**Cleveland Offers $461M Plan to Renovate Browns Stadium**
As the 2028 NFL season approaches its conclusion, the Cleveland Browns’ lease with the city for their current stadium will expire. Despite the potential for relocation, the franchise is committed to remaining in its historic home, situated along Lake Erie. In response, Cleveland has put forward a $461 million renovation proposal for the waterfront stadium, demonstrating the city’s dedication to preserving the Browns’ traditional home ground.
According to a report from Cleveland.com, the city’s proposal includes a significant financial commitment: $227 million will come from a proposed increase in ticket taxes. Additionally, the plan outlines a 30-year lease extension for the Browns, with a response requested by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb by August 12. This move underscores the city’s intention to keep the Browns in Cleveland for the long term.
The Browns have a rich history at this site, dating back to their inception in 1946. When the NFL reintroduced the franchise in the late 1990s—after the original Browns relocated and became the Baltimore Ravens—the current stadium was built to serve as their new home. Although the venue is relatively young at 25 years old, recent structural audits indicate that repairs are needed. The proposal for renovations aims to address these issues while extending the stadium’s life.
However, Browns ownership, led by the Haslam family, has considered an alternative: constructing a new, multi-billion-dollar domed stadium in Brook Park, a suburb approximately 14 miles south. This proposal involves using Ohio state tax dollars for funding. Despite the current stadium’s relatively good condition, the projected cost for the new stadium is nearly double the renovation proposal.
Browns General Manager Andrew Berry has expressed a preference for an indoor facility, aligning with the Haslams’ vision of a modernized stadium environment. In contrast, the city argues that renovating the existing stadium is in Cleveland’s best interest. Mayor Bibb emphasized that transforming the current facility would benefit both Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, aligning with the city’s vision of long-term investment in the community.
The Browns, who finished the 2023 season with an 11-6 record and an AFC wild-card round loss, are entering their 76th season. They will open the regular season at home against the Dallas Cowboys. Despite a challenging year marked by injuries and a carousel of quarterbacks—including veteran Joe Flacco’s surprising rise—the Browns remain hopeful. As they seek their first division title in over three decades, top sportsbooks have set modest expectations for the team’s success in the upcoming season.
