The Cleveland Browns have made headlines regarding potential future stadium plans. It is getting discussed more due to a report that the Browns’ ownership group bought 176 acres of land in Brook Park. Since this news came out, Cleveland has made a public statement about the latest rumors.
Cleveland Browns’ Statement
As mentioned above, the Cleveland Browns had spokesperson Peter John-Baptiste release a statement regarding potential future stadium plans. Here is what he had to say:
“We’ve been clear on how complex future stadium planning can be. One certainty is our commitment to greatly improving our fan experience while also creating a transformative and lasting impact to benefit all of Northeast Ohio. We understand the magnitude of opportunity with a stadium project intent on driving more large-scale events to our region and are methodically looking at every possibility.
We appreciate the collaborative process with the City of Cleveland and the leadership of Mayor Bibb in analyzing the landbridge and renovating the current stadium. At the same time, as part of our comprehensive planning efforts, we are also studying other potential stadium options in Northeast Ohio at various additional sites. There is still plenty of work to do and diligence to process before a long term stadium solution is determined and will share further updates at the appropriate time.”
Current Stadium Situation
A big reason why speculation is arising is because of the Browns’ current lease situation. The lease with their current stadium expires in 2028. That puts them against the clock to decide where their future home games are going to be played.
Cleveland Browns Stadium opened in 1999. By the end of the current lease, the stadium will be 30 years old. That means there is pressure to get the money necessary to renovate their current stadium if the Browns plan on remaining there beyond 2028. If not, this land purchase in Brook Park could be the start of a new venture for the Browns.
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