Stadium History
FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns, is a multipurpose facility located on the shore of Lake Erie. Construction of the stadium began on May 15, 1997, and it opened on September 12, 1999 when the Browns took on their division rivals: the Pittsburgh Steelers. Originally named Cleveland Browns Stadium, it is built on the same site as Cleveland Municipal Stadium, the former home of the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians.
In 2013, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and FirstEnergy President and CEO Tony Alexander announced a long-term naming rights partnership, and FirstEnergy Stadium underwent a series of renovations over the next two years. The $120 million renovation project took part in two phases. Phase one included new video boards, a new sound system, increased lower bowl seating, and additional escalators to help ease the in-stadium access to guests. Phase two revamped the concessions areas, added new graphics honoring Browns history and current players, increased connectivity with stadium-wide WiFi and upgraded the clubs and suite spaces. The renovations completely modernized the facility and brought it into the 21st century.
FirstEnergy Stadium proudly hosts the Cleveland Browns, as well as many other events including concerts, international soccer games, high school and college football games, and much more! Click here for information on hosting an event at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Stadium Facts
Architect: HOK Sports (now Populous)
Ground Breaking: May 15, 1997
Completed: August, 1999
Cost: $283 million
Venue Size: 1.64 million square feet on a 31 acre site
Capacity: 67,895
Playing Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass with a sand-soil root zone and underground heat system made up of 40 miles of piping
Suites: 143 (14-16 seats per suite on average)
Clubs: 7UP City Club & Lake Club
Club Seating: 8,801
Premium Clubs: KeyBank Club, Club 46, Draft Room, and Kardiac Club
Premium Club Seating: 1,100
Restrooms: 274 (1,019 toilets, 480 urinals, 711 sinks)
Concessions: 42 concessions stands
Elevators: 10 passenger & 2 freight
Escalators: 4 club & 4 public
Video Boards: 40’ x 192’ (equivalent to 645 60” HD TVS)
Stadium Affiliates: Aramark (concessions & housekeeping), Cleveland Browns Hospitality Group (premium concessions), WESS (security), Legends (merchandise), University Hospitals (first aid), APEX (security), Excel K9 (security), Tenable (security), SP+ (parking), ABM (parking)
