Reason #273 - Lakefront Property

The Browns are out of the playoffs and Cleveland Browns Stadium is out of action until next August. We're wasting prime lakefront property except for 10 days a year.

Reason #272 - 7-1 at Home

The Browns have won seven home games in a season for the first time in their history. A dome would extend, not negate, the advantage.

Reason #271 - Domes Matter

The Browns' playoff hopes hinge on the Colts beating the Titans this weekend. That's right, a dome team playing at home in its dome will decide whether the Browns make the playoffs. Domes matter, especially in Cleveland.

Reason #270 - Golden Domer

The drumbeat for Brady Quinn to get some playing time this weekend is picking up. If the Golden Domer gets into the action, so should a silver dome.

Reason #269 - Bowl Game-Ready

Detroit is hosting the Motor City Bowl tonight. Attendance is about 60,000. What a positive that would be for Cleveland! Welcome to the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll Bowl!

Reason #268 - Super Bowl Hosting

Detroit and Minneapolis, with their domes, are the only cities north of Georgia, Texas and California to ever host a Super Bowl. Indianpolis and St. Louis domes hope to lure the big game someday. Why not Cleveland? We would be great hosts - but they won't come unless we have a roof.

Reason #267 - Rumors of Change

There are rumors - just rumors for now - that the Browns might be thinking about changing the design of their uniforms or helmets. If that tradition is up for discussion, a dome should be on the table as well.

Reason #266 - Offseason Roof Addition

Even if they make the playoffs, the Browns' game Sunday will be their last home game until next August - plenty of time to start adding the roof onto an idle stadium.

Reason #265 - Christmas List

Three days before Christmas, and I've got my list. Roof - tops on my list, Santa.

Reason #264 - Still Cold From Sunday's Game

Reason #263 - Rock and Roll

Starting in 2009, the induction ceremonies for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will be held in Cleveland every three years. A roof-ed Browns Stadium would be the ideal venue for the induction ceremonies and related concerts. The opportunity is so obvious that perhaps some people are overlooking it.

Reason #262 - Sunday's Opening Kickoff

By 1 p.m. Sunday, this is what the field looked like for the opening kickoff.

Reason #261 - Winning Records

After Sunday's win against Buffalo, the Browns are 1-0 in blizzards. They're also 1-0 in domes (a win over St. Louis). So, we won't lose our home-field advantage with a roof.

Reason #260 - People Are Talking

I was at the Browns game today, and EVERYBODY was talking about whether Browns Stadium should have a roof. Sure, many people said it shouldn't, but the fact that there was so much debate tells me that people are talking about this issue, and some are listening to me.

Reason #259 - Winter Storm Warning

The first major winter storm is scheduled to hit this weekend, with the worst weather expected to come during Sunday's Browns game. After this weekend, perhaps we'll be able to make the case for putting a roof over the entire city.

Reason #258 - Saving Baseball

Eighty-five baseball players, including 16 with ties to the Indians, were implicated in the Mitchell Report on banned substances. It's not too far-fetched to think that facilities, including a comfortable roof, may be one of very few ways to keep baseball fans in the stands. Don't count on the players and owners to do the right thing.

Reason #257 - Paying for a Roof

A-Rod has agreed to a 10-year, $275 million contract. That's more than two stadium roofs, which would also last more than twice as long as the contract. The fact that the Indians avoid such high-price sweepstakes means they have money for a roof, right?

Reason #256 - Reindeer Up on the Rooftop

Only eight more shopping days until Christmas. Yes, there is still time to add roof to your list. After all, a roof would give the reindeer somewhere to land in Cleveland.

Reason #255 - Big Ten Football

The Big Ten has added a 13th game to its teams' regular-season schedules, starting in 2009. With the right package and a roof, we might be able to attract an Ohio State vs. in-state-school game once in a while.

Reason #254 - Meaningful Games in December

At 8-5, the Browns will play one of their most meaningful home games in a long time on Sunday. If they win, they're close to clinching a playoff spot. If they lose, they're probably out. If bad weather causes them to lose this game even though they're the better team, I'm blaming the roof-less stadium. It's the only thing that can stop us now.

Reason #253 - Player Names

The Indians have signed pitcher Masahide Kobayashi from Japan. Now comes word that a Japanese outfielder may also come to the U.S. to play. His last name is Fukudome - that's right "dome" is in his last name. We need him.

Reason #252 - Endless Possibilities

If the Browns can make the NFL playoffs, this may be the first time in Cleveland history that all three major sports teams reached the postseason. You see, in Cleveland, anything's possible.

Reason #251 - Roof May Be All We Have

The Cavs have lost five in a row without the injured LeBron James. Their only saving grace - they play under a roof. Otherwise, without LeBron, there is very little to like about this very weak and unmotivated team.

Reason #250 - Baseball Trades

The Indians have seven starting pitchers but no roof on their stadium. Too bad they can't work out that kind of a trade. Unfortunately, you often need that many pitchers because of injuries. But you know one roof can do the job.

Reason #249 - High-Priced Talent

Anderson Varejao, when he finally signs with the Cavs or the Charlotte Bobcats, stands to make between $17 million over the next three years, and he thinks he's underpaid - for a guy who averaged 6.8 points and 6.7 rebounds last season. A roof is ALWAYS a better deal than overpaid players.

Reason #248 - Retractable Technology

The Browns play in sunny Phoenix today, in a stadium with a roof. Nothing to fear, it's retractable, just like Cleveland's should be.

