The Browns yesterday announced details of Phase 2 of the $120M makeover to FirstEnergy Stadium, including "upgraded lighting and signage" in the concourses, and "more upgraded concession offerings," according to Kevin Kleps of CRAIN'S CLEVELAND BUSINESS. The team also will "modernize FirstEnergy Stadium’s premium areas -- work that will include upgrading all club seats and suites, and adding what it says will be 'top-level entertainment areas.'" There will be a "field-level hospitality location opposite of the Browns' locker room that will allow fans to see the players and coaches as they exit and enter the field." Phase 2 is "expected to account" for about $50M of the $120M total cost of renovations. The city of Cleveland is contributing $30M, while the team is "footing the remainder of the bill." Phase 2 is "expected to be completed" in time for the '15 season (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 1/14). Browns President Alec Scheiner said that the redesign "includes makeovers on all 35 of the stadium's concession stands as well as better food overall." He added that each stand "will offer menu items that depart from the typical stadium fare and reflect the 'tastes of Cleveland.'" In Cleveland, Leila Atassi noted fans last season "enjoyed enormous new scoreboards, a state-of-the-art sound system, bigger, faster escalators and greater lower-bowl seating that brought more fans closer to the action." Scheiner said that the result was a "more intimate, louder stadium that ... played a major role in the team's 4-4 record at home, one of the most successful seasons since FirstEnergy Stadium opened" in '99 (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 1/14).
