MIKE BROWN: Cleveland needs a retractable dome

I’ve felt this for decades: Cleveland needs a retractable dome for the Browns.

Now believe me, I played football and nothing is better than playing in the elements late in the season.

I’m not advocating for a closed dome. But I would love to see a retractable dome in Cleveland.

Dee and Jimmy Haslam looking to develop Cleveland’s lakefront

Browns’ owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam have been key players in talks about developing Cleveland’s lakefront in the coming years.

The initial plan includes an outside mall area that would lead from downtown Cleveland to its beautiful lakefront.

Some Cleveland power brokers recently commented that they believe a dome stadium will not be part of that revitalization project.

To that I ask, why not?

Detroit provides an example for Cleveland

I remember covering the Steelers’ 21-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL in 2006 at Detroit’s Ford Field.

Obviously, Detroit would never have gotten a chance to host a Super Bowl in February without its dome at Ford Field.

A retractable dome for Cleveland could provide so much more than just great football opportunities. Think of downtown winter conventions at a larger venue, concerts and much more. The possibilities are endless.

It will probably never happen, but it sure would be a wonderful addition to the future development plans on the lakefront.

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