Reason #247 - Hannah Montana

Cleveland has no indoor venue that seats more than 21,000 people. With a dome on one of our stadiums, 60,000 people could get to see the hottest concerts. All the best groups would make Cleveland one of their first stops.

Reason #246 - Injuries

Even LeBron James, probably one of the most well-conditioned athletes ever, can be injured. Something like a sprained finger can make an entire community, even league, jittery. That's the beauty of domes - they have very low injury rates, unless hit by an extreme hail storm, in which case I'd still rather have the hail hit our dome than our multimillion-dollar athletes.

Reason #245 - Even Spring Football Is Under Cover

Cleveland's Arena Football League team has been officially named the Gladiators. Yes, they play indoors - during the spring, arguably the best weather season we have here.

Reason #244 - High School Football State Finals

The high school football state finals are this weekend, in Canton and Massillon. Unless we have a dome on Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland will never have a chance to host such a meaningful, local event - the entire state would get to see Cleveland in a whole new light.

Reason #243 - Steelers Deserve Worse

The Steelers won 3-0 last night, in one of the worst NFL games in years. The field conditions were horrible, due to hard rain after four high school games and a college game. Such conditions may be good enough for the Steelers, but not our Browns.

Reason #242 - December Games

If the NFL season ended today, the Browns would be in the playoffs, as a wild-card team. And, if the season ended today, the Browns would finish the year with no games played in the snow and ice. Of course, there are five regular-season games left - and a lot can happen in the standings and the weather in December.

Reason #241 - Home-Field Advantage

For the first time in a long time, the Browns have a significant home-field advantage. They've now won five in a row. A dome would extend, not derail, this newfound advantage.

Reason #240 - LeBron James

LeBron James is by far Cleveland's biggest sports star. No Indians or Browns player even comes close. Maybe it's the roof that makes LeBron look so good.

Reason #239 - "Black Friday"

It's "Black Friday" for retailers today, and all I want for Christmas is a dome. Add it to your list too, and maybe dreams will come true.

Reason #238 - Thanksgiving Day NFL Games

Thursday's NFL games are being played in Detroit (a dome), Atlanta (a dome, against another dome team), and Dallas (warm weather, soon getting a dome). Wouldn't it be nice to have a Thanksgiving Day home game in Cleveland?

Reason #237 - The Truth Is...

The Baltimore Ravens still dispute the field goal that tied Sunday's game against the Browns. Ravens, you can't handle the truth. But we can - it WAS good, and, let's admit it, we NEED a roof more than any breaks we get on the field.

Reason #236 - Destiny

Since I started this blog as a result of the spring 2007 snowstorm, the Cavs, Indians and Ohio State have all won something, and even the Browns may get a wild card. We are a city of destiny, and we have teams of destiny. We will win, eventually, because it is our destiny - just like having a roof.

Reason #235 - Advantage, Ohio

Ohio State has now won six of the last seven games against Michigan. The Cavs beat the Pistons in last year's NBA playoffs. The Indians beat out the Tigers for the AL Central Division title. If it weren't for Detroit's domed Ford Field, Michigan would have nothing over Ohio. Let's take away that advantage, too.

Reason #234 - Indians' Award Winners

The 2007 Indians have the GM of the Year, AL Manager of the Year, AL Cy Young Award winner, and Gold Glove centerfielder. They deserve a roof - and so do we.

Reason #233 - Instead of Overpaying A-Rod

Now we find out that Alex Rodriguez opted out of his $25 million-a-year contract with the Yankees so he could negotiate for $27 million a year for 10 years. In New York, maybe that's what it takes to get a third baseman. In Cleveland, we could have two roofs for $275 million and still have $75 million or so to spare to fix the schools, streets, public transit. If we had the money to start with, which, of course, we might have if we had year-'round sports facilities. That's what I call a vicious cycle.

Reason #232 - Nicknames

Eric Wedge was named AL Manager of the Year today. If he continues to win and becomes a legendary manager, we could nickname our dome "The Wedge." Of course, his real nickname is "Wedgie," but Cleveland is already the butt of too many jokes.

Reason #231 - Cy Young Award Winner

Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia has won the 2007 Cy Young Award. I'm happy for him because he seems like a good guy. I'm sad for us because I think this all but guarantees the Indians won't be able to afford to re-sign him after next season. That's the problem with players - they can become free agents. But a dome is ours forever.

Reason #230 - Stay Positive

It was a bad sports weekend in Cleveland - Ohio State losing its first game and the Browns coming up short against the Steelers. And now it's raining, which makes some people even more depressed. Not me - it inspires my dome-speak.

Reason #229 - College Bowl Games

College football has so many bowl games that .500 teams can get berths. But we need one more bowl game, the Rock 'n' Roll Bowl, hosted under a new dome in Cleveland. It would create a winter carnival atmosphere, and it would be a financial and PR success. Detroit's Motor City Bowl wouldn't have a chance.

Reason #228 - Ask the Voters

Most local tax levies passed on Election Day this week. Too bad we didn't have a "roof referendum" on the ballot.

Reason #227 - NFL Playoffs

The Browns insist they're playing with a new sense of confidence. But are they better, and maybe even playoff-worthy? We'll find out Sunday. If playoffs are a consistent part of their future, then we need a roof on Cleveland Browns Stadium - for those AFC Championship Games in frigid January.

