This topic was a hot one today on the radio as Browns fans continue to circulate rumors (and wish lists) around what impending owner Jimmy Haslem should (or should not) do once he comes into power.
My own opinion about a domed stadium has changed since 1999. Back then, I felt strongly that it should be an open air venue, similar to what the old stadium felt like. After all, bad weather is a great equalizer and considering the franchise had just hit the reset button… we needed all the help we could get.
However, now that I’m a bit older I see the other side of the coin. Think about the events that Cleveland could attract AND what that would do to help revitalize a lakefront that has less attractions than a zoo on Mars. Seriously though, think… Super Bowl, NCCA Final Four, Big Ten Championchips, etc. Besides, do you really like those bone chilling games in December or do you prefer to stay at home during those weeks?
What's your take?
Give Cleveland the chance to host a Super Bowl. (Probably not *participate* in a Super Bowl, but we'll take what we can get.)
the first comment makes as much sense as the last comment... "browns fans want anyTHing but a good team" .. Name me one who is hoping for a BAD team.... AND "there has not been a touchdown at the stadium for decades" Right..... Its this kind of "fan" who see's and reads what is printed and comes up with this kind of "logical thinking" that keeps our city a "mistake on the lake". How about a positive attitude? Come on.... If Mr. Haslem is spending the dollars to improve the team (I think we have to wait until he actually takes control of the team to expect that) it seems to me that the cost and funding of a dome is a very seperate issue. Lets try and look to a brighter future than whats being done here....
whats done here"---- I don't mean to brag but I am not a Browns fan. The fans have waited since ???? about over 50-60myears. Is that not long enough? Waited thru owner changes, coachinmg changes, stadium changes, player changes, etc. Sounds pretty patient and optimistic to me. And while you all are WAITING the rest of the teams will be winning and some will be going to the Super Bowl. So you wonderfully patient fans can keep waiting and watching good teams am\nd dream of a win!! And thias is my positive attitude--- I AM POSITIVE THAT IN MY AND PROBABLY YOUR LIFETIME WILL NOT SEE A BROWNS TEAM WIN THE SUPER BOWL. You either have the patience of Job or thementality of a Cleveland sports fan!!! Some of what I said was meant to be taken as a funny joke. But the real joke is on you ! Look around with your eyes wide open and watch several NFL games, and think about your Browns. It will not be longbefore even you and your positive attitude comes t realize just how far away they are from "good"
And to Jim, my comment is not to belittle you, just to say I am as frustrated as ANY Cleveland sports fan, but I will not be one that you see with a Steelers sticker on my car, or a Yankees jersy on my back. Its called Loyality.... and hope.
Name me a CURRENT single act that could possibly come close to filling a stadium show? Older groups could do that back in the day. But now a days that really isn't possible.... No act wants to work a half empty dome. Read something no less than two weeks ago that Final four may start looking at non-dome facilities. Heres the link:http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/06/ncaa-considering-moving-the-final-four-out-of-domes/ It's a silly waste of time. But if the owner foots the bill, because he will get all of the revenue from said activity. Then good for him. But I personally think it would be a waste of cash...
Is that an acceptable compromise?
Could it happen. Sure. 5 to 6 times a year. What are ya gonna do with the other 340 or so open dates? Music festivals are great. In Europe... Isle of Whyte, Donnington, Wacken, I could go on. Ironically all held outside. Coachella, outside I believe, is not going to be moving to Cleveland. Numerous so called festivals that go on in the US play at places like Blossom. Why? Because Ozzfest is not going to pull 60K+ in Cleveland. The domes that the final four play in ARE football stadiums. They are played, it's over. And if you could peruse the link they are looking at the east and west coasts because the domes are not near where they want to "be." You think they'll make an exception for Cleveland? Look I just don't dig the "build it and they will come," type of thinking. That's what we were told when they rebuilt the High school stadium and I have still not seen the numerous band festivals, soccer tournaments, and so forth that were promised. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.