the stadium
The HSG called the renovation a “risky bet.”
“It includes no concrete path for making funds available to start construction
it will burden its taxpayers for decades to come while kicking the can down the road.”
The Browns’ proposal has the Haslams paying for half the $2.4 billion dome
with the state covering $600 million and local government $600 million
They’ve proposed using government-backed bonds to cover the public costs and repaying them with expected tax revenue from the stadium and surrounding area
rental cars and admission to events at the dome
Ronayne contested the practicality and implementation of the taxes and noted the majority of cars rented in the county are by residents not visitors
Last week the Browns made a proposal to the state to provide more than $38 million upfront that would be used if revenue from the stadium projects doesn’t cover the cost of the bonds issued by the state
Ronayne said no such offer was made to the county or Brook Park
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Ohio — The Cleveland Browns say they’re still looking for $1.2 billion in public financing for an enclosed stadium in Brook Park – and they haven’t given up on convincing the state and Cuyahoga County to issue bonds to bridge that gap
sat down with reporters Thursday afternoon to walk through their proposal
The off-camera meeting came as the Browns are trying to win enough government support to make their vision for a mixed-use stadium district a reality – with hopes of starting construction in early 2026
“These kinds of opportunities don’t come along a lot,” Haslam said
Their presentation shows that the Haslams are still predicting a $2.4 billion price tag for the stadium
with half that money coming from public sources
The idea is to have the state and county issue bonds to generate up-front cash for construction
That debt would largely be repaid using tax revenues from the project - admissions taxes
"There's not one penny of existing taxes coming out of the county
the state's budget that would be directed towards this project," said Dave Jenkins
the chief operating officer of Haslam Sports Group
"but there's some mistruth out there about what it's going to do to taxpayers
And it's important to have the facts out there."
But Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has balked at that proposal
He doubled down on his skepticism Thursday afternoon
and we don't see it," he said during an on-camera interview
We don't see ourselves putting taxpayers at risk with this Brook Park plan."
Mike DeWine said there’s a role the state can play in helping to pay for new and renovated stadium projects – but his solution
RELATED: Cuyahoga County leaders say they won't back a new Browns stadium in Brook Park
As part of his biennial budget proposal – a jumping-off point for discussions with the General Assembly – DeWine wants to double the tax rate that sports gambling companies pay on profits
calls for raising Ohio’s sports-betting tax to 40%
The DeWine administration believes the state’s take would increase by $130 million to $180 million a year – money that could go toward new and renovated sports facilities and youth sports programs
But even if that idea gains support from legislators
the money might not come in fast enough for the Browns
DeWine’s budget bill says decisions about stadium funding would be managed by a new advisory committee
with most of its members appointed by the governor and Ohio House and Senate leaders
Their lease on Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field ends after the 2028 football season
and they hope to start playing in Brook Park in 2029
It takes at least three years to build a new stadium
The governor's budget proposal says new major sports facilities must cost $1 billion or more to qualify for state aid
State funding would also be available for stadium renovation projects if they cost at least $100 million
like what the Haslams want to build in Brook Park
RELATED: DeWine reveals plan for Ohio taxpayers to help pay for Browns dome in Brook Park
teams would have to commit to playing most of their home games in the new or renovated stadiums for 30 years
Haslam said his family sees the Brook Park project as a long-term play
“This facility we would build would last at least 50 years,” he said
The enclosed stadium would be surrounded by development – apartments
restaurants and 12,000 to 14,000 surface parking spaces
RELATED: How will the Browns pay for a new stadium in Brook Park? Here's what we know.
“We look at this as a sports and entertainment district,” Haslam said
The Browns predict that the project will produce a net gain of more than $3.4 billion for Brook Park
the county and the state over three decades
Consultants working with the Browns say the project also will have positive spillover effects for Cleveland
Their findings conflict with a city-commissioned study that says the project will just shift existing spending and tax revenues within the region – and threaten the health of Downtown
RELATED: A Browns move to Brook Park will deal an economic blow to Cleveland, study says
who joined the meeting virtually from Tennessee
suggested that excess tax revenues from the Brook Park development could be used for long-term upkeep of the suburban stadium and to help pay for other projects
from an overhaul of Cleveland Hopkins Airport to new county buildings to remaking the lakefront
"This is a community that could do it all," Dee Haslam said
"We just need to work together to get it done."