Reason #226 - Wasted Space in the Off-Season

Jacobs Field is lit up brillantly tonight - for no apparent reason. It looks great, but it's also a reminder how useless the facility is in the offseason. It's just wasting space right now - just like it's wasting energy by having the lights on.

Reason #225 - Covering For Us

Major League Baseball is considering using limited instant replay next season. Close home run calls are apparently now too important to be left to the human eye. Technology is beginning to "cover for us" in so many ways. Why not cover our stadiums so the games can be enjoyed no matter what the weather?

Reason #224 - Cheat Happens

Now, the New England Patriots are accusing the Indianapolis Colts of cheating - allegedly adding distracting noise to the RCA Dome's sound system so opposing teams can't call their plays. The Patriots blame the dome for adding to the noise problem. As the Patriots should know by now, everyone "cheats" to gain an advantage. But no one should blame the dome.

Reason #223 - Good Luck Charm

I think this blog is bringing good luck - and, eventually, a roof - locally. Our Cleveland teams have been winning since I started these daily postings in April 2007. And, now this: Yesterday, I posted Reason #222. Last night's Pick 3 lottery number was 2-2-2. Get on the bandwagon!

Reason #222 - Football Continues

After today, the Browns have three more home football games and the high school playoffs are just starting. A roof-ed stadium would look pretty good right about now.

Reason #221 - Way Overpaid Players

A-Rod and his agent say they wanted the Yankees to offer him a $350 million contract, $100 million (a roof's worth) more than his already record contract. Player demands are ridiculous. Dome construction contractors are not near as demanding, and MUCH more reliable.

Reason #220 - Weather Forecasters

To TV weather people, every bit of winter weather has a 50 percent chance of turning into the next big storm. A roof would give these doom-and-gloomers less air time. How can you be against that?

Reason #219 - Roofs Perform

The Cavs' performance in their home opener last night was dreadful - but at least we were dry and comfortable under a roof. Are you listening, Browns and Indians? If you're awful, you better have some other way to take care of your fans.

Reason #218 - 200 Days and Counting

This is the 200th day that I have posted to this site (some days have had more than one reason). I'm not changing my mind and the reasons keep on coming.

Reason #217 - Something to Celebrate

If the Browns win at home Sunday, this will be the first time since the end of the 2002 season that they are more than one game over .500. It's not much to celebrate, but until we get a roof on the stadium, or a bona fide playoff contender on the field, this is all we have.

Reason #216 - Nine-Figure Contracts

Here's my take on Alex Rodriguez's decision to opt out of the last three years of his $252 million contract: He thinks someone is going to pay him more. A retractable roof, which costs about $100 million, is much more reliable and trustworthy. And, in Cleveland, I'd rather put that money into a roof than pay C.C. Sabathia, who is probably going to ask for nine figures - maybe, a six-year deal at $17 million per year. C.C.-see ya'.

Reason #215 - Overseas NFL Games

The NFL is playing its first regular-season game outside the country today. What criteria might the NFL use to determine which teams and games are played outside the U.S. in future years? How about December games in cold-weather cities with open-air stadiums? By then, it will be too late to do anything about our roof-less stadium.

Reason #214 - Something to Do

Dome-watching could be an interesting off-season pursuit for Indians fans. Right now, it doesn't look like Cavs-watching will be as interesting - after an awful preseason and with a shorthanded lineup. The season hasn't even started, and the Eastern Conference champs look tired. My prediction: they will be lucky to make the playoffs this season. Domes are much more reliable and they always play defense.

Reason #213 - Quarterbacks

I heard Browns coach Romeo Crennel on the radio this morning, and he said quarterback Derek Anderson should have a good game this week because he is playing in a dome, in St. Louis, and does not have to worry about wind, rain, sleet, snow, bugs and bird droppings. And he plays on the visiting team; imagine how much of an advantage it is for the home team. Finally, someone is getting my point. Who's next?

Reason #212 - Season Opener

Major League Baseball has announced that the Indians' home opener will be March 31, the earliest home opener ever and just 10 days after winter ends. Apparently, the lessons of the 2007 snowouts into mid-April have been lost on some people. Thank you, MLB, for making it so easy to come up with a new blog entry every day. People who sell winter coats, ski masks, Indians blankets, hot chocolate and hand warmers thank you too.

Reason #211 - Painful Reminders

It may be too painful to watch the Red Sox-Rockies World Series. And not just because the Indians faltered at the very end of the ALCS. I just can't stand to watch northern baseball cities struggle with, and anguish over, late October weather. There IS a better way, and maybe, for once, Cleveland will be the big winner.

Reason #210 - Dormant Stadiums and Ballparks

The next time Jacobs Field welcomes fans to its seats and concessions will be around April 1, 2008. That's no April Fool's joke, but it's really unfortunate that such a great facility is virtually useless for nearly half the year.

Reason #209 - Offseason Priorities

With 7-1, 12-2 and 11-2 losses, thus begins another long, cold, championship-less offseason for the Indians. Now is the time to focus on our roof-less situation.

Reason #208 - Snowy Series

It's already snowing in Denver, and the World Series hasn't even started. What will happen if both World Series cities are hit by early-season snows? A Cleveland-Denver series could cause many teams to rethink their roof-less ballparks.

Reason #207 - Super Bowl

It used to be a fact that no NFL team that played its home games in a domed stadium had ever won a Super Bowl - until the Rams and Colts won it in the last eight years. And the Cowboys, who have five Super Bowl wins in their history, will have a roof on their new stadium. What are we so afraid of?

