The Cleveland Browns are making power moves—not on the field, but in real estate.
The organization has unveiled plans for a $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park, complete with a surrounding entertainment district and year-round event potential. A huge step for the franchise, but one that’s stirring debate across Ohio.
The proposed plan would split funding between public and private sources. The Haslam Sports Group, owners of the Browns, will contribute around $1.2 billion. The remaining $1.2 billion will come from public funds, including a $600 million contribution from the state and additional funding from Cuyahoga County and the city of Brook Park.
The new stadium would replace aging Huntington Bank Stadium and is designed to handle not just football, but concerts, Final Fours, and potentially Super Bowls. That kind of vision has fans and officials excited, but also cautious.
Critics are raising familiar concerns: taxpayer burden, traffic headaches, and the question of whether Cleveland even needs a new stadium with so many civic needs still unmet. Supporters argue that this isn’t just a stadium—it’s an investment in Cleveland’s future economy and national profile.
There’s no doubt it would transform the fan experience. Gone would be the bitter late-season cold winds from Lake Erie. In would come a climate-controlled, modern venue with better access, improved parking, and year-round usability.
But the plan isn’t official yet. It still needs approval from several government bodies, and with state elections on the horizon, the proposal could become political ammo.
If it passes, construction could begin as early as 2026, with the new stadium opening in time for the 2029 season.
In a league trending toward flashy, multi-purpose venues, the Browns are clearly looking to keep up. The only question now is whether the city is fully on board.