Browns Announce Plans for Phase II of FirstEnergy Stadium Renovation

On Wednesday, the Cleveland Browns announced plans for Phase II of their renovation of FirstEnergy Stadium. Last year, Phase I of the renovation included the all new scoreboards, an improved sound system, more escalators, and relocation of certain seats. Phase II will focus more on the look-and-feel of the smaller things, but together, it will be a very noticeable change.

You can read more about the changes here, or watch team president Alec Scheiner discuss them in the video below.

Among the components of Phase II are:

• Creating a field-level hospitality area next to the Browns' locker room. We can only imagine that this will be similar in concept to what the Dallas Cowboys have. Scheiner was part of Dallas' front office that helped put that together there.
  
  
• All 35 concession stands throughout the stadium will be remodeled with modernized facades, signage, menu boards and way-finding. Celebrity chef stands will also be available. Some of the new food options will include Michael Symon's "B Spot," Rocco Whalen's "Great Lakes Cheesesteaks," Jonathon Sawyer's "Sausage and Peppers" and Chris Hodgson's "Downtown Dogs."
  
  
• Lights will be brighter, there will be better signage (both for way-finding and just to represent the culture of the Browns), and the atmosphere will be warmer and spots -- more home-like. The signage on the exterior of the stadium will be improved too, likely to include large posters of legendary Browns players.

As noted on the site, all of the money for the renovations -- which cost $125 million -- was fronted by team owner Jimmy Haslam, with the city of Cleveland agreeing to reimburse $30 million over the next 15 years. Scheiner was vague about if and when there might be a Phase III, but he also hinted that Phase III might simply include regular enhancements each year to always keep things modern and well kept.

What do you think of the renderings of the changes, Browns fans?