Browns Unveil $2.4B Stadium Plan
The Cleveland Browns and Brook Park released a master plan for a $2.4 billion new stadium and mixed-use destination. The project repurposes the site as a year-round community hub beyond just game days, representing one of the NFL's most ambitious facility projects.
The new stadium is planned for a 176-acre site in Brook Park, near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which was formerly a Ford Motor Co. engine plant. Haslam Sports Group (HSG), the team's ownership, secured the land for purchase, signaling a definitive move away from the downtown lakefront location. The previous Ford plant on the site, known as Cleveland Engine Plant No. 2, opened in 1955 and produced engines for vehicles like the Thunderbird and Mustang before closing in 2012. The team's current lease at Huntington Bank Field, owned by the City of Cleveland, expires after the 2028 NFL season. After negotiations and legal disputes concerning the "Modell Law," which aims to prevent sports teams from relocating, the Browns and the city reached a $100 million settlement. This agreement clears the path for the move to Brook Park and includes provisions for the demolition of the current stadium, with the Browns contributing to the cost. The first phase of the Brook Park development, set to open with the new stadium in 2029, will include a 350-room hotel, an event venue, and the majority of the planned 300,000 square feet of retail space. The full build-out is designed to add 1,588 residential units, 500,000 square feet of office space, and additional hotel rooms. The architecture firm HKS, known for designing other major stadiums like AT&T Stadium, is leading the design for the new venue. Haslam Sports Group has stated they are privately financing a significant portion of the overall project, framing it as the largest per capita private sports facility investment in U.S. history. The group's portfolio extends beyond the Browns, including operating rights to the MLS's Columbus Crew and co-ownership of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing their experience with large-scale sports and entertainment ventures.
