The Brook Park Stadium is a proposed $2.4 billion domed NFL stadium and entertainment district to be built on a 176-acre former Ford Motor Company site adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Brook Park, Ohio, by the Cleveland Browns’ ownership group Haslam Sports Group (HSG) in partnership with Lincoln Properties, replacing the team’s existing Huntington Bank Field in downtown Cleveland when its lease expires after the 2028 season. Designed to be partially sunken approximately 80 feet into the ground and fully enclosed for year-round use, the development will include the stadium itself alongside offices, hotels, retail, and entertainment venues totalling over $1 billion in ancillary construction. Preliminary site work began October 2, 2025, Cleveland City Council approved the $100M settlement with HSG on December 1, 2025 by a 13–2 vote clearing all legal obstacles, and groundbreaking is scheduled for Q1 2026 with a target opening for the 2029 NFL season. As Cleveland’s project moves through its early stages, the next NFL stadium to open is already in its final stretch — the $2.2 billion New Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, now over 90% complete with all 4,400 exterior perforated panels installed and the Buffalo Bills on track to receive the keys to the building in June 2026.

Project Overview

Type: New-build domed NFL stadium with ancillary entertainment district (offices, hotels, retail, entertainment venues)

Location: 176-acre former Ford Motor Co. site off Snow Road, Brook Park, Ohio — adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Total stadium cost: $2.4 billion

Ancillary development cost: $1+ billion (hotels, offices, retail, entertainment)

Stadium design: Partially sunken ~80 feet into ground; fully enclosed/domed for year-round events

Seating capacity: Not yet officially confirmed; expected to exceed current 67,895-seat Huntington Bank Field

Financing: ~$1.2 billion from Browns/HSG; $600 million state loan (Ohio unclaimed funds); $600 million Cuyahoga County loan

State funding: Ohio House passed $600 million in the 2026–27 biennial budget; Browns required to put $50 million into escrow

City settlement: HSG to pay Cleveland $103 million total — $25 million upfront (paid December 2025), $25 million in annual $5M instalments (2029–2033), $25 million in community benefit investments (2029–2039), $30 million stadium demolition at HSG’s cost

Existing stadium: Huntington Bank Field to be demolished after 2028 season to pad-ready state at Browns’ expense (~$30 million demolition cost); site earmarked for lakefront park/redevelopment

Site preparation began: October 2, 2025

Cleveland City Council approval: December 1, 2025 (13–2 vote); groundbreaking targeted Q1 2026; stadium opening targeted 2029

Lease extension terms: Browns may extend current lease up to 2 years at $250,000/year if Brook Park construction is delayed, plus $3 million extra to community benefits

Ownership entity: New community authority (public non-profit) to be created by Brook Park city, with board members appointed by Brook Park, Cuyahoga County, HSG, and Lincoln Properties

ODOT permit: Initially denied due to height concerns near airport; reversed after appeals

Ford deed restrictions: Prevent residential construction on site (land deed restriction from Ford Motor Co.)

Transit: Adjacent to Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) rail line

Project Team

Owner/Developer: Haslam Sports Group (Jimmy and Dee Haslam) — owners of Cleveland Browns

Development Partner: Lincoln Properties

Browns President: Rich DeShabes

HSG Chief Strategy Officer: Dave Jenkins

Brook Park Mayor: Edward Orcutt

Cleveland Mayor: Justin M. Bibb

Ohio Governor: Mike DeWine

City Law Director: Mark Griffin

Cleveland City Council President: Blaine Griffin

Architect: Not yet officially confirmed publicly

State funding authority: Ohio Department of Development

Community authority oversight: Brook Park + Cuyahoga County (board appointments)

Litigation parties (now settled): City of Cleveland (plaintiff); Browns/HSG (defendant/counter-claimant); all lawsuits dismissed with prejudice December 2025

Published 12th August 2024: The Browns are eyeing a fresh start in Brook Park, ditching the idea of sprucing up their old digs downtown. They dropped this bombshell on their loyal season ticket holders with a flashy letter on Wednesday, complete with snazzy pics and videos of what could be. The team’s dangling the carrot of a shiny new sports hub right by Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. It’s like they’re saying, “Out with the old, in with the new!” This move could shake things up big time, not just for the team, but for fans and the whole Cleveland area. You can bet this news has got everyone from die-hard Browns supporters to local business owners buzzing with excitement and maybe a touch of nervousness about what’s coming down the pipeline.