Thursday’s meeting marked the first public unveiling of a financing plan that Haslam Sports Group has been quietly shopping to lawmakers and public officials for the last year
The Browns are still asking the county to issue bonds to generate up to $600 million for the project
That debt would be repaid using a mix of city and county taxes –tax revenues generated by the entire mixed-use development
the Browns are talking about tapping admissions taxes
they’re lobbying officials to add 1% to the existing bed tax on hotel stays
And they’re asking the county to create a countywide rental car fee
“What enables this entire thing … is the strength of the county’s balance sheet
Their ability to borrow money much cheaper than Brook Park,” Jenkins said
He said the Browns are working to find alternatives
if the team can’t reach a deal with the county
Ronayne wouldn't speculate on whether the Haslams can advance their Brook Park vision without county-issued bonds
"I can't speak for Haslam Sports Group," he said Thursday
He’s repeatedly said the Haslams’ public-financing request is too much for the county to take on
at a time when there are so many other needs
including a new jail and a possible consolidated courthouse on the horizon
And Ronayne is still urging the Browns to stay Downtown
I see one with inflated figures that we don't see penciling out – at the risk of the taxpayers," he said of the Brook Park proposal
I see a doable-soon plan that can get into place to see football on the lake for the forseeable future."
Brook Park Mayor Edward Orcutt has told News 5 that he’s enthusiastic about the project – and the prospect of luring new residents
businesses and spending to his inner-ring suburb
But the deal has to work for the city and the region
Browns representatives continue to meet with Ronayne and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb
who broke the news in October when the Haslams ended long-running talks about renovating the existing stadium and renewing their lease Downtown
RELATED: Browns leaving Downtown Cleveland for Brook Park
Haslam and Jenkins outlined their concerns about staying put on the lakefront
from limited parking to traffic snarls getting in and out of the stadium to ongoing repair needs at the 25-year-old building
“It is a hassle … and there’s no real way to fix it,” Haslam said
He and Jenkins also reiterated that building a new
enclosed stadium on part of the Burke Lakefront Airport property – an idea floated by the city last year – is off the table
Their Brook Park plans call for two hotels
300,000 square feet of retail and 500,000 square feet of office space – plus a sea of parking
They hope to finish the first phase of the mixed-use development in 2029
with about half the apartments and retail and 450 hotel rooms opening around the same time as the stadium
The Haslams say they'd be investing more than $2 billion into the overall deal – and taking responsibility for any cost overruns on the stadium project
They're promising thousands of jobs and a much-improved fan experience
with the lowest and closets seats in the NFL; a grand concourse; 67,500 seats for Browns games
plus space for 2,500 standing-room-only fans; and the flexibility to hold events with anywhere from 7,000 to 75,000 seats
they can get the buy-in they need to pay for it
The state’s budget has to be approved by late June
“The most difficult part of this project is the public funding
We know how to finance things privately from our former lives with Pilot,” Haslam said
referring to the truck stop and travel center business that his family recently sold off
and that will happen over the next four and a half months."
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have taken another step toward realizing their vision for a new domed stadium and entertainment district in Brook Park
The team announced Thursday afternoon that they've firmed up their commitment to buying 176 acres off Snow Road
across from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
But Haslam Sports Group confirmed that it made a significant payment toward the purchase
following through on the terms of an agreement signed last year
according to a notice of that purchase agreement filed with the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office
That public document doesn't get into the terms of the deal or the price of the land
along with an adjacent mixed-use development," Dave Jenkins
chief operating officer for Haslam Sports Group
The current owner is a joint venture between three developers: Weston Inc.