Reason #206 - Clinching the Pennant

In more than 100 years of baseball, Cleveland has never clinched an American League pennant at home. And we've never had a roof on our ballpark. Could the two be linked? Are we willing to do something about it so, someday, we can have one big party after a clinching win?

Reason #205 - World Series Weather

The Indians are one win away from a World Series matchup against the Colorado Rockies - a series that could run into November. So what are the chances that series will be affected, and perhaps decided, by the weather?

Reason #204 - 12 Inches of Rain

The Plain Dealer and Fox have reported that the high-tech drainage system at Jacobs Field can handle as much as 12 inches of rain an hour - Noah's Ark kind of weather! Why do we need to design for such extremes? Because it's Cleveland. And because we haven't made the most practical long-term investment - a retractable roof on the ballpark.

Reason #203 - Baseball Rainouts

The Boston Red Sox are hoping for rain tonight - and it could happen - so they can pitch Josh Beckett in Games 4 and 7. If the Indians lose three times to Beckett as a result, what argument will the dome detractors have then?

Reason #202 - The Geodesic Dome

Northeast Ohio already has a dome - at Materials Park in Geauga County. This geodesic dome is made of lightweight metal. Its only use is to celebrate the use of metals. How about to protect sports fans? Check it out in today's Plain Dealer, http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/opinion-0/119243704584680.xml&coll=2

Reason #201 - Home Playoff Games

The Cavs are in China for preseason and the Browns are entering their bye week. Thank goodness for playoff baseball - three home games this week, with only this caveat, "weather permitting."

Reason #200 - #200

I have now provided about six months' worth of reasons. Now that I've reached the #200 milestone, I'm more convinced than ever that a roof would not be a goof for this city.

Reason #199 - Outdoor Parties

The "Tribe Pride" parties are held at Jacobs Field on playoff game days. With no roof and the cold, damp weather, most people's Tribe Pride won't make it outside their house or local sports bar. Too bad - because the idea of thousands of fans coming together just to watch the game on TV is amazing. The weather is the only thing that could, and will, deter such rabid fans.

Reason #198 - Cold Gear

If we had a dome, I bet we could attract Under Armour as a sponsor. We all wear the stuff - the hooded Cold Gear, of course.

Reason #197 - Practice Facilities

The ALCS-bound Indians had to practice in the wet, windy, cool weather today. Maybe roofs on stadiums are too expensive for this town, but what about a roof-ed practice field? Perhaps the old golf dome in Independence is available. Not such a crazy idea, given that even the Browns have an indoor practice facility.

Reason #196 - Temperature Change

In less than 24 hours, the temperature dropped some 30 degrees - from 90 degrees to 60 degrees. The next drop could be from 60 degrees to 30 degrees.

Reason #195 - NFL Playoff Games at Home

Based on yesterday's performance against the Patriots, it is unlikely that the Browns will need to worry about home playoff games in January anytime soon. Some day, it may be an issue, and it would be great if we had the foresight to plan for that possibility - however remote - now.

Reason #194 - Great Weather

Yes, even the current great weather is a reason to have a roof. With a roof, organizers would be willing to schedule concerts and other special events year 'round - like this October weekend. When the weather is great, no roof needed, but it's ready when the weather turns.

Reason #193 - Bugs Save the Day

The swarm of bugs that saved the Indians in last night's game against the Yankees would have saved the day even if we had a retractable roof. The umpires said bugs are not the same concern as bad weather; therefore, the roof would have been open last night. That's what I call a home-field advantage.

Reason #192 - Players Come and Go

LeBron James, the favored son of Cleveland sports, has alienated many fans with his blatant support for the New York Yankees. It has created such a stir that he was booed at last night's Indians game and can expect to be booed at Quicken Loans Arena next week. Do not be surprised if things are never the same for LeBron in Cleveland. He will leave someday, now maybe sooner than we thought. Roofs last longer, and, done right, will not offend hometown fans.

Reason #191 - Northern Cities

With the exception of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the baseball playoff teams are from cities north of the Mason-Dixon Line. The baseball may be better up north, but we all know what the weather can be like in October.

Reason #190 - Snow in Cleveland

Cavaliers guard Eric Snow is having knee surgery and will miss all of the October preseason and maybe some of the regular-season games in November. So there will be no Snow (Eric) in Cleveland this fall, but you can be sure there will be snow (lake effect).

Reason #189 - Downpours

Yesterday's rally for the Indians was hit by heavy rain right at 5:00. Don't think this is the last time that sudden bad weather will affect the Indians this year. But what happens if it causes a rain delay, and Sabathia and Carmona can't come back out to continue pitching?

Reason #188 - Pigeon Poop

Tonight's Monday Night Football host, the Cincinnati Bengals, have asked for permission to shoot pigeons who have been pooping on fans. Finally, the joke's on somebody besides Cleveland. But what if the pigeons escape and follow I-71 North? Only a dome can save us from the embarrassment of being mentioned in the same sentence as ... Cincinnati.

Reason #187 - Home Games Played at Home

In baseball, statistics can be used to prove most any point. To prove my point, consider this: The Indians have played, and won, "home" games in three different cities, in three different time zones: Cleveland, Milwaukee, Seattle. Think how bad this could have been if they had lost these games and missed the playoffs as a result.

