Brook Park Dome Plans Advance for the Cleveland Browns Facility
- Cleveland Browns
- 12/02/2025 09:53:05 PM
After months of collaboration between the Cleveland Browns, architects, and local leaders, the team’s Brook Park facility dome plans have reached the design approval phase. A centerpiece of the Browns’ move from downtown Cleveland, the dome will revamp game-day experiences and boost year-round use. With final schematics submitted to the Brook Park Planning Commission and a public hearing next month, groundbreak is on track for early 2025 alongside the main stadium. Brook Park Dome Plans Advance for the Cleveland Browns Facility explores the dome’s vision, key features, and impact on team operations and the community.
The dome addresses two longstanding Browns challenges: Northeast Ohio’s harsh weather (snow, subzero temps disrupting practices) and limited off-season field use. The current downtown stadium’s lack of a dome also restricts non-football events in bad weather, cutting revenue. Proposed in 2024 as part of relocation, the dome earned 82n support in surveys, with fans citing weather protection. “It’s a strategic investment,” said Browns Executive Vice President JW Johnson, “ensuring consistent training and more community events.” Brook Park Dome Plans Advance for the Cleveland Browns Facility notes the dome fixes gaps that forced past practice relocations to warmer climates.
Designed by HKS (SoFi Stadium architects), the dome prioritizes flexibility, sustainability, and fan comfort. Its retractable roof opens/closes in 12 minutes, switching between indoor/outdoor modes. Closed, it maintains 68-72°F with advanced HVAC, while the translucent roof lets in light and handles 30 lbs/sq ft snow loads. It covers the stadium field and two practice fields (high-quality turf), plus expanded concourses with heated walkways. Sustainability features include solar panels (15% of facility electricity) and rainwater collection for irrigation. Brook Park Dome Plans Advance for the Cleveland Browns Facility emphasizes the design balances functionality with fan and environmental needs.
For the Cleveland Browns, the dome transforms player development and operations. Previously, off-season (Jan-Mar) training required costly trips to warm climates; now, full camps stay in Brook Park, cutting travel fatigue. Joint practices with other NFL teams will also be possible, drawing fan watch parties. “Consistency in training fuels on-field success,” said Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, noting quarterbacks and receivers avoid weather-related disruptions. The dome also reduces injury risk from icy/muddy fields, with the Browns’ medical staff advising on turf and temperature. For the Cleveland Browns, this stability strengthens roster health and preparation. Brook Park Dome Plans Advance for the Cleveland Browns Facility highlights the dome as a competitive edge.
The Cleveland Browns’ dome will benefit the Brook Park community year-round. Beyond team use, it opens to youth sports (football, soccer, lacrosse) and partners with local schools for PE and after-school programs, focusing on low-income access. It also hosts non-sports events—high school graduations, festivals, concerts—that were impossible downtown in winter. “This is a community hub, not just a stadium,” said Owner Dee Haslam. The dome strengthens the Browns’ local bond, addressing past criticism that the downtown stadium was disconnected. For the Cleveland Browns, community use aligns with their “good neighbor” mission in Northeast Ohio. Brook Park Dome Plans Advance for the Cleveland Browns Facility notes this expands the team’s impact beyond football.
Final dome planning focuses on approvals and timelines, with completion set for 2027 (with the main stadium). A April 2024 Brook Park Planning Commission public hearing will gather feedback, followed by a design vote. Construction starts early 2025, costing \(180 million (part of the \)1.2B facility budget) funded by ownership, tax incentives, and sponsorships (including dome naming rights). Local businesses like Progressive Insurance have expressed interest. “We’re on track to get this right,” said Johnson. For the Cleveland Browns, 2027 marks the end of a journey to build a world-class, community-focused facility. Brook Park Dome Plans Advance for the Cleveland Browns Facility concludes the dome symbolizes the Browns’ commitment to fans and the area, with 2027 opening a new chapter for local football and community life.