The financing of a major renovation to FirstEnergy Stadium could be a sticking pointGETTY IMAGES
The Browns remain "in cautious-approach mode" with regards to planning for a potential new stadium or a major renovation of FirstEnergy Stadium, according to Kevin Kleps of CRAIN'S CLEVELAND BUSINESS. It has been 16 months since a report that the Browns were "studying the possibility of a development project that 'could include a substantially renovated stadium or a new facility at a different site in downtown Cleveland.'" Browns Exec VP & COO David Jenkins said, "It is a long-term process that requires us to be really thoughtful. We've got 10 seasons left on our lease, including this year." Kleps noted past conversations with Browns leadership have "hammered home two sticking points -- urgency (or lack thereof) and access to the stadium." The financing of a major renovation to FirstEnergy Stadium also "could be a sticking point." But if the Browns are "going to embark on a major development project on the lakefront, a bridge would be key." Jenkins said, "Access to the building and then access to parking in close proximity to the building (are important). Those are two real operational challenges." Meanwhile, Kleps noted at some point in the near future, the Browns "will have a partnership" tied to their practice facility in Berea. Browns VP/Corporate Partnerships Mike Schoenbrun said, "We're going to go out to market with it. We're in the process of talking to a few select clients" (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 9/4).
