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Renderings commissioned by Destination Cleveland show what a domed stadium for the Browns might look like at the site currently occupied by Burke Lakefront Airport. The images of the proposed 70,000-seat dome and surrounding district with hotels, retail space, residential units, parking and marina comes less than two weeks after the Haslam Sports Group, the owners of the Browns, confirmed plans to relocate from downtown Cleveland to a domed stadium in Brook Park.
In a statement to 3News, Destination Cleveland Vice President of PR and Communications Emily Lauer explained why the agency that promotes tourism in Greater Cleveland decided to get involved in the stadium process: "In anticipation of requests for support regarding the future home of the Cleveland Browns, Destination Cleveland's Board of Directors voted to remain neutral. No matter where the team plays, the organization’s job is to promote the Cleveland football experience.
The Board also concluded that the only way Destination Cleveland could provide value to the negotiations would be – if needed – to conduct research to inform decision making. "Given the unanswered questions about the viability of Burke Lakefront Airport as a development site, Destination Cleveland engaged relevant partners to specifically determine if the airport land could accommodate the program the Browns had proposed in Brook Park. The City and County were informed of the project at its onset. Upon completion, the study was released only to the City and County, with the understanding that they would decide whether to provide the information to Haslam Sports Group. The study has not been provided by Destination Cleveland to any entities or individuals other than the City and County."
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