The letter, written by Dave Jenkins of the Haslam Sports Group, referred the idea of building $2.4 billion dome in Brook Park as a “transformational option” that will create “a modern, dynamic, world-class venue that would greatly enhance the fan experience and enable the State of Ohio and our region to compete for some of the biggest events in the world 365 days a year. Similar to other markets in the Midwest, this proposed domed stadium would catalyze our region in a major way.”
In addition to the letter, the Haslam Sports Group presented renderings of their vision for the domed stadium, plus a video.
With the lease on Cleveland Browns Stadium set to expire in 2028, team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam announced earlier this year that they are down to two options when it comes to their future stadium site: a $1 billion dollar renovation to the existing downtown stadium, or a domed stadium outside of the city at double the cost.
Last week, in what the city called “a competitive deal to retain the Cleveland Browns at their current stadium site,” Mayor Justin Bibb put forth last week a $461 million financing proposal to the Haslams to renovate the 25-year-old facility. The plan includes a 30-year lease arrangement.
In their letter, the Haslam Sports Group said it was “currently evaluating the City’s proposal and have requested additional information from the City to enable us to comprehensively do so.”