Dawgs By Nature
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs state budget providing $600M for domed stadium in Brook Park.
The Cleveland Browns may not be loading the moving trucks just yet, but their journey to a new stadium in Brook Park is oh so close to being finalized.
Last week, state lawmakers approved $600 million, which represents half the $1.2 million in public funding to construct the domed stadium. Haslam Sports Group quickly followed by purchasing 176 acres of land near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport for the project, which, in addition to the stadium, includes a mixed-use lifestyle and entertainment district.
Governor Mike DeWine signed the state budget late Monday evening, ensuring that the $600 million will be on the way. In addition, the approved budget includes language to update the so-called Modell Law, which seeks to stop professional sports teams from leaving their taxpayer-supported stadiums unless they receive permission from city leaders or provide an opportunity for locals to buy the team.
The law now only applies to a team looking to leave the state, and as long as the team fulfills its stadium lease, the team would be considered compliant. The Browns are only moving about 13 miles away, and team ownership has said it plans to play out its current lease at Huntington Bank Field, so that should clear out the ongoing legal fight with the City of Cleveland.
Finally, the budget also guarantees that the Browns will continue to receive one-third of the revenue from Cuyahoga County’s “sin tax” on beer, wine, liquor, and cigarettes.
With everything coming together in their favor, owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam issued a statement on Tuesday thanking DeWine and other state leaders for their support:
“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. 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.”
While this is another major step toward Brook Park, the Haslams still have a few more details to take care of before the move becomes officially official:
