Are the Cleveland Browns going to relocate to a new stadium?

The Cleveland Browns have spent almost 25 years playing in the aptly named Cleveland Browns Stadium such that it’s understandable that the franchise is looking to spruce things up. While some expected an upgrade of the existing structure, it now appears that a move may be on the cards.

Browns unveil plans for brand new stadium

Prior to the Cleveland Browns announcement on Wednesday, fans and neutrals alike understood that after more than 20 years of playing in Cleveland Browns Stadium, the franchise was set on a reboot. Naturally, that notion led to the question of whether an upgrade to the existing stadium would be on the cards, a move that would likely be as expensive as it would be complex, though pleasing to the fan base and players, or a complete relocation which would offer modernization at the expense of the comfort of the purists.

On Wednesday, the Browns unveiled their plans for the latter option, unveiling artistic renders of what appears to be a new domed stadium. Regarding its location, it’s understood that the proposed new home of Cleveland’s football team will sit in Brook Park, Ohio, which is roughly 16 miles from the current location of the stadium which is essentially right in the middle of downtown Cleveland. Interestingly, Cleveland.com also shared images of the new stadium, while noting that a spokesperson for the team declined to do the same with renderings of a renovation of the current stadium.

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Now, in terms of what comes next, it would be reasonable to assume that the Browns’ fans aren’t going to take this well. If we use the Chicago Bears as an example, it was clear that fans were not on board with the decision to move the stadium outside of the city and into the suburbs. That is of course before we touch on the intended dome which we must assume is an effort on the franchise’s part to utilize the venue year-round for events when football isn’t being played. On the other hand, expect to hear critiques regarding the loss of ambiance and character.

This after all is a team that has traditionally played in an arena that is windy, cold, and wet, aspects that have made it a hard place to win for opponents. These are elements that will understandably be lost with the intended switch. Nonetheless, the release of renderings appears to signal the coming of the end for the present home of the Cleveland Browns, and with that, players and fans alike must now prepare for the future.