Reason #186 - Brady Quinn's Dome

After today's loss, Notre Dame football is now 0-5. Their dome is tarnished. Brady Quinn needs a new dome to rally around.

Reason #185 - Fresh Air

Seattle's Safeco Field could be an interesting model. Even when the roof is closed, the ballpark is not fully enclosed. You still feel like you're outside, just more comfortable on cool, wet days. Would that compromise satisfy the dome detractors in Cleveland?

Reason #184 - Everybody Makes Mistakes

Despite being led by a defensive genius, the Browns have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. So even if our city leaders and team owners think they're really smart, they're not infallible. How else can you explain our roof-less stadiums?

Reason #183 - Homes Game Not at Home

The Indians are the home team for tonight's first game against the Mariners, even though the game is in Seattle. So, on September 26, we are making up a game on the road that was supposed to be played at home five and a half months ago, on April 9. You know there's a better way - roof, roof, roof!

Reason #182 - Winning Streaks

The Browns have not won even two games in a row, the most modest of winning streaks, in the same season in 61 games. Perhaps this is a "doomed" franchise unless it soon becomes a "domed" franchise.

Reason #181 - Stadium Sponsors

Neither Jacobs Field nor Browns Stadium has a paying name sponsor. Don't you think it would be easier and more financially rewarding to attract sponsors if we had all-weather facilities?

Reason #180 - Changing Seasons

Today is the first day of fall, which means I have posted reasons "why Cleveland needs a dome" daily through most of spring and all summer. My job is about to get a whole lot easier as we head into fall and winter. All of which proves Cleveland really does need a dome, or two.

Reason #179 - Indians Pitchers

The Indians have two 18-game winning pitchers this year. They are our ticket to the playoffs and maybe the World Series. The weather could determine if they can keep it going throughout October. But Mother Nature should not be allowed to have that much control over our success. We never seem to be on her good side.

Reason #178 - Idle Stadium

The Browns play their first road game in Oakland this Sunday, a day that will be a lot like the other 350 days of the year when nothing is going on at Browns Stadium. Why? Because our weather is either bad or unpredictable, and our city planners and community leaders didn't have the foresight to insist on a roof for the stadium.

Reason #177 - Naming Rights

Jacobs Field might be getting a new name soon, if the Indians can find a sponsor willing to spend a couple million dollars a year. If they had a roof, they could get more in sponsorship money, and put the name and logo on the outside of the roof for all to see from the air. But, again, we're not thinking big in this town.

Reason #176 - Sellouts

Last night's Indians game was a sellout due to a combination of a first-place team, $1 Hot Dog Night, and great weather. Don't underestimate the importance of great weather in this equation. With a roof, you can control the weather. You can't count on the other two factors.

Reason #175 - Money to Burn

The Indians are spending $75 million to build a new spring training facility in the middle of the Arizona desert. Wouldn't a $100 million retractable roof on Jacobs Field in downtown Cleveland be a better investment?

Reason #174 - Home-Field Advantage

The Indians have a chance to win home-field advantage for the first round of the baseball playoffs if they can finish with a better record than the LA Angels. A covered, loud ballpark would be more of an advantage than an outdoor, frigid one.

Reason #173 - Miracles

If you watched the Browns score 51 points to beat the Bengals, you gotta' believe in miracles. A dome could be the next miracle - we could call it the Miracle Dome, with naming rights to infomercial superstar Miracle Shine all-purpose polish.

Reason #172 - Changing Seasons

The calendar says it's still summer, but weather forecasters are calling for nighttime frost this weekend, even as the Indians hold their last regular-season homestand of the season. What will post-season night games be like?

Reason #171 - Inexperienced Quarterbacks

As The Plain Dealer has reported, "the Browns head into Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals with no quarterback who has ever started and won a game for them." Putting a roof on Browns Stadium doesn't seem so crazy now, does it?

Reason #170 - Good Luck Charm

Wherever the touring Baseball as America exhibit visits, that city seems to make the baseball playoffs, and often wins the World Series. Exhibit organizers are trying to take credit for the Indians' run this year. I think all of this talk about a dome is the real good luck charm. Imagine the results when we actually get one!

Reason #169 - Revolving Door

The Browns appear to have a revolving door for quarterbacks. A retractable roof for the stadium would be the perfect complement for this on-again, off-again franchise.

Reason #168 - Rainy Nights

Last night's Indians game in Chicago ended around 1:30 in the morning Cleveland time. That's the good news. The bad news is the playing conditions in the middle innings before the game was stopped were horrible - large puddles in the infield, muddy basepaths, water-logged baseballs, etc. These conditions do not lend themselves to championship baseball, which we hope to be playing in October.

Reason #167 - Blind Optimism

The Browns actually have a fan poll on their Web site that asks "who looked most promising" in Sunday's loss to the Steelers. The choices are LB Andra Davis, WR Braylon Edwards, LB Antwan Peek, FB Lawrence Vickers and TE Kellen Winslow. Is this a joke? Right now, the one in a million chance of getting a dome in the next year looks more promising than anyone who played Sunday.

Reason #166 - 34-7 Loss

After their season-opening 34-7 loss, the Browns aren't officially eliminated from playoff contention. Soon, but not yet. Let's face it, we have a better chance of getting a roof on Browns Stadium in the next several years than the Browns have of making the playoffs in that same time frame. Roof, roof.

