THE Cleveland Browns celebrated a major milestone in the bid to move away from their downtown stadium.
The team are planning on constructing a $2.4 billion facility the the Brook Park suburb.
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Their bid has been met with some opposition given the cost and moving the NFL team from the heart of downtown.
But this week provided a major development for the team.
And it also means a likely end to their time at the current Huntington Bank Field.
The stadium opened in 1999 and is situated right on the lake adjacent to downtown.
It was built to bring the historic franchise back after the Browns were controversially ripped away.
A new Cleveland Browns team was created and has played at the field since 1999 while the previous side became the Baltimore Ravens.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine officially signed off on the state’s new budget this week.
He allocated $600 million in previously unclaimed funds for the new Browns stadium project.
The money will be given to the NFL team as a performance grant and paid back using proceeds from the new stadium.
The sum contributes one quarter of the estimated $2.4 billion overall cost.
Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam released a statement after the breakthrough.
It read, “We respect the firm commitment and leadership that Governor DeWine, and the Ohio Senate and House have shown in their collaborative work to find a responsible way to support such a transformative project.
“One that will create a generational impact for our region and the State.
“Our fans deserve a world-class facility, and we are committed to building a state-of-the-art enclosed stadium that resonates with Cleveland, highlighting our loyal and passionate fans and the Dawg Pound, while also incorporating innovation, bold design, and an immersive experience.
“The new enclosed Huntington Bank Field will be completely fan-centric, a first-of-its-kind design in the NFL, and a dynamic venue that draws visitors from across Ohio and beyond, for concerts and significant sporting events throughout the year.
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“This premiere facility will anchor a major lifestyle and entertainment development and be a catalyst for one of Northeast Ohio’s largest economic development projects ever and something our community will be proud of and can enjoy for years to come.
“We appreciate the support of State leaders and their belief in this transformative project.”
But not everybody is happy about the team’s move from downtown to the suburbs.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said, “We are deeply disappointed that the final state budget includes both a $600 million public subsidy for a domed stadium in Brook Park and changes to Ohio’s Modell Law — provisions we strongly opposed and requested be removed.
“Relocating the Browns will divert economic activity from downtown, create a competing entertainment district, and disrupt the momentum of our lakefront redevelopment.”
