Browns Adding to Game Day Experience

[Binkster]

I believe that situation was unique in that the Indians had just moved out of the stadium, thus not making Modell the money from the suites during the summer. Modell made money off the stadium year-round in exchange for rent, mind you.

Form Wiki:


These two situations are not the same to me. The Browns move had about as much to do with Modell's poor business decisions as much as anything else.

I respect your argument and they are no doubt entirely different scenarios. I do, however, think there are dire implications behind stadium neglect.

 

[Sly]

The city had huge obligations to the Browns over the next 12 years. One way or another, the city was going to pay close to $40 million into the stadium between now and 2025. Here are the basics of what remains of the lease:

From 2013-2020: The city pays $850,000 annually into an upkeep fund. The Browns pay $250,000 annually in rent until the end of the lease in 2028.

Then comes real trouble:

2021: City pays $5.9 million.
2022: City pays $6.3 million.
2023: City pays $6.7 million.
2024: City pays $7.1 million.
2025: City pays $7.5 million.
2026-28: No more money from the city.
The city owed $33.5 million from 2021-25. You can say the Browns are loaded, and the NFL is outrageously lucrative. You can say the Browns should relieve the city of its obligation. You can say a lot of things. But the lease wasn't going away -- especially the 2021-25 section with those balloon payments.

The only way it could be changed is if the Browns agreed to it. That's what happened.

This is not to turn the Browns into Mother Teresa. Banner is known for being a tough negotiator, always looking for an edge. But he also saw trouble looming in 2021-25. Where would the city find that much money -- the $33.5 million over five years?

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/index.ssf/2013/11/cleveland_browns_held_a_huge_a.html

 

[Pyro]

And now celebrity fans are weighing in!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>This is bullshit if you ask me: <a href="http://t.co/dj8vWzwsu2">http://t.co/dj8vWzwsu2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cleveland&amp;src=hash">#Cleveland</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Browns&amp;src=hash">#Browns</a></p>&mdash; Drew Carey (@DrewFromTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewFromTV/statuses/405171113879040001">November 26, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Ohio]

Why are people upset with the stadium upgrade? I don't get it.

 

[Nicky]

Why are people upset with the stadium upgrade? I don't get it.

Financially speaking-- it seems irresponsible.

 

[Pyro]

Why are people upset with the stadium upgrade? I don't get it.

Because it's a bunch of scoreboards. Place needs better concessions, concourses, entrances, placement, etc.

 

[Binkster]

Because it's a bunch of scoreboards. Place needs better concessions, concourses, entrances, placement, etc.

Directly from Firstenergystadiumproject.com:


Concessions/Concourses:

In 2015, the Browns will create new dramatic graphics throughout the stadium, honoring current and former Browns. They will also improve general-admission concession areas, with revamped and unique offerings, modernize premium areas, and create new hospitality and fan-engagement opportunities. There will be continued emphasis on the most up-to-date technology and connectivity.

New and dramatic graphics will be on display throughout the stadium, honoring Browns history and current players. The images will provide a unique and colorful backdrop as fans walk the concourses.

Entrances:

Easing in-stadium access for fans is another priority in the plan's initial stage. Two new escalators will be installed in both the north and south end zones to ensure the most fluid, convenient movement in and between stadium levels. At the end of the project, there will be 12 escalators providing access to stadium levels.

As far as "placement" goes, seems vague as to what you're implying. But sightlines, signage, and even several thousand seats (including suite areas) will literally be placed in different areas...

 

[Binkster]

Financially speaking-- it seems irresponsible.

This is the last I'll speak on this because I feel like I'm beating a dead horse, but...

The terms of the lease from 1998 are irresponsible; the recent proposal for stadium improvements doesn't change that one iota.

People are getting worked up because they are simply being reminded how much money the city will owe in about 8 years. This shouldn't really be about the renovations...

 

[Soda]

This is the last I'll speak on this because I feel like I'm beating a dead horse, but...

The terms of the lease from 1998 are irresponsible; the recent proposal for stadium improvements doesn't change that one iota.

People are getting worked up because they are simply being reminded how much money the city will owe in about 8 years. This shouldn't really be about the renovations...

Agreed.

Irresponsible would be to turn this down, then vote "No" on the sin tax in 2015. Irresponsible would be to not have upkeep on your property that is one of your greatest sources of revenue. Irresponsible would be not taxing people for cigs and alcohol and letting the City's general fund get itself bind having to pay for the improvements.

You want to see a decrease in police officers/service to the City? Vote "No" on the sin tax. In my opinion, it would be par for the course. This City whines about the good stuff not being good enough entirely too often and loudly.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

It's the price of business of having an NFL team.

Because you can be damn sure that this team could get the same deal, maybe even a better one in another city.

Does it make it right? No. But do you want to have an NFL team in Cleveland?

 

[theshad]

It's the price of business of having an NFL team.

Because you can be damn sure that this team could get the same deal, maybe even a better one in another city.

Does it make it right? No. But do you want to have an NFL team in Cleveland?

With what I have been watching for the last 14 years, I kind of don't care at this point.




This is coming from someone who loves the shit out of the idea of the Browns. The actual team not so much.

 

[WellYouNeednt]

Agreed.

Irresponsible would be to turn this down, then vote "No" on the sin tax in 2015. Irresponsible would be to not have upkeep on your property that is one of your greatest sources of revenue. Irresponsible would be not taxing people for cigs and alcohol and letting the City's general fund get itself bind having to pay for the improvements.

You want to see a decrease in police officers/service to the City? Vote "No" on the sin tax. In my opinion, it would be par for the course. This City whines about the good stuff not being good enough entirely too often and loudly.

Wow, you should run for some sort of seat for the City of Cleveland. Didn't take to long before before fear mongering started to happen. You are also right, the City of Cleveland has it waaaay too good. Cleveland wants more "good stuff",so please, tax the shit out of them some more.

 

[Sly]

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/ind...th.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

A damn shame.

 

[Binkster]

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/ind...th.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

A damn shame.

I don't know that I totally buy into these types of maps.

I once saw a colored map of the US depicting the most popular brand of beer by state and Blue Moon covered 3/4 of the map. Is Blue Moon a good beer? Absolutely, I enjoy it. But if you're going to sit there and tell me that Bud Light isn't the most consumed beer in this country by a landslide, I'd say you're high.

 

[Nicky]

I never agree with polls/maps. This is just another "Whoa is Cleveland and their seemingly pathetic sports team." The thing about the Browns that makes the fanbase so special is that we don't need bandwagon fans, like New England and Dallas. We are our own special breed of fans. This makes us the most insane and most loyal.