The Cleveland Browns, one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, revealed their intention to invest a staggering $2.4 billion in a new domed stadium in Brook Park, Ohio. This ambitious plan has stirred excitement among fans, but it has also drawn criticism from city officials.

Earlier today, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb expressed his disappointment in the franchise’s decision to move forward with this project, stating, “The city’s approach has always been rooted in fiscal responsibility and the long-term value for all members of our community.

I am deeply disappointed that our exhaustive efforts have not persuaded the Haslam Sports Group to remain in Cleveland.”As the current lease for the Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium is set to expire in 2028, the new stadium is slated to be completed by that date.

Earlier discussions between city leaders and the Haslam Sports Group had centered around a $1.2 billion proposal to renovate the existing stadium, which included $461 million from the city and a 30-year lease extension.In a surprising turn, the Browns released impressive renderings of the proposed $2.4 billion state-of-the-art stadium, which will be located approximately 15 miles south of downtown Cleveland.

The Haslams are aiming for a 50-50 public-private partnership to finance this significant undertaking.”This proposed domed stadium would catalyze our region in a major way,” the team stated in a letter to fans.

“The stadium’s year-round activity would anchor a large-scale lifestyle and entertainment district, including experiential retail, residential space, hotels, and more, drawing visitors throughout the year and driving substantial fiscal impact for our region.”