There has been a setback to the Cleveland Browns‘ plans for a new stadium. The denial of a permission application was sent to the Haslam Sports Group’s legal firm. Plans to construct a new stadium in Brook Park, close to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, were presented by the Browns.
But the stadium’s vital ODOT-Aviation permit has been denied. This seriously jeopardizes the $3.6 billion stadium plan. NEOtrans got the refusal letter that was given to Clyde & Co. US LLP by the Ohio Department of Transportation. The letter stated:
“The purpose of this letter is to notify you that your permit application concerning the proposed construction of a commercial building at the above submitted location and height has been denied for the following reason: the proposed structure has been determined to be an obstruction to air navigation,”
The stadium stretches 58 feet into the designated air navigation zone at the new site. The Haslam Sports Group has 30 days to file an appeal, so the stadium idea is not doomed. That seems to be exactly what they intend to achieve.
The Browns’ current stadium contract is about to expire, so they need to find a solution quickly. Huntington Bank Field has been the team’s home field since 1999, and the lease will end following the 2028 campaign. By the time the 2029 NFL season begins, a new stadium must be finished.
If the Browns can expedite the permit process, they will have about four years to construct a new stadium.