Exploring Two Options; Renovation or Fresh Construction

The Browns offered their fans two choices; updating the existing downtown stadium or erecting a brand facility in Brook Park. Despite Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibbs offer of $461 million for a $1 billion renovation of the stadium, which has a lease expiring after 2028 the team is currently leaning towards the Brook Park site located on an plant, off Snow Road. The stadium project is estimated to cost $2.4 billion with team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam planning to share this cost with taxpayers.

Jenkins highlighted that significant updates would be required for the existing stadium, which was opened back in 1999 to meet standards. He pointed out that building a dome would not be practical, due to the costs and height restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration given the stadiums proximity to Burke Lakefront Airport.

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Brook Park: Envisioning a New Stadium

The proposed Brook Park location covers 176 acres allowing for a stadium partially set into the ground alongside an entertainment district with parking spaces. Jenkins emphasized the benefits of the sites proximity to downtown across from the airport and near a Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority train line.

Conceptual drawings depict a stadium design that descends around 80 feet into the ground and can host events year round. The potential development could feature offices, hotels, retail areas and entertainment venues— initiatives that might surpass $1 billion in construction expenses. While housing was mentioned in the Browns proposal current land deed restrictions from Ford Motor Co. Prevent construction on the property.

 

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Funding for the Cleveland Browns’ New Stadium in Brook Park

The Browns have not yet revealed a financing strategy, for their Brook Park plan. However, they intend to establish revenue avenues through the economic activity generated by the project. Jenkins remarked, “We do not intend to rely on existing taxpayer funded sources that could hinder resources for needs. “We’re currently exploring ways to secure funding, in collaboration with county and state authorities to maximize the financial impact of the project and bring significant benefits to Brook Park, Cuyahoga County and Ohio as a whole.

On the hand the renovation plan put forth by the Bibb administration involves a mix of admission tax revenues, sin tax funds from Cuyahoga County and existing capital reserves. Additionally there’s a proposal for granting the Browns parking rights on game days to generate revenue for stadium improvements. However this strategy places a burden on fans while ensuring the city can still support essential services.

 

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A Pressing Deadline for Decision Making

With a timeframe to make decisions the Browns are feeling the urgency to act. If they decide to build a stadium it would likely take three years to be ready for the 2029 season. The team has been exploring locations since 2017. Has now narrowed down their focus to Brook Park and downtown lakefront areas.

Mayor Edward Orcutt of Brook Park is currently assessing how this proposal could impact the town but remains receptive to collaborating with Haslam Sports Group to ensure that any agreement reached benefits both the city and its residents.

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Meanwhile, back in the heart of Cleveland, Team Bibb isn’t throwing in the towel. They’re doubling down on breathing new life into the lakefront where the Browns currently play. We’re talking big dreams here – reimagining the Cleveland Memorial Shoreway and even building a land bridge. It’s all about stitching the city and the current stadium closer together, creating a seamless urban tapestry. You can almost picture it: a revitalized waterfront buzzing with activity, easier access for everyone, and a fresh, modern vibe for downtown. It’s like City Hall is saying, “Hey Browns, look what you’d be missing!” This tug-of-war between tradition and progress, between downtown revival and suburban development, is shaping up to be quite the spectacle for Clevelanders to watch unfold.

As the Cleveland Browns deliberate on their options the revealed designs of the Brook Park stadium proposal present a vision, for a sports arena. The decision carries community implications that will shape football in Cleveland for years to come.

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