### Browns Set to Relocate to Brook Park Dome After Lease Expiration

The Cleveland Browns have announced that they will be vacating their lakefront stadium when the lease ends in 2028. The team will move to a new domed facility situated in suburban Brook Park. Despite the city's attempts to retain the team, owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam revealed their plans to construct a $2.4 billion stadium and entertainment complex, located 12 miles south of downtown Cleveland.

Mayor Justin Bibb met with the Haslams on Wednesday, during which the decision to move ahead with the Brook Park project was confirmed. The owners had explored several alternatives, including the renovation of their current stadium, before concluding that relocating was the best long-term solution.

The Browns disclosed this plan amid a challenging season, marked by a four-game losing streak and a 1-5 record ahead of Sunday's home game against Cincinnati. The Haslams released a statement acknowledging the team's difficult start and expressed their commitment to both improving on the field and providing a world-class stadium experience for their fans.

Funding for the new facility is not yet secured. The Browns are pursuing a public/private partnership and considering the issuance of bonds to finance the public share. The city had previously proposed funding $461 million to upgrade the current stadium and redevelop the surrounding Lake Erie property. However, the Haslams determined that without a dome, the existing stadium could not support the desired large-scale events and year-round activity.

Mayor Bibb voiced his disappointment over the inability to reach an agreement and emphasized his priority to address the needs of Cleveland residents and businesses. He stated that maintaining a balance between various requirements and the city's limited resources is essential.

The Browns' lakefront stadium has served as their home since 1999, following the team's re-establishment as an expansion team after their original franchise was relocated to Baltimore by former owner Art Modell in 1995.