Browns released update regarding possible stadium intentions

Following a story disclosing team ownership’s purchase of a large plot of property near Cleveland Hopkins Airport, the Browns issued a statement about the organization’s plans for a future stadium.

Following a tip by Ken Pendergast of the NEO Trans Blog, Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam purchased a 176-acre tract of land near Brookpark. The team issued a statement addressing their future stadium plans.

“We’ve been clear on how complex future stadium planning can be. One certainty is our commitment to greatly improving our fan experience while also creating a transformative and lasting impact to benefit all of Northeast Ohio. We understand the magnitude of opportunity with a stadium project intent on driving more large-scale events to our region and are methodically looking at every possibility. We appreciate the collaborative process with the City of Cleveland and leadership of Mayor Bibb in analyzing the landbridge and renovating the current stadium. At the same time, as part of or comprehensive planning efforts, we are also studying other potential stadium options in Northeast Ohio at various additional sites. There is still plenty of work to do and diligence to process before a long term solution is determined and will share further updates at the appropriate time.”

The statement appears to confirm that the reported site purchase near Cleveland Hopkins Airport will be considered for a future stadium. Browns ownership and the city have prioritized retaining the team downtown during the negotiation process.

Throughout the franchise’s 78-year history, the team’s home games have always been held in downtown venues. This new land is approximately 12 miles from the team’s present home stadium on the Lakefront.

If such a relocation were to occur, it would also merge the Browns’ whole operations with the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus practice facility, which is only five minutes from the airport. The team is preparing to expand the complex after acquiring areas of the adjacent neighborhoods.