Cleveland, OH
Browns and the city of Cleveland reach $100 million agreement on stadium
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Mayor Justin M. Bibb and the Haslam Sports Group (HSG) announced a $100 million agreement between the city of Cleveland and the Cleveland Browns on Monday afternoon. Making way for the construction of the Browns’ new domed stadium in Brook Park
The money from HSG will go to the lakefront transformation and prepare the current lake stadium site for redevelopment.
I’m proud to deliver this historic deal to the residents of the City of Cleveland,” said Mayor Bibb. “My administration, with the Haslams’ support, will finally unlock the full potential of our lakefront, benefiting all residents and attracting new investment to the City.”
“Because of Mayor Bibb’s leadership, and this monumental public-private partnership, we are accelerating the transformation of Cleveland’s lakefront while delivering a new world-class stadium and mixed-use development in Brook Park. It’s a win for the city, the region, and the fans,” said HSG Principal Partners Dee and Jimmy Haslam.
19 News reached out to Cuyahoga County for a statement. County Executive Chris Ronayne, a continuing opponent of the move to Brook Park, released the following statement:
“This $100M investment continues our lakefront momentum and economic resurgence,” Mayor Bibb said. This agreement puts the lakefront on the path to transformational development and the Browns on the path to a world-class facility in Brook Park. This is the right solution for the City and the region.”
Highlights of agreement
- HSG to pay the City of Cleveland the sum of $25 million by December 1, 2025.
- HSG to raze the current Huntington Bank Field in downtown Cleveland to a pad-ready and state at the Browns’ expense. This cost is estimated to be $30 million.
- Beginning on January 1, 2029, pay the City of Cleveland $5 million on or before January 1 of each calendar year until January 1, 2033, totaling $25 million over five years.
- Upon termination of the Lease, HSG to invest no less than $2 million per year over the next 10 years on a mutually agreed Community Benefit Projects totaling no less than $20 million.
- Parties to mutually support infrastructure plans related to road and air travel with respect to both the Brook Park stadium mixed-use project, the modernization of Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport, and the development of the Cleveland lakefront, including the redevelopment of the Burke Lakefront Airport property.
- City to support the continuing progress and timely completion of transformational Brook Park stadium and mixed-use development.
- Both parties will voluntarily dismiss all lawsuits with prejudice related to Browns Huntington Bank Field move to Brook Park, OH.
The parties will work collaboratively to finalize a formal settlement agreement, reflecting mutual support of both the lakefront and Brook Park development projects.
Copyright 2025 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Hanford Dixon’s legacy continues to grow.
On Monday, June 29, it was announced by the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame that Cleveland Browns legend Hanford Dixon will be part of the 2026 induction class. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hall of Fame.
Dixon will be formally inducted in September, with the full class and ceremony details expected to be released in the coming weeks.
🏈 The first of a MEMORABLE class!
Welcome to the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame, Hanford Dixon! pic.twitter.com/fNsydaXHxV
— Greater Cleveland Sports HOF (@GCLESPORTSHOF) June 29, 2026
Before the news was made public, the 67-year-old was surprised by Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame President Bob DiBiasio and Vice President John Telich, who informed him of the announcement just before he was set to record a show on the BIGPLAY Sports Network.
“I am a man of many words. I can always find something to say,” Dixon began. “But I just want to tell you guys, thank you. This means a lot to me from the bottom of my heart because you guys know, old country boy coming from a little small town outside of Mobile in Alabama.
“I decided to stay here in Cleveland and make Cleveland my home, so I tell you how much Cleveland means to me.”
DiBiasio went on to share that making Cleveland your home is one of the many criteria that allows individuals to be inducted into The Hall.
“You mentioned that you made Cleveland your home,” he said. “That’s one of the criteria to be in the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. It’s a nine-county region, and you either had to be born or raised in Cleveland, the Greater Cleveland area, or made Cleveland your home after your career, which you did, and you are a perfect example of that.
“You made Cleveland your home, and you are so deserving.”
After being selected by the Browns with the 22nd overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft out of the University of Southern Mississippi, he would go on to play nine seasons. Dixon was a lockdown defender for the Browns, snagging 26 interceptions across 131 games played.
Selected to three Pro Bowls and named an All-Pro twice, Dixon was one of the bright spots for an era of Cleveland football that saw the team reach the playoffs six times. He would team up with Frank Minnifield, helping form one of football’s best duos in the history of the sport. He is also credited with helping to create and name the iconic “Dawg Pound” identity.
He retired after the 1989 campaign, going on to stay active in the community and media space.
He has worked with WOIO-TV 19 and Fox Sports Ohio, covering high school football, and also the BIGPLAY Sports Network, where he currently hosts a show called BIGPLAY Cleveland Live, covering Cleveland’s professional sports organizations.
“Such a fun thing for us to be able to sneak in here before your show, and share the wonderful news,” DiBiasio concluded. “We can’t be more happy for you to join. We are in our 50th year… it is one of Cleveland’s best kept secrets.”
Breaking: #Browns legend Hanford Dixon will be inducted into the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 2026 class.#DawgPound
— Cade Cracas (@CracasCade) June 29, 2026
Earlier this year, Dixon was also presented with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards back on Feb. 5. Such an honor highlighted the play he had put on the field back in the 80’s, and the work he had done in the community following his playing career.
Now, just a few months removed, Dixon will receive yet another prestigious honor from the city he has dedicated his life to.
“I came here, and I just love the city, love the people, now you can’t get rid of me,” Dixon said when receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award earlier. “I’m still here…”
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Cleveland, OH
E. 9th Street exit to close Monday, affecting downtown Cleveland commuters through late October
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is preparing to close a ramp into downtown Cleveland that will be a major disruption for the rest of the summer.
19 News spoke with Jacob McCullough, who lives downtown. He said he will now have to give himself much more time for travel.
“Anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes,” McCullough said.
Nathaniel Birach drives into downtown every week from Vermilion and uses the E 9th Street exit.
“On busy weekends it already takes 20 minutes to get through the city,” Birach said. “Having to go 2 exits over potentially is going to be another 20 minutes are so on both ends”
On June 29, the eastbound exit to E. 9th St. will close and is not scheduled to reopen until late October.
According to a spokesperson, ODOT was informed by the contractor earlier this month of the closure, and the work is for the new ramp and a new bridge support pier.
All of this work is a part of the Cleveland Innerbelt Modernization Plan.
ODOT is suggesting a detour of exiting on Ontario, then a right on Carnegie to E. 9th St.
This closure will have major impacts on morning commuters trying to get into downtown, as well as ballgame traffic for the Guardians, and any events at Rocket Fieldhouse.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland EMS responded to a fatal crash early Sunday morning.
According to EMS, the accident was at I-71 N and W 130th Street.
When crews arrived, they pronounced a 28-year-old man dead at the scene.
A 35-year-old man was taken to Fairview Hospital in stable condition, EMS said.
Two other men, ages 18 and 21, were also at the scene but declined medical transport.
19 News has made call outs to Cleveland Police on more information on the accident.
This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
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