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Add the Cleveland Browns to the list of NFL teams that are fighting with their host cities over moving to a new stadium.
Back in August, the Browns’ front office was very excited to announce their plans for a new stadium to be built somewhere in the suburbs of Cleveland.
“This would be more than just a stadium project; it would also include a private development that when combined with the world-class dome stadium will be transformative for our region,” the Cleveland Browns wrote on X (Twitter).
This would be more than just a stadium project; it would also include a private development that when combined with the world-class dome stadium will be transformative for our region. pic.twitter.com/XlqQ0fwYXD
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 7, 2024
The Browns shared several photos and a video of what they envisioned for a new stadium in the area.
“The Brook Park site is the most compelling option for a dome for several reasons: its central location for our regional fan base, its proximity to downtown, the RTA and the airport, and its strong existing infrastructure,” the team wrote.
The Brook Park site is the most compelling option for a dome for several reasons: its central location for our regional fan base, its proximity to downtown, the RTA and the airport, and its strong existing infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/T36yXZAm8q
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 7, 2024
“While we have considered numerous sites throughout Cleveland and the region, our focus has been on two potential paths for the future of our stadium,” the Browns further explained. “While significant work remains, the more we have explored the Brook Park option, the more attractive it has become, and we are excited to share the current vision with you.”
While we have considered numerous sites throughout Cleveland and the region, our focus has been on two potential paths for the future of our stadium.
While significant work remains, the more we have explored the Brook Park option, the more attractive it has become, and we are… pic.twitter.com/5wXzpNANxz
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 7, 2024
Fast forward to Thursday and the Browns have now filed a lawsuit against the City of Cleveland in federal court claiming Ohio’s “Art Modell law” (Revised Code 9.67) is unconstitutional and can’t stop them from leaving the city and building a new home in the suburbs when the team’s lease expires in 2029.
The reason for the lawsuit is because some politicians in the city, notably the city’s law director, Mark Griffin, has said he is obligated “to enforce the Modell law.”
Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb has also gone on record saying he is “deeply disappointed that, despite our exhaustive efforts, the Haslam Sports Group is choosing to pursue a move to Brook Park. This is a deliberate choice—one driven by a desire to maximize profits rather than positive impact.”
The law was enacted in response to former Browns owner Art Modell moving the team to Baltimore to become the Ravens in 1995.
According to Sportico…
The due process argument contends the Modell law is so “vague and ambiguous” that it fails to adequately notify which types of conduct are prohibited. Specifically, the Browns say the law doesn’t explain how far a team must geographically move for it to apply. The law references a move “elsewhere,” but the Browns question whether that could apply to a move in the same city or county, or whether it requires a move to another state.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears are also currently facing similar battles with their hometowns as they look to move to newer stadiums outside their cities.