There's been a lot of talk about the Browns and where they'll be playing in a few years. Of course, NFL league rules say it will be Cleveland, but in what building and where will it be? The Browns are very interested in the Brook Park property by Hopkins Airport and may be buying that 176 acres officially soon. And of course there are those that want the old stadium renovated or replaced on the lakefront, and I understand both sides. But if I was the city, I'd get moving on something. Because the Haslams have money and they're out of the Flying J business, flush with tons of new and old cash and they want Cleveland to be their home for their budding sports empire business. And they'll do that with or without them.
Who will pay for what and how much always comes into play. Haslam has ridiculous money, and in essence could build his own place and leave the city behind. But NFL billionaires generally like others to chip in for part of it. If he pays, he's gonna have the place he wants, and my belief is he wants a dome. And as much as I am into tradition and history, that's hard to argue. We've all heard the discussions, and they're apt. A dome will attract far more events to the area, and that would more than likely include a Superbowl. The venue would be used far more than the current stadium, and I think all - no matter where you stand on this - have to agree that's true. Whatever happens, happens, but there are factors that should be thought about, as you are not building a new place simple for today, but for the next 35 years after a possible completion date of 2028 (About 2063).
Yes, there is a very loud group that wants outdoor football on the lake, like it's always been. Jim Brown, Paul Brown, Bernie, Sipe, the cold, the way it was. I understand that completely. But the anti-venom to their argument is this. People today and going forward are different, very different than years ago, and they're never going back. People have gotten used to a contemporary world of "ease" and they like it, and this will continue as more are born into it. By and large today, they don't want to sit in the rain, wind, snow, sleet, the cold, zero degree wind chill, or 90 degree sun or 95% humidity. Whether this is a good thing or bad can be up for discussion, but this is where we are. People are just different.
For many too, Browns tickets are stupid expensive and fans don't want their experience tainted by the elements. Think about how many fans actually watch football games now. They're have their phones taking videos, texting, posting, picture taking, Facetiming, and - checking and placing bets. All of these are a big deal, especially to younger fans, who eventually will get older. Then toss in the very expensive and bougie food, and drink - they want that in comfort. Plus with kids or elderly fans, they don't want the problems, they want comfort. The days of the Ice Bowl, or the Browns 1980 Playoff loss in -10 temps are over. I'm glad I saw it, and it's fun to remember, but that generation for the most part is rare. With domes, it's like everyone's in suite. People like that.
And let's not forget about the players. More and more players will have zero interest in playing in colder weather cities as additional domes are constructed, and newer outdoor stadiums are built in Sun Belt cities. Why would a great player from Florida want to play here, when there are vast other choices. The Browns right now have to overpay to get some players to come or stay here, and that's not gonna change. Look at Watson, from Atlanta, Clemson, and the Dome in Houston. He stated out loud he had NO interest in playing here, until the Browns guaranteed him 240 Million Dollars! Right now they are overpaying a number of players, because they have to.
I hear the traditionalists. I know that the way things are and were are fun to look back on. But football has changed at all levels, it's not played in the blood and mud anymore. And the new palaces it's enjoyed in are spectacular. The fans love it, and so do the players. Today's game is clean and warm, and in many ways on the field far less than it used to be. Today's game is not the NFL of years past, and going forward it's going to be more sanitized on the field and off. If it's decided that an outdoor venue is the plan for the next 30 years, in half that time, we will be in the extreme minority.
People, football and times are different, and they will continue to change, and they're not looking back.
