What key figures say about Browns’ new stadium plans: I-Team
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The FOX 8 I-Team pressed for answers Tuesday about what is happening with plans to renovate the Cleveland Browns’ downtown stadium, or replace it with a dome.
We caught up with Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam as they announced a new name for the stadium, Huntington Bank Field.
But, we wondered when we’ll hear the announcement of the big decision regarding a stadium project. The Browns have narrowed that down to massive renovations of the current stadium, or construction of a new domed stadium in Brook Park.
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We asked Jimmy Haslam, “What’s the general timetable, or the specific timetable, for that to happen?”
Haslam answered, “That’s a great question. I think it’s a question for another day, though.”
Haslam only wanted to talk about the stadium name.
Yet, the debate about stadium plans has everyone talking. So, we followed up.
We reminded Haslam, “That’s on the top of mind of everyone in Northeast Ohio, that’s why we’re asking.”
He responded, “Yeah, we realize that. I think we’ve been very explicit. It’s complex and complicated, and it’s going to take some time.”
Meantime, the mayor of Brook Park spoke out to the I-Team making his strongest pitch yet for a dome in his city.
“It, really, is a special project for the region,” Ed Orcutt said.
Orcutt argues the Browns can’t lose building a dome. And he told us he’s now convinced the site for the dome and the highways around it can handle the parking and traffic.
He also believes a dome would bring in a lot more money with concerts and events year-round.
“We know that there’s going to be more opportunities for more shows here which, obviously. means more revenue for the region,” the mayor said.
Tough to say exactly how much tax money comes in from Browns stadium. Last month, Cleveland City Hall gave the I-Team an estimate of $900,000 to $1 million a game. That would include tax money from parking, and hotels, and bar and more. Hard to come up with the exact amount due to the way taxes get reported, according to the Cleveland mayor’s office.
The Brook Park Mayor also said, “We don’t have time to waste. It’s been a year and a half that we’ve been looking at this project.”
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He wants to keep moving on a dome project. Yet, questions remain.
The cost to taxpayers and the public money involved are figures that are still unclear.
We’ve learned of more talks set with the Browns and both cities involved.
Plans for the home of the Browns are not decided even as the team now has a new name at the front door to the stadium.
Jimmy Haslam said, “At the appropriate time, we’ll address that. That’s not today.”
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