Cuyahoga County leaders issued a letter to Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, addressing their desire to keep the Browns in Cleveland.
There have been ongoing conversations concerning the location of the Browns Stadium among the Haslams and local leaders. The options are a proposed dome stadium in Brook Park versus a renovation at the current location on the lake.
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In its letter to the Haslams, the county said the proposed stadium in Brook Park is illogical fiscally for Cuyahoga County residents and taxpayers. The county said any proposal that would create a financial risk cannot be considered.
The county said it has seen billions of dollars in investment into Downtown Cleveland and said a renovation to the Downtown stadium will help with future lakefront development.
"We acknowledge this transformational investment is about more than just dollars and cents. The stadium is more than just a venue," the county said in its letter. "The team represents the heart and soul of Northeast Ohio and reinforces our community's identity and pride. Browns fans have a deep-rooted emotional connection to the team's rich history in Downtown Cleveland."
This morning, the Executive and Council President affirmed their commitment to keep the Browns in Downtown Cleveland in a letter to Jimmy and Dee Haslam. pic.twitter.com/xewSDjHEFS
— Cuyahoga County (@CuyahogaCounty) August 11, 2024
After the county released its letter to the Haslams, Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin released a statement agreeing that keeping the stadium Downtown would boost the city's civic and economic future.
"Maintaining the Browns' stadium at the core of our central business district is absolutely critical—not merely for sports, but for the economic vitality and communal spirit of our city. A downtown stadium is a powerhouse for local businesses, a catalyst for job creation, and a significant boost to our city's energy and appeal. The Browns are an integral part of Cleveland's identity, drawing both visitors and residents to our downtown, and their presence is indispensable for the growth and vibrancy of our community. I look forward to working with our partners at the County, here at City Hall, and the Browns front office to keep the Browns where they belong - right here in Cleveland."
The Haslams released the following in response to the county's letter.
