Relocation to Brook Park Approved for the Cleveland Browns Stadium

After months of negotiations, public hearings, and planning, a landmark decision has been finalized: the relocation of the Cleveland Browns Stadium to Brook Park has officially been approved by both the team’s ownership and local government officials. The move, which will replace the current lakefront stadium in downtown Cleveland with a state-of-the-art facility in the suburban city of Brook Park, marks a new era for the NFL franchise and the surrounding community. The approval comes after a unanimous vote by the Brook Park City Council and a positive recommendation from the Cuyahoga County Economic Development Board, who cited the project’s potential to boost local economy, create jobs, and enhance the fan experience. Relocation to Brook Park Approved for the Cleveland Browns Stadium explores the details of this historic decision, the vision for the new stadium, and how it will shape the future of the Browns and the region.

The approval process for the relocation was a collaborative effort that brought together team leaders, local politicians, business owners, and residents to address concerns and outline the project’s benefits. The Cleveland Browns first announced their intention to explore relocation in early 2024, citing the current stadium’s aging infrastructure and limited expansion opportunities. Over the next six months, the team held 12 public forums in Brook Park and downtown Cleveland, where residents voiced questions about traffic, noise, and property values. In response, the Browns’ ownership committed \(20 million to infrastructure improvements, including widened roads, new public transit routes to the stadium, and sound barriers for nearby neighborhoods. The Cuyahoga County government also pledged \)50 million in tax incentives to support the project, with the condition that at least 75% of construction jobs go to local workers. “This approval isn’t just about a new stadium—it’s about investing in our community,” said Brook Park Mayor Mike Gammella during the final council vote. “We worked closely with the Browns to ensure this project benefits everyone, from fans to local businesses.” Relocation to Brook Park Approved for the Cleveland Browns Stadium notes that the process also included an environmental impact study, which confirmed the new site (a former industrial area) is suitable for development with minimal ecological disruption.

The new Cleveland Browns Stadium in Brook Park is designed to be a multi-purpose, fan-centric facility that blends modern amenities with nods to the team’s rich history. According to plans released by the Browns, the stadium will have a seating capacity of 67,000 (expandable to 75,000 for playoff games) and feature a retractable roof— a first for the franchise— allowing games and events to be held in all weather conditions. Inside, fans will enjoy wider concourses, more restrooms and concession stands, and a 12,000-square-foot team museum showcasing memorabilia from the Browns’ 70+ year history, including artifacts from legends like Jim Brown and Otto Graham. The stadium will also include 80 luxury suites, a dedicated family zone with interactive games for children, and a rooftop terrace offering views of the Cleveland skyline. Outside, the surrounding 150-acre site will include a park with walking trails, a sports complex for youth leagues, and space for tailgating, with parking for 20,000 vehicles (including 5,000 spots for electric cars). “Our goal is to make this stadium more than just a place to watch football,” said Browns Executive Vice President JW Johnson. “We want it to be a community hub where families, fans, and visitors can come together year-round.” Relocation to Brook Park Approved for the Cleveland Browns Stadium emphasizes that the design also prioritizes sustainability, with plans for solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and energy-efficient lighting to reduce the stadium’s carbon footprint.

For the Cleveland Browns, the relocation to Brook Park represents a strategic investment in the team’s future, with the new stadium expected to enhance competitiveness both on and off the field. On the field, the facility will include a world-class training center attached to the stadium, featuring indoor and outdoor practice fields, a cutting-edge sports science lab, and larger locker rooms and meeting spaces for players and coaches. This will allow the Browns to attract and retain top talent, as the training facilities will rival those of other elite NFL teams. Off the field, the stadium’s location in Brook Park— situated near major highways (Interstate 480 and the Ohio Turnpike)— will make it more accessible for fans across Northeast Ohio, potentially increasing attendance and ticket sales. The Browns also plan to host more non-football events at the new stadium, such as concerts, college football games, and soccer matches, which will generate additional revenue to invest in the team. “This move is about winning— plain and simple,” said Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski. “A better stadium means better resources for our players, a better experience for our fans, and a stronger foundation for our franchise to compete for championships.” For the Cleveland Browns, the relocation also ensures the team remains in the Cleveland metropolitan area, a commitment they reaffirmed throughout the approval process to ease concerns about leaving the city’s core. Relocation to Brook Park Approved for the Cleveland Browns Stadium notes that the team has signed a 30-year lease with Brook Park, securing their presence in the area for decades to come.

The Cleveland Browns’ relocation to Brook Park is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region, creating thousands of jobs and boosting local businesses. During the construction phase (scheduled to begin in early 2025 and end in 2027), the project will employ an estimated 3,500 workers, including architects, construction laborers, and electricians— with the Browns’ commitment to hiring local ensuring most of these jobs go to residents of Cuyahoga County. Once the stadium opens, it will create an additional 1,200 permanent jobs, ranging from ticket sales and concessions to facility management and security. Local businesses, particularly restaurants, hotels, and retail stores in Brook Park and nearby communities like Parma and Middleburg Heights, are also expected to benefit. A study by the Cleveland Economic Development Corporation projects the stadium will generate \(150 million in annual economic activity for the region, including \)20 million in tax revenue for local governments. “This is a game-changer for our local economy,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “The Browns’ move to Brook Park will bring new visitors, new jobs, and new opportunities to our community.” For the Cleveland Browns, supporting local businesses is a key part of the relocation plan— the team has already signed partnerships with 10 local restaurants to provide food at the new stadium and has committed to sourcing 80% of construction materials from Ohio-based suppliers. Relocation to Brook Park Approved for the Cleveland Browns Stadium explores how these economic benefits will extend beyond Brook Park, strengthening the entire Northeast Ohio region’s economy.

The final piece of the relocation puzzle is the future of the current Cleveland Browns Stadium site on the downtown lakefront, which the team and city officials plan to redevelop into a public space for residents and visitors. The current stadium, which opened in 1999, will be demolished in 2027 after the new facility in Brook Park is completed. Plans for the lakefront site include a 20-acre park with beaches, picnic areas, and walking paths along Lake Erie, as well as space for affordable housing and small businesses. The city of Cleveland has allocated \(30 million for the redevelopment, with the Browns contributing an additional \)15 million. “We’re committed to leaving the lakefront better than we found it,” said Browns Owner Dee Haslam. “The current stadium has served us well, but its next chapter as a public space will benefit Cleveland for generations.” The lakefront redevelopment is expected to complement other downtown projects, such as the revitalized Flats entertainment district and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, creating a more connected and vibrant urban area. For the Cleveland Browns, this commitment to the downtown community ensures they maintain a strong bond with the city even as they move to the suburbs. Relocation to Brook Park Approved for the Cleveland Browns Stadium concludes that the relocation is more than just a move—it’s a comprehensive plan to strengthen the Browns’ legacy, support the local community, and build a brighter future for football in Northeast Ohio. As construction begins in the coming years, fans and residents alike will watch with anticipation, eager to see the new stadium and the opportunities it brings to Brook Park and beyond.