Cleveland’s mayor answers how the city can keep the Browns on the lakefront and from leaving downtown

Cleveland Browns have a couple of seasons left playing in their current stadium before they either have major upgrades done or will have a whole new stadium built.

Recently, owner Jimmy Haslam confirmed the Browns are working toward a deal to obtain over 170 acres in nearby Brook Park. It is where a stadium with a dome would be built and it would mark the Browns leaving the lakefront.

The Browns have been in negotiations with the city to have help with the costs of building up the lakefront and the property in Brook Park appears to be a safety net. City of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb provided an update on where things stand when he was asked how he would keep the Browns in downtown, via Fox 8. 

“I can’t comment on the specific aspects of the deal because we are currently in active negotiations, but as I said before, we want a competitive, responsible deal that keeps the Browns downtown in Cleveland and we know everyone wants to ensure that we have as well, a world-class lakefront and hopefully the Browns will be a part of that future lakefront development,” explained Bibb.

The Browns’ lease on the stadium does not expire until after the 2028 season. It is a bit away but it is close enough to where plans need to be worked on. The Haslams were clear that the stadium would be in the Cleveland area if it is not downtown and there would be no worry of the Browns leaving town again.

"And I think there’s an opportunity here to perhaps build a dome stadium that can transform our area,” said Dee Haslam. “That’s something exciting to think about. We’re looking at both options. Not one option is above the other. But I do think that Cleveland deserves to be thought of as this evolving, forward-thinking, creative city as opposed to not thinking big."