Cleveland Browns dome stadium
Brook Park Mayor Confident in Browns’ Dome Stadium Groundbreaking
The ongoing saga surrounding the Cleveland Browns’ stadium future took another turn as Brook Park Mayor Ed Orcutt reaffirmed his belief that a groundbreaking for a new dome stadium in his city will take place next year. Despite legal battles and political opposition, Orcutt remains steadfast in his vision for the Browns’ new home.
Moving Forward Despite Legal Challenges
Orcutt spoke with FOX 8’s I-Team this week, detailing how the plans for the stadium are progressing, even as the city of Cleveland pursues legal action to keep the Browns at their current downtown lakefront location.
“We need to move forward on this,” Orcutt stated. “Every day we continue to work on this project as if the dome is coming here. We want to be putting a shovel in the ground in 2026 in Brook Park.”
While Cleveland’s lawsuit remains pending, reports indicate that the plans for the new facility are becoming increasingly detailed.
Tailgating and Fan Experience in Focus
One of the biggest concerns for Browns fans is the tailgating experience, and Orcutt made it clear that the new site will not disappoint.
“We will have 14,000 parking spaces,” the mayor explained. “You’ll be able to park right outside the stadium, tailgate, walk inside, and be close to your seat. We’re already talking about the details of how we can provide security to the parking lot all the way up to clean-up.”
The Brook Park location is surrounded by highways, and while this may ease accessibility concerns, traffic studies are currently underway. Additionally, city officials are seeking grant funding to support any necessary highway infrastructure improvements.
Opposition and Funding Challenges
Not everyone is on board with the Browns moving away from downtown Cleveland. Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has voiced opposition to the move, stating his belief that the team should remain in its current location. Despite this, Orcutt continues discussions with county officials regarding potential financial support for the stadium project.
The estimated cost for the dome stadium is approximately $2.4 billion. Around half of the funding is expected to come from state, county, and local sources, though the specifics of that plan have yet to be finalized.
Questions About Financial Viability
Maintaining and funding a major stadium is a significant financial commitment. Cleveland has already spent large sums of money to maintain the current facility, and questions remain about how Brook Park—a smaller city—will handle the long-term financial responsibilities of hosting an NFL stadium.
Despite the obstacles, Orcutt remains determined to see the project through, believing that Brook Park is the ideal home for a modern, state-of-the-art Browns stadium. Whether those plans come to fruition remains to be seen, but for now, the vision of a domed stadium in Brook Park is very much alive.
