Earlier this week at the NFL Owners meetings in Orlando Florida, Cleveland Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam made a statement that sent Browns fans on the defensive. Mr. Haslam explained that the Cleveland Browns organization has two options on the table for their stadium. Both options seem to generate controversy among Cleveland Browns fans.

Option one is a 1-billion-dollar renovation of the current Cleveland Browns Stadium. It was described by Mr. Haslam as to not be a cosmetic operation. The renovation would be a major overhaul of the current stadium. And it would not involve a roof on the stadium. It seems like a simple solution, but it is not simple. The renovation would take three years and the Browns would need to find a new place to play home games during the process. That is a logistical nightmare. Also, why have an outdoor stadium that can maybe be used for 12 dates a year. Not having a roof doesn’t make economic sense for the Browns and the City of Cleveland.

Option two is a new dome stadium located in a Cleveland suburb. The news broke last February that the Cleveland Browns were purchasing a 176-acre lot directly across from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Brook Park Ohio. This location is about 10 miles from downtown Cleveland. This project would cost a lot more than a 1-billion-dollar renovation. The estimated cost could be over 2-billion dollars for the new dome stadium. The economic benefit from events in a dome stadium can generate even more revenue for the Cleveland area. Super Bowls, WrestleManias, NCAA Final Fours, and Major Concerts would all be new to the Cleveland area.  This is the option that makes the most sense.

As fans tend to react to change with emotion, sometimes what is best isn’t easy to accept at first. What is best for the Cleveland Browns, the City of Cleveland, and the fans is a new dome stadium. The waterfront can be better developed by the city. The new venue would attract more events and revenue for the Cleveland area than an outdoor football stadium. The current stadium is obsolete and was hastily constructed in the 1990’s. Fans will embrace a new home for their team, the key to that is winning games. And winning for the Cleveland Metropolitan area.