Scannell Properties and the DiGeronimo Cos
for $31.5 million in the spring of 2021 and initially planned to transform it into an industrial park
A Haslam Sports Group affiliate called Primacy Development LLC signed the agreement to buy the property on March 20 of last year
the Browns were still weighing a move to the suburbs against staying put in Cleveland
team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam ended talks with Cleveland over renovating the existing
city-owned stadium on the Downtown lakefront
sunk 80 feet into the ground because of its proximity to the airport
The Haslams are asking the public to pick up half of that tab by pledging anticipated tax revenues from the broader development to repaying debt
the state hasn't announced a commitment to the project
a law firm with experience in incentives and economic development
to advise city officials during negotiations
But Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has urged the Browns to stay Downtown
He's repeatedly expressed skepticism about whether the Brook Park project is viable
And he's said it wouldn't be fiscally responsible for the county to issue hundreds of millions of dollars in debt for the deal
RELATED: 'This dog doesn't hunt.' Cuyahoga County leaders say they won't back a new Browns stadium in Brook Park
Jenkins acknowledged that "work remains with our public partners on the project."
are talking about building two hotels; 1,100 apartments; 300,000 square feet of retail; 500,000 square feet of office space; and enough parking for 12,000 to 14,000 cars
That ancillary development would cost about $1 billion
The mixed-use development would happen in phases
with the stadium and the first group of buildings - hospitality
restaurants and entertainment - opening in 2029
released new images of the proposed stadium district last month
RELATED: Browns pick developer, release new images of Brook Park stadium district
Jenkins described the additional payment on the Brook Park property as a notable move forward
"This is a key step in our efforts to create a responsible
long-term stadium solution that delivers a world-class experience for our fans
attracts more large-scale events for our region and positively impacts our local economy," he said in a written statement
The team's lease on the existing stadium ends after the 2028 football season
The Browns and the city of Cleveland are sparring over whether a state law commonly known as the Modell law could complicate the team's moving plans
the law is designed to prevent professional sports teams from leaving taxpayer-supported facilities
It requires team owners to get a city's approval to move - or to provide a six-month window in which the city or area residents have a chance to buy the team
The law, Section 9.67 of the Ohio Revised Code
is colloquially named after former Browns owner Art Modell
who moved the team to Baltimore in the 1990s
the Browns filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking clarity on the constitutionality of the Modell law
RELATED: Browns sue city of Cleveland over Modell law as stadium battle heats up
They argue that the law is vague and unenforceable; that it violates the NFL's rules; and that it doesn't apply in this situation
since the Browns wouldn't be moving to Brook Park until their lease is over in Cleveland
Cleveland's law director told News 5 in October that the city was preparing to enforce the Modell law
Cleveland City Council passed an ordinance requiring the law department to act if the Browns signaled their intention to leave
The city hasn't filed a response yet to the Browns' complaint in federal court
But Mayor Justin Bibb recently sent the Haslams a letter reiterating that the city is contemplating legal action
the mayor said the city plans to "take a leadership role" in finding a local buyer or group of buyers for the team
RELATED: Cleveland leaders, Browns owners spar over 'Art Modell Law'
The article is published as part of an exclusive content-sharing agreement with neo-trans.blog
Active discussions between the city of Cleveland
Cuyahoga County and the owners of the Cleveland Browns are back on for the $1.2 billion renovation of the city-owned
1999-built stadium on Downtown Cleveland’s lakefront
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne told NEOtrans in an interview Thursday
Sources at the pro football team and their majority owner
acknowledged the lakefront conversations are happening again with Ronayne
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and their staffs
describing them as “productive” compared to having little or no interaction just two months ago
HSG is owned by Jimmy Haslam and and his wife Dee Haslam
Ronayne says that “active” conversations are happening. It points to a thawing of what was a frosty relationship in the waning months of 2024 between HSG and Ronayne plus Bibb
Both the city and HSG filed lawsuits against each other
Ronayne told NEOtrans he is “optimistic” about the conversations he and Bibb are having with HSG regarding the existing stadium that could be redesigned with everyday hospitality uses as well as potential lakefront development sites nearby that could include lands to the west of the stadium and the Municipal Parking Lot east of East Ninth Street
