The Cleveland Browns' announcement of their plans to construct a state-of-the-art stadium in Brook Park, Ohio, has ignited a legal dispute with the city of Cleveland. This $2.4 billion project aims to establish a cutting-edge sports and entertainment complex, but it has met resistance from city officials determined to keep the team in its historic lakefront home. The Browns' lease with Cleveland is set to expire at the end of the 2028 NFL season, prompting the team to seek a 50-50 private/public partnership for their ambitious construction venture.
Despite the Browns' aspirations for a new facility, Cleveland has made a counteroffer. The city proposed a $1.2 billion renovation of the current Huntington Bank Field, where the Browns have played since 1999. This proposal includes a substantial $461 million contribution from the city itself, demonstrating their commitment to retaining the team on the shores of Lake Erie.
In an effort to clarify the legal implications of their move, the Browns filed a lawsuit in October seeking guidance on the Modell Law. This state law, enacted in 1996, mandates that professional sports teams must either secure permission or provide six months' notice before departing from a tax-supported facility. This law previously prevented the Columbus Crew from relocating to Texas in 2019, illustrating its potential impact on the Browns' situation.
"The Modell Law's requirements are straightforward. It provides that if a team takes taxpayer money and plays in a tax-supported facility, then the owner must either obtain the City's authorization or give the City and others the opportunity to purchase the team before moving the team away from that facility." – The city of Cleveland
Cleveland has filed its own lawsuit to block the Browns' departure from their lakefront stadium, emphasizing the historical significance of their presence since 1946. The city's offer also includes a proposed 30-year lease extension to further solidify the team's commitment to remaining in Cleveland.
Dee and Jimmy Haslam, owners of the Browns and part owners of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, are at the forefront of this controversial move. Their vision for a new stadium in Brook Park, located just 15 miles south of Cleveland, represents a significant shift for the franchise. However, it raises questions about loyalty and community ties that have been cultivated over decades.
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