A judge in Ohio has temporarily blocked state officials from transferring unclaimed funds to pay for the new Cleveland Browns stadium.
On December 23, a 14-day restraining order stopped Ohio from moving $1.7billion in unclaimed payments, deposits and other funds into a new pot for sports projects.
The new Brook Park stadium that the Browns are looking to build faces a problem
Up to $600 million of that money was meant for the Browns’ new domed stadium project, which is expected to cost a total of around $2.4bn.
“My role is to protect the state of Ohio, and as I see it, the best way to protect the plaintiff’s rights in this case is to put this transaction on pause,” Judge Sperlazza said.
The lawsuit to block the funds came from former Democratic lawmakers Marc Dann and Jeff Crossman, who argue the money belongs to Ohioans and not the state.
The rest of the $2.4 billion for the project is to be paid by Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, who agreed to a $100m settlement earlier this year.
Whether the lawsuit holds up remains to be seen, but if the Haslam family are forced to cough up another $600m, it could put the entire project in jeopardy.
Cleveland Browns’ new stadium at Brook Park
Should the Browns clear this latest hurdle, their new stadium will see them leave downtown Cleveland and head to the suburbs of Brook Park.
Enabling work for the new Huntington Bank Field began on October 1, with a formal groundbreaking scheduled for early 2026. It remains on track to open in 2029.
The new location is around 16 miles south of their current lakefront home.
The capacity is expected to be 67,500 but will be expandable to 75,000 for other non-football events.
It will be Ohio’s first enclosed stadium and will have a translucent roof system that allows natural light in while providing insulation.
The Browns are waiting for the funds to be released after a judge temporarily blocked it
The Browns will be moving away from downtown Cleveland
It will also be in the shape of a bowl, as it aims to have fans closer to the field than any other NFL stadium.
The stadium will be an anchor for a larger $3bn project with the surrounding area to see hotels, apartments and retail spaces built.
“This visionary project will set a new standard in stadium innovation and fan engagement, bringing fans closer than ever to action on the field while attracting year-round events beyond football,” the Browns said in a statement back in October.
“The stadium will serve as the centerpiece of Northeast Ohio’s largest economic development initiative to date.
“Designed and built with the fan and community in mind, the stadium will feature the world-class venue alongside a vibrant mixed-use entertainment district led by award-winning development partner and real estate firm Lincoln Property Company that will spur long-term economic growth and celebrate the region’s spirit and identity.”
The Browns also confirmed their desire to see the new stadium host other events like concerts and soccer matches, to generate more revenue.
The entire area will get a new lease of life with hotels, apartments and retail stores
“The transformative project will secure the Browns’ future in Northeast Ohio for generations to come,” the statement continued.
“The revolutionary 67,500-seat ‘Super Theatre’ venue designed by leading sports architecture firm HKS will be capable of hosting a wide array of premier large-scale events year-round, well beyond Browns games, including NCAA Final Fours, international soccer matches, and concerts for crowds of up to 75,000.”
The new stadium will also enable the Browns to host a Super Bowl, according to Roger Goodell.
The Browns’ current stadium, Huntington Bank Field, has been their home since it was built in 1999.
It’s owned by the City of Cleveland, for whom the Haslam family are paying $100m in order to demolish the stadium.
“This $100m investment continues our lakefront momentum and economic resurgence,” Mayor Justin Bibb said of the project.
“This agreement puts the lakefront on the path to transformational development and the Browns on the path to a world-class facility in Brook Park.”
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