Reason #165 - Tomorrow's Forecast

The Browns home opener is tomorrow, and the weather forecast calls for an 80% chance of rain, with 1 to 2 inches expected and locally heavier rainfall possible. Gives new meaning to drowning our sorrows, doesn't it, Browns fans?

Reason #164 - Plastics

High-performance plastics are becoming the material of choice for roofs and domes for sports stadiums in Europe and Asia. Northeast Ohio is a hotbed for polymer science and product development. Which means we have the technical know-how, and the naming-rights sponsors, right here in our backyard.

Reason #163 - Tonight's NFL Game

The NFL season kicks off tonight - in a dome, of course, because that's where the big games are played. But there's more: Not only do the home team Colts have their dome, but so do their opponents, the Saints. So that's two dome teams, who are also two of the league's best teams, kicking off the season. All this can't be just a coincidence.

Reason #162 - Twins' New Ballpark

The Minnesota Twins recently held the groundbreaking for their new outdoor ballpark, which opens in 2010. The Metrodome has become quite awful, but outdoor baseball on cold days in Minnesota may make people miss that dome. Maybe they'll get snowed out and have to move a series to another city, like Cleveland, if we have a retractable roof by 2010. After all, relocating an entire series HAS happened before.

Reason #161 - Quarterbacks

The Browns say Charlie Frye has won the starting quarterback job. The backup is still to be determined between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. Don't expect to get much out of Quinn unless we can make him comfortable by assuring him that he will be playing under a golden dome, as he did at Notre Dame.

Reason #160 - Air Show

The air show is in town this weekend. Now, there's a "sport" that requires an all-outdoor venue, and it's always held in nice weather. But you can't say the same thing about baseball or football.

Reason #159 - Winning Baseball

The Indians have an eight-game winning streak, they're solidly in first place, and last night, every team in the organization - from the majors to Class A - won its game. Winners bring out the fans, fans spend money, and money can be reinvested. Invest in a roof, not unreliable free agents.

Reason #158 - Fleece Blankets

Tonight's giveaway at the Indians game is a fleece blanket. Need I say more?

Reason #157 - Convertibles Are Cool

When Toronto's Skydome was being developed, local boosters called it "a convertible with 60,000 bucket seats." How could anyone be against something that cool?

Reason #156 - Makeup Games

Tonight's game against Seattle is a makeup from the April 6-9 snowout at Jacobs Field. The final makeup game is scheduled to be played in Seattle on September 26. That's right, it will take us more than five months to make up one four-game series.

Reason #155 - Construction Zones

It's been said that summer is "orange barrel season" in Cleveland, and judging from the noise outside my window, it should also be called the "relentless drilling season." How about if we make winter a season for building a roof over Jacobs Field and spring for building a roof over Cleveland Browns Stadium?

Reason #154 - 'Green' Roofs

There are an entire industry and a Web portal (including a how-to section at http://www.greenroofs.com/Greenroofs101/how-tos.htm) devoted to "green" roofs, which include vegetation to be more energy efficient and environmentally responsible. We can do this!

Reason #153 - Good Weather

TV meteorologists now talk about the "dome of high pressure" as a sign of good weather now and for days to come. See, dome is a positive word that can be associated with good weather.

Reason #152 - Naming Rights

The re-naming rights to Jacobs Field are available, but there have been no takers. Perhaps some local company would be willing to pay $100 million or more for the rights to name a dome, even if the ballpark name stays the same. How about the KeyBank Home Loan Dome? Or the Cleveland Clinic Open MRI Retractable Roof?

Reason #151 - Playable Fields

There are several high school baseball and football fields in the area - including Bedford, Lakewood, Berea - that are more playable after a heavy rainstorm than what our professional teams have.

Reason #150 - Cold-Weather Promotions

September 1 is fleece blanket giveaway night at Jacobs Field. This kind of promotion just reminds fans how bad the weather can be in Cleveland - and that we ought to have a roof so the blankets are not necessary. There's also a post-game movie to ensure the blankets get immediate use.

Reason #149 - High-Scoring Games

Last night, the Orioles gave up 30 runs, the most runs in the major leagues in 110 years, at Camden Yards. This should serve as a warning to all teams who have open-air ballparks with short fences, which quite accurately describes our own Jacobs Field. FYI, of course, this debacle had an Indians connection - former Tribe reliever Paul Shuey gave up 9 runs on 7 hits on 68 pitches, in 2 innings.

Reason #148 - Spoiled Athletes

Spoiled, soiled athletes (Michael Vick et al) get tens of millions of dollars in salaries and bonuses, and more perks and adoration than just about anyone in society. And, yet, they want more. Domes - they're expensive, but their egos and costs don't grow over time. Take care of them with a little maintenance and they'll take care of us - no strings attached.

Reason #147 - Record-Breaking Weather

August 2007 is the wettest August on record - approximately 8.3 inches of rain so far. So what will September hold? Record snowfall?

Reason #146 - Closers

The Indians need two kinds of closers - a pitcher to ensure tight games don't "get away" and a retractable roof for bad weather. Joe Borowski does not appear to be the answer to either need.

Reason #145 - Beware of High-Priced Pitchers

Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano signed a new contract that pays him an average of $18.3 million a year over the next five years. Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia, who's younger and a better pitcher, will want that kind of money for his new contract. We may have to choose between Sabathia and a roof. Roofs are more durable and last longer.

Reason #145 - Storms

Hurricane Dean is headed toward the United States Gulf Coast, and the remnants of the storm could end up on the United States North Coast. Summer storms cancel games and ruin fields - just like those April blizzards.

