The Browns have "begun long-term discussions about a development project that could include a substantially renovated stadium or a new facility at a different site in downtown Cleveland," according to Pat McManamon of ESPN.com. Browns co-Owner Dee Haslam said that she and the team are in the "earliest stages of learning everything they can about a project that could take a decade or more before it comes to fruition." The focus "would have the Browns taking a larger role in the revival and development of Cleveland." Haslam said that the Browns have "spoken informally to city officials and civic leaders about the idea, and received encouraging feedback." McManamon noted the team "will consider alternate sites ... but feels it’s important to have the development downtown." The team "will complete its lease at FirstEnergy Stadium, which runs" through '29. Haslam said that the Browns "would work closely with the city, county and state as talks and a potential project move forward." If the team "renovates the existing stadium, it would likely have a completely new feel and look -- with additional development in the area around it if possible" (ESPN.com, 5/3). A Browns spokesperson said that talks "started 'very, very recently,' and the franchise was doing its due diligence in looking at any potential development." The Browns completed a two-year, $125M renovation -- $95M of which "was financed by the team" -- of FirstEnergy Stadium in '15. The venue is "one of 15 in the NFL that was built" before '00 (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 5/3). Haslam "insisted any discussion about a new stadium would be premature, and that any decision on the long-term future should be made by taxpayers" (AP, 5/3).
