The Cleveland Browns have been in a tense legal battle against the city over whether or not the organization could move from downtown Cleveland to build an indoor stadium in the Brooke Park.
Jimmy and Dee Haslam, the Browns’ majority owners, recently got a major legal victory that all but ensures they’ll be able to build their new facility, and shared a statement.
“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.”
Fans reacted to the statement on social media.
“Not a lot to be thankful for on the field, but thankful for owners definitely willing to spend money to try to build a winner, and to build us fan an amazing facility. Well done Haslams,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“We deserve a winning football team not a stadium,” one fan added.
“If no playoff team…we want our tax money paid back,” someone else added.
It’ll be interesting to see if the new facilities coincide with a winning football team in northeast Ohio.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.