Reason #144 - Tokyo Dome

Major League Baseball is planning to have next year's baseball season open in Asia - in the Tokyo Dome, to be exact. What? Even the people who get only one series a year will have it in a dome? The Red Sox are likely to be one of the teams. A fair-weather team like the A's or Angels is expected to be the opponent. Nice planning, MLB!

Reason #143 - Wait 'til Next Year?

I heard Browns General Manager Phil Savage on the radio this morning, and he was talking about how this team could be very good in 2008 and 2009. After just one preseason game, we're already talking about next year? The good news is that we could have a dome in place long before the Browns need to worry about hosting a playoff game in January.

Reason #142 - Chicken Little

Maybe Chicken Little was right. "The sky IS falling," given the current terrible play of the Indians. Better players, better execution and perhaps better game management would help the team. But adding a dome would prevent the sky from falling too far.

Reason #141 - Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

It has been four months since the Indians' early-season snowouts, and, yet, the manager and general manager are still talking about how those missed games messed up the Indians off-days and pitching rotation, which they say is contributing to the team's current struggles. Stop making excuses and get over it. Or get on with it and start talking about putting a roof on Jacobs Field.

Reason #140 - Sellouts

As this picture shows, the weekend series against the hated Yankees was a sellout. With a retractable roof on Jacobs Field, we would have a chance for a few early-season sellouts. Without a roof, even a Yankees series in April could yield empty seats and unsold tickets.

Reason #139 - The Yankees

Last night, the Yankees offense outscored the Indians and Browns offenses - COMBINED. Our teams need help on offense - and overhead.

Reason #138 - D-O-M-E

Yankee-haters know you can't spell "OVERPAID" without "A-ROD." Well, it takes "D-O-M-E" to spell "CLEVELAND CHAMPIONSHIP."

Reason #137 - Brady Quinn

Quarterback Brady Quinn signed a five-year contract for $20.2 million. All that money, and at least half of his home games each year will be played in weather not fit for a passing attack. A dome is like an offensive line - the quarterback needs both in this city.

Reason #136 - Russell Branyan Part 3

Russell Branyan played only one game at Triple-A Buffalo (I saw him strike out three times in person) and he's already been traded to Philadelphia. Swing-and-a-miss hitters don't stay very long, but, thankfully, domes last for decades.

Reason #135 - Russell Branyan Part 2

I saw Russell Branyan in his debut with the AAA Buffalo Bisons tonight, and he struck out three times. Some things never change. But some things can and should be improved - like adding a roof to a great ballpark in a cold-weather city.

Reason #134 - Russell Branyan?

I know I have missed a couple of days, but I'm back and can't believe what I'm about to write. The Indians have signed Russell Branyan to a contract. A retractable roof doesn't seem so crazy now, does it?

Reason #133 - First Place

The Indians moved into first place in the Central Division last night, and I'm taking credit for it. I said it before, and I'll say it again - all this "buzz" about a dome must be working.

Reason #132 - Stadiums Everywhere

Yesterday’s Plain Dealer reported that Northeast Ohio has spent more than $680 million on sports venues since 1994, and the only one with a roof is the basketball arena. And there’s another $250 million worth of projects in the planning stages – including $165 million for a 25,000-seat stadium for major league soccer (soccer!?!). Is this the worst example of civic planning ever? For that amount, we could put roofs on both Jacobs Field and Browns Stadium.

Reason #131 - Postseason Baseball?

At their current pace, the Indians will be out of the postseason race by August 20. For me, no playoffs mean getting an early start on designing and building a roof to add to Jacobs Field before next season begins.

Reason #130 - Blockbuster Trades

The Boston Celtics traded seven players for one guy, NBA All-Star Kevin Garnett. How many Browns offensive linemen from the past few years do you think we would have had to give up in exchange for enough cash to add a dome to Browns Stadium?

Reason #129 - MLB Trade Deadline

The Indians made no trading-deadline deals. I can only assume they were too busy figuring out the design and budget for a retractable roof on Jacobs Field.

Reason #128 - Brady Quinn

Browns draft pick Brady Quinn is a training camp holdout. Word is he believes that he performs much better under a golden dome.

Reason #127 - The Simpsons Movie

The new Simpsons movie involves a dome being diabolically used to enclose the cartoon town of Springfield. I hate it when domes are used for evil; this gives all domes a bad name. Domes should be used for good.

Reason #126 - Kenny Lofton, again

As suggested on these pages last week (see #118), Kenny Lofton has rejoined the Indians, and he played left field last night - the first time in his major league career that he has played left field. If he can change, we can adjust to some indoor baseball when the weather is bad.

Reason #125 - Tax Hike

Cuyahoga County commissioners have approved a one-quarter of a cent incease in the sales tax to fund a new convention center, which we desperately need. Make it one-half of a cent and we could afford to put a roof on at least one of our stadiums.

Reason #124 - You Can Build Your Own

The Monolithic Dome Institute claims that concrete domes are the most disaster-resistant building, including withstanding winds of 300 mph and earthquakes. To learn more, visit http://www.monolithic.com/, and be sure to click on "Learn to build your own monolithic dome." Who knew it would be this easy? Thanks for the tip, HG.

Reason #123 - Stadium Improvements

The Browns have addressed major plumbing problems and replaced the field sod at Browns Stadium. All these improvements and no mention of a roof? Clearly, they're missing out on the biggest improvement of all.

