Ohio state budget includes $600M for Browns stadium

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a two-year, $60 billion operating budget that flattens the state's income tax and sets aside $600 million in unclaimed funds for a new Cleveland Browns stadium. The Republican governor signed the budget — which included 67 line-item vetoes — late Monday night, about 45 minutes before the midnight deadline. The budget includes $600 million for Haslam Sports Group, owner of the Browns, which requested that the state help build a new domed stadium in suburban Brook Park south of Cleveland. DeWine had proposed doubling taxes on sports betting to help the Browns, as well as the Cincinnati Bengals and other teams who might seek facility upgrades. But the Legislature used some of the $4.8 billion in unclaimed funds the state is holding. That comes from small sums left behind from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks and forgotten utility deposits. Currently, there's a 10-year time limit before that money reverts to the state."This is a win for taxpayers, and it will provide significant money to things that improve the quality of life in Ohio," DeWine said of the stadium money.In a statement issued Tuesday, the Browns called the budget approval a "tremendous milestone for our organization" and said DeWine and the Legislature worked together "to find a responsible way to support such a transformative project."Lawmakers who represent Cleveland and surrounding communities, mostly Democrats, have blasted the proposal as a gift to the team's billionaire owners. Democrats outside the Legislature have threatened to sue if DeWine signed the plan, arguing it would be unconstitutionally raiding the unclaimed funds without due process. Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said the Huntington Bank Field will "create a generational impact for our region and the State." The Haslams also said the facility will anchor a lifestyle and entertainment development and be a catalyst for one of Northeast Ohio's largest economic development projects ever. The Browns said via social media that the stadium, which will cost more than $2 billion, will feature the closest first and last row seats in the NFL, as well as the largest concourse and largest locker room among league stadiums. "We are committed to building a state-of-the-art enclosed stadium that resonates with Cleveland, highlighting our loyal and passionate fans and the Dawg Pound, while also incorporating innovation, bold design, and an immersive experience," the Haslams said in a statement. "The new enclosed Huntington Bank Field will be completely fan-centric, a first-of-its-kind design in the NFL, and a dynamic venue that draws visitors from across Ohio and beyond, for concerts and significant sporting events throughout the year." Stadium Q&A When will the stadium open?The Browns say they can have the new stadium ready for the start of the 2029 football season. The downtown lease expires with the end of the 2028 season. That means a January 2029 home playoff game would be the last game on the lakefront. What will be the seating capacity?Dave Jenkins, chief operating officer of the Browns and the Haslam Sports Group, said during a briefing earlier this year that the stadium would seat 65,000, plus have space to accommodate about 2,500 more for standing room. And he said the facility could be configured for up to about 75,000 for concerts. But expect these estimates to change some as designs move along. Capacity of the current Browns stadium is 67,431. Who is paying the bill?The Browns and the fans, for sure, plus others. The current proposal is for the Browns to contribute $1.2 billion and the state $600 million, with the team promising to pay back the state money (that's the public's money) through taxes generated at the site. That leaves another $600 million to be determined. Where will fans park?Plans call for 12,000 to 13,000 parking spaces on the site. Off-site parking is expected nearby for people looking for a better deal than whatever the Browns charge. The Browns pretty much acknowledged that by including a pedestrian bridge over Engle Road in their plans to accommodate people walking to the stadium. What else will be built at the site?Eventually, the Browns expect another $800 million to $1 billion of private development on the site. This would include two hotels of about 450 rooms each, entertainment-based retail of about 275,000 square feet (about one-fifth the size of a typical regional shopping mall) and about 1,100 apartments. About half of this non-stadium development is targeted for 2029, with the rest by about 2036.