What it means for the fans:
Reactions to the news that the team may be moving the stadium out of downtown have been mixed. Some see it as a huge win for the franchise and its loyal fans, who look forward to the amenities a new stadium can bring. Others feel a similar sense of betrayal to when the Browns moved to Baltimore in 1996. While that feeling may arise, there is no question that the Browns intend to stay in the Cleveland area and provide the best experience for their fans.
The amenities the Browns expect to have at the current Cleveland Browns Stadium will be a huge improvement in almost every way. Improving parking for fans appears to be one of the main goals of this potential transition. The site will offer a shorter walking distance to the stadium, a very short drive to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, and a very close location to freeways for quick exits. The other main goal to be achieved with this transition is a dome. This will not only bring larger venues to the city, but will also provide a comfortable and warm environment for the Browns and their fans year-round.
One of the last features that many fans feared would disappear is the improved Dawg Pound area. This new end of the end zone looks to offer more seats with better views, as well as an intimidating vertical advantage that will be very exciting to see in real time. Without knowing the specific details of the Dawg Pound and other seating areas in the stadium, there are many reasons to trust that Haslams will provide improved views from every seat.
What it means for the city:
Cleveland city officials have not publicly presented their proposal for an improved stadium during these discussions. There is a fear that if the Cleveland Browns move forward with this move to Brook Park, the city’s influence over them will slowly disappear. This fear is especially prevalent among downtown fans who do not want to see their team leave the lakefront yet again. In fact, this would be very beneficial for both sides, as the city can use its money elsewhere.
With the Brook Park proposal, the city of Cleveland can focus on amenities around Cleveland that will continue to be beneficial to residents and the Browns franchise. There are rumors of an immediate expansion of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport if this deal were to close with a move to Brook Park. The city could also focus on upgrading public transportation that could bring fans from downtown to the newly built Cleveland Browns stadium. Finally, the new stadium would immediately become the largest and highest quality indoor exhibition venue in the state of Ohio.
Cleveland residents can get excited about the potential opportunities for some of the biggest events in the United States. This includes NCAA championships, concerts by the world’s most popular artists, and a potential Super Bowl in Cleveland. The stadium has the potential to provide residents with more entertainment options as well as money for the city of Cleveland. Some fans may be upset right now, but it’s best to save your reaction until you get your first seat at the potentially new Cleveland Browns Stadium.
The county has since written a letter reiterating its commitment to keeping the Browns in downtown Cleveland. In response, the team’s owners, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, issued a counter statement saying they have not yet finalized plans. It appears a battle for the stones with the city/county is looming.
What it means for the Browns:
The decision made will be a huge win for the franchise, no matter which option it chooses. For the Cleveland Browns, an agreement for a new home in Brook Park means that the team will remain in the city of Cleveland for the foreseeable future. An agreement with the current downtown stadium will achieve the same exciting goal. This facility brings an improvement to the Cleveland Browns franchise in every way. The overall improvement of the facility will be very noticeable, as will the factor of being able to play indoors. The idea of playing indoors year-round has become a new trend in the NFL, especially for the franchises that reside in colder regions. Another advantage for players is the immediate access to an international airport, especially if players choose to live in the Brook Park area.
In the past, the Cleveland Browns have obviously struggled to sign some of the NFL’s biggest free agents and transfer prospects. That reputation has now changed thanks to former GM John Dorsey and current Browns GM Andrew Berry. Having one of the NFL’s nicest facilities and stadiums will only improve the chances of signing highly talented players from around the league. Especially for those who are not from the Northeast Ohio area and prefer proximity to an international airport with little to no traffic. This move will undoubtedly be beneficial for the Cleveland Browns and their fans.
