Plain Dealer: Browns Requesting Funding in Advance for Repairs to Stadium

by Chris Pokorny on Jan 19, 2012 11:15 AM EST

When it comes to the Cleveland Browns, the team isn't the only thing that needs "repaired" -- the stadium needs some work done as well. According to an article written by the Plain Dealer's Thomas Ott, the Browns want the city of Cleveland to spend $5.8 million "right now" for stadium repairs.

Per the article, the organization's 30-year lease with the city calls for the city to set aside $850,000 each year for major repairs. If the Browns receive additional funding this year, they will forgo that amount each year for the following six years.

The money the Browns would get for repairs this year would include an estimated $1.2 million for refurbishing club seats on the north and south sides of the stadium and at the east end zone. Another $750,000 will pay to waterproof the concrete under those seats. Most of the rest of the $5.8 million would go for replacement and repair of concrete on interior ramps and walkways and a plaza outside the stadium.

If the Browns receive additional funding this year, you have to imagine they'll still find a way to pull in some money over the next couple of years.

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We have a billionaire for an owner and they want a city that’s desperately hurting for money to pay almost 6 million for repairs? Am I missing something?

I take this optimism shit seriously.

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by The Licensed Optimist on Jan 19, 2012 3:33 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Every team has a wealthy owner and ever team uses public funds to maintain and build stadiums.

by Justin Kowalczyk on Jan 19, 2012 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

we’re paying Mangini next season yet, 2.5 million….learner has wasted more money than this…sure he can dig it out of the couch. and we finished paying crennel his millions just last year.

What you do is so loud no one hears what you say.

by allsides on Jan 19, 2012 9:49 PM EST up reply actions

Or what, you’ll move the team?! Never.

"The tragedy of life is not that man loses, but that he almost wins."

by Simmsinns on Jan 19, 2012 4:19 PM EST reply actions

I don’t think this is unreasonable. I’m sure Randy Lerner could pay for this himself, but this is the reality of pro sports. I would be mad if he wanted extra money, but he just wants an advance. I know this is stressful for the city of Cleveland, but if they can afford to give the team any money at all I don’t see the harm.

As far as the people who say they shouldn’t do because the team is bad, or they should only pay up when the team is good, those people should stop rooting for major league sports. This is how the game is played, and if we don’t do it, there are other cities that will.

Also, shame on you for making me go to cleveland.com

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Jan 19, 2012 4:49 PM EST reply actions

If he wants the luxury seats repaired so quickly, he could take Mike Holmgren’s salary of one year to do it.

"The tragedy of life is not that man loses, but that he almost wins."

by Simmsinns on Jan 19, 2012 5:01 PM EST up reply actions

The only positive I see coming from Holmgrens hiring is Heckert. He is the best drafter we have seen in a long time.

by Justin Kowalczyk on Jan 19, 2012 5:12 PM EST up reply actions

True dat.

"The tragedy of life is not that man loses, but that he almost wins."

by Simmsinns on Jan 19, 2012 5:14 PM EST up reply actions

the part that bothers me is that 40% is basically earmarked for the “high rollers” while the city is taking it out of sin taxes which are inherently regressive taxes.

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by bross09 on Jan 19, 2012 6:03 PM EST up reply actions

That bothers me too. But that money was coming out of the sin taxes whether it be as a lump sum or over the next five years.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Jan 19, 2012 7:15 PM EST up reply actions

yeah. I almost wish they didn’t overtly say “hey, we are going to spend a good amount of this on club seats”

I teach good life choices. That's why I almost didn't graduate high school.
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by bross09 on Jan 19, 2012 9:14 PM EST up reply actions

If I controlled sin taxes, I’d jack them so high. Either you pay and the city wins for increased revenue in city repair or people get rid of their addictions.

Win win.

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by SpecialBrownie on Jan 19, 2012 10:38 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, liberty is for the birds.

"The tragedy of life is not that man loses, but that he almost wins."

by Simmsinns on Jan 20, 2012 9:01 AM EST up reply actions

increased revenue in city repair makes sense because it benefits a higher number of people than fixing up a football stadium

I teach good life choices. That's why I almost didn't graduate high school.
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by bross09 on Jan 20, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

If you have a structured settlement and you need cash now, call J. G. Wentworth. 877-CASH-NOW
It’s my money and I need it!

I should have made my screen name DerekAndersonIsMyBrother

by Doc's Kid on Jan 19, 2012 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs

You’re on a roll.

"The tragedy of life is not that man loses, but that he almost wins."

by Simmsinns on Jan 19, 2012 8:57 PM EST up reply actions

Do any of you realize that the CITY owns the stadium? Cleveland is responsible for fixing up the stadium, not Lerner.
When you rent a house and the walkway is cracked up, you call the landlord.

by Brownie's Year on Jan 19, 2012 7:48 PM EST reply actions

I have been yammering this all day after hearing the story.

Cleveland owns the stadium and the Browns pay a lease. The city does not know how to manage a stadium so they look to the Browns to guide them on what needs fixed. The 850k is a capital improvement budget number that is a % based on the appraised value of the property. Capital expenses increase each year as the building ages. The 850k was the same after year 1 as it is after year 15. All the Browns are saying is, “hey cleveland your asset needs repair and this is how much it wil cost. It will help us attract fans to the stadium and maintain the value of your asset. Give us an advance on the Capital improvement budget and we”ll fix your asset. The reality is if they do not do it now the cost could grow exponentially over the next 5 years.

by SBP on Jan 19, 2012 10:50 PM EST up reply actions