HSG representatives said that closing Burke is a complex process with an aggressive timeline being five to seven years
The Haslams said that for every year construction is delayed could add $100 million to $150 million in stadium construction costs
if HSG is able to move forward with the Brook Park site
the team source said HSG would support the city’s lakefront redevelopment plans
including via the expenditure of private funds
The pivot point for where further stadium planning will be focused is when state lawmakers begin finalizing the state’s operating budget for the next two years
Although the budget has to be approved by the legislature before the start of the state’s fiscal year on July 1
it typically starts to crystalize by April
HSG is seeking $600 million from the state for its Brook Park stadium and $600 million from the city/county. The state contribution would be far less for the lakefront stadium renovation with the city/county offering $461 million
Private sources would fund about half of the total regardless of location
HSG’s favored state funding mechanism was a $600 million bond issue serviced by state taxes generated by the Brook Park stadium and nearby developments
It would allow the Brook Park stadium to get the state funding up front
It might also put the state and local governments on the hook if stadium tax revenues were insufficient
Mike DeWine proposed a new Sports Facilities Construction and Sports Education Fund that could be funded by doubling the state’s sports betting tax rate to 40 percent
The permanent tax increase could generate $130 million to $180 million per year in new revenue — with the lower-end estimate being more likely
the revenue could not be used to service debt on a bond issue
That means $600 million up-front in state money might not be possible
HSG has to get a new stadium under construction by mid-2026 for it to be completed in time for the 2029 National Football League (NFL) playing season which starts in August of each year
The Browns’ lease at the lakefront stadium ends after the 2028 NFL season
DeWine has proposed funding awards for sports education and facilities would be made by a new commission appointed by the governor and the state legislature
New or renovated stadiums for professional sports would compete with funding for school/community sports/recreation programs and facilities
“The model we’ve proposed on the state level would leverage only the incremental tax revenues from within the (Brook Park) development itself to enable the project,” said Dave Jenkins
HSG’s chief operating officer said in a recent press statement
The funding practice is commonly called “value capture.”
DeWine’s stadium funding proposal is agnostic as to location — it doesn’t pick a winner among Cleveland or Brook Park in this emotionally charged contest
But that doesn’t mean HSG has given up on securing Brook Park-specific financing from the state
“We continue to work with the appropriate stakeholders and other experienced experts to develop alternative funding mechanisms for an enclosed Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park
knowing the importance of not tapping into existing taxpayer funds that go to other pressing community needs,” Jenkins added
Ohio — The path to space could soon go through Brook Park
In what’s being touted as a historic agreement
NASA is partnering with a UK-based company to advance commercial space training
The so-called Space Act Agreement between NASA and Blue Abyss marks the next step in bringing a new commercial astronaut training and research facility to Brook Park’s west side
“Anyone that’s going to space is going to have to go through Brook Park
Brook Park City Council approved the sale of land near John Glenn International Airport and the NASA Glenn Research Center
RELATED: Brook Park City Council approves sale of land for multi-million dollar astronaut training facility
Blue Abyss told News 5 that its $250 million project would feature a large hotel and a 155-foot deep
multi-level pool designed to simulate the conditions of space and deep sea exploration
“We’re preparing humanity for a future in our oceans and in space
aided and abetted by robotics,” Chief Executive John Vickers said
NASA said the partnership announced Wednesday underscores a shared vision to advance a competitive commercial space sector
The agency will provide its expertise with market research
“We have testing facilities that are getting older here on Earth
And we’re looking for ways to do things for the long-term after that,” explained Josh Freeh
a NASA engineer and the technical lead for the Blue Abyss collaboration
NASA and Blue Abyss will collaborate on new methods for training and conducting research
“It enables us to do many more tests at a lower cost per test,” explained Freeh
“And [we can] learn more about zero gravity and partial gravity
Mars environment and other planetary and moon environments as well.”
Northeast Ohio leaders see the project as a vote of confidence in the region’s role in space research and training
They also recognize the economic benefits the Blue Abyss facility could provide
“As we add another asset to our community that’s attached to aerospace technology
what it does is give us long-term sustainability with NASA in our backyard,” said Orcutt
He explained the construction and operation of the facility will likely create new jobs
As the city and state brace for other investments in new technology
he also expects the project could give the city and state an early foothold in an emerging industry
but also for the state of Ohio,” Orcutt said
The project will now enter a planning phase where Blue Abyss will lay out its 10-year vision
The Cleveland Browns could get help from state lawmakers to build a new stadium under a budget proposal unveiled Tuesday by the Ohio House
who have accused owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam of violating state law
"We're going to have local Super Bowls played in the stadium − hopefully an Ohio team is playing in one of them," Rep
I really do think when the ribbon is cut and people walk in the door
I think people are going to be happy that this is in Ohio."
Browns news: Jimmy Haslam takes blame for Browns' Deshaun Watson trade, calls it 'swing and miss'
Mike DeWine's proposal to double the gaming tax and use the additional money to fund youth sports and construction for sports facilities
DeWine contends taxpayers can't continue to foot the bill for stadium projects and wants sports betting companies to "pay their fair share."
"This will permanently solve our problem," DeWine said during a recent forum at the Columbus Metropolitan Club
every governor in the future is going to have to face the challenge of
do we put $40 million here for this stadium or that stadium?'"
The Browns asked state and local leaders for $1.2 billion in bonds to fund half of the stadium project
which includes a new entertainment district
The state would repay its bond with tax revenue generated by the development
Stewart said the bond would cost around $1 billion over its 30-year life
Haslam Sports Group pledged to invest $38 million up front − which Stewart said could grow to $130 million − to help with repayment if the stadium doesn't make enough money
and it will change the trajectory of northeast Ohio and create transformational change for our region and the state of Ohio," Ted Tywang
chief administrative officer for Haslam Sports Group
Browns news: Jimmy Haslam: 'Unbelievably disappointing year' but 'confidence' in Browns GM, head coach
The Haslams' proposal has sparked blowback and legal battles. Cleveland officials contend the project runs afoul of the Modell Law
which restricts the movement of professional sports teams that use taxpayer-funded facilities
Critics also worry the Haslams overstated the economic benefits of a new stadium
(This story was updated with additional information.)
Statehouse reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@gannett.com or @haleybemiller on X and Bluesky
As promised, the City of Cleveland has sued the Browns' owners over their plans to move from the Downtown, city-owned stadium to a new, $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park.
The city invoked the Modell Law, a state law that requires sports teams that play in taxpayer-funded stadiums to get permission to move from their home city or give six-month notice with a chance for the city or an investor “in the area” to offer to buy the team
the city's law director and chief legal counsel
argued that by accepting more than $350 million in taxpayer dollars
the Browns are violating state law and contracts with the city
“The Modell Law is clear: if you take taxpayer money to fund your stadium
you have obligations to the community that made that investment possible,” Griffin said in a written statement
“The Haslam Group’s circumvention of these requirements not only undermines the trust of Cleveland’s residents but also violates a law designed to protect all Ohioans.”
named for the team's former owner who moved the Browns to Baltimore in 1996
This isn't the first time the Haslams have dealt with the Modell Law — though last time
Jimmy Haslam and another investor purchased the Columbus Crew when the professional soccer team eyed a move to Austin
who are currently not complying with Ohio's Modell Law
previously relied on the same law to acquire the Columbus Crew soccer team," Griffin said
"Their use of the law to secure the Crew underscores the importance of these protections for communities and taxpayers
making their current sidestepping of the Modell Law even more glaring.”
But because the Columbus Crew did not move away
legal experts say the largely unused law's constitutionality and effectiveness remain in question: It may only delay construction by six months
The Browns intend to open their Brook Park stadium in 2029
The Browns did not immediately respond to requests for comment.