Reason #122 - Dollar Dog Night

Indians fans love Dollar Dog Night, which is tonight - a sellout. I'd like to think we'd be willing to always pay regular price for hot dogs, and have more sellouts, if we had a roof to protect the fans from bad weather.

Reason #121 - Sunday Night Games

The Indians got into town very late from Texas because they had to play a Sunday night game that ended around midnight Cleveland time. Why? Because Texas cannot play daytime games due to extreme heat this time of year. Maybe texasneedsadome.com is available.

Reason #120 - Events

Including games and community events, Jacobs Field hosts 90 to 95 events per year and Browns Stadium hosts another 15 or so. With roofs, they would go from stadiums to multi-purpose "venues" that could hosts hundreds of activities and programs.

Reason #119 - 20-Game Winners

The Indians have a chance to have two 20-game winners (CC Sabathia and Fausto Carmona) this season - if bad weather doesn't cause a condensed schedule and result in doubleheaders.

Reason #118 - Kenny Lofton

1990s star Kenny Lofton is talking about being interested in coming back to Cleveland for one last shot at a World Series ring. Would a roof bring him back? Would a roof be a decent consolation prize if we come up short again in trying to win it all?

Reason #117 - Stadium Renovations

Browns Stadium is undergoing significant renovations due to broken water pipes last weekend. Why not do it right and add a $100 million retractable roof?

Reason #116 - Distractions

The Indians lost two out of three to the lowly White Sox today. Perhaps they were distracted by my retractable roof buzz. Players play the games; I'll worry about the roof.

Reason #115 - Wedgie

Manager Eric Wedge has a new contract - a sign that the Dolans have money to spend. Managers are hired to be fired, but retractable roofs are an investment in meteorological security.

Reason #114 - Losers

Yesterday, the Phillies lost their 10,000th game in franchise history - the most by any professional sports team. They have a new ballpark, but no roof, and the losing continues.

Reason #113 - Browns Stadium

Last night's Kenny Chesney concert was held at Browns Stadium, where the toilets didn't work, water poured from the rafters, and then it rained. A high-quality retractable roof would have prevented maybe two of the problems.

Reason #112 - Cub(an)

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is making a bid to buy the Chicago Cubs. "Mark" my words, if he's successful, he will push for a roof on Wrigley Field.

Reason #111 - Lucky 13

Today is Friday the 13th, but the Tribe still rallied to win. This roof-ranting must be working.

Reason #110 - Big Contracts

The Indians signed Travis Hafner for $57 million for four more years. That's halfway to paying for a retractable roof, which would last a lot longer than four years.

Reason #109 - Game 7 of the World Series

By winning the All-Star Game last night, the American League has secured home field advantage for Game 7 of the World Series. If that game is necessary, it will be played in early November. In Cleveland, we want to be in that situation, but what if the game is snowed out and has to be moved to a dome city like, gasp, Milwaukee?

Reason #108 - The Heat Index

For me, the MLB All-Star Break is just about the worst time of the year. No pro sports for three days (the HR Derby and All-Star Game are exhibitions, not sporting events), and no high school or college sports because they're out of season. But, this year, with the heat index over 100 degrees, who wants to be outside anyway? Now, if we had a dome, that would be a different story, no matter what the season.

Reason #107 - Celebrity Softball Game

The MLB All-Star Break starts today. This means I will not be able to spend my evening flipping around to 12 different baseball games. Instead, the only choice is the mindless Celebrity Softball Game followed by the overhyped Home Run Derby - which should clear my mind to think about more important things, like domes.

Reason #106 - Memories

As we reach the All-Star break, the Indians are in first place and have had numerous exciting, late-inning wins. And, yet, what is the enduring image of this season so far? No surprise - the April snow-outs. And the only things that can change that is a World Series championship, or a dome, of course.

Reason #105 - Lucky Day

Today is 7-7-07, which is supposed to be the luckiest day in a century. If I win the lottery today by playing 7-7-7 or 7-7-0-7, I'm going to put the money toward a new dome. And, if everyone else who plays those numbers today contributes, we should have enough to get a great dome.

Reason #104 - Stop the Violence

During one 24-hour period this holiday in Cleveland, 11 people were shot, six of whom died, and a woman was found stabbed to death. There are some problems that even a dome won't solve, and if we don't correct the urban decay and violence soon, not having a dome will be the least of our worries. Stop the madness before it stops all of us.

Reason #103 - Population

Putting a retractable dome on Cleveland Browns Stadium could cost around $100 million. With approximately 4 million people living in northeast Ohio, that's about 25 bucks for every man, woman and child. Sounds like a bargain to me. Let's get that post office box set up and the checks will start rolling in.

Reason #102 - Mike Hargrove

Earlier this week, Mike Hargrove, aka "The Human Rain Delay" when he was a player because he took so long between pitches, left his Mariners managerial job. A roof on Jacobs Field would eliminate "the other kind of rain delay" for Cleveland fans.

Reason #101 - Walk-Up Crowds

Last night's Indians game attracted a walk-up crowd of approximately 8,700 people - a result of fireworks night, a first-place team and great weather. Unfortunately, it also reminds us how far the season ticket base has fallen - people just don't want to get stuck with bad-weather games. Only a roof, not a ticket marketplace, is going to solve that problem.

Reason #100 - and Counting

When I started this site back on April 13, 2007, I said there were hundreds, maybe thousands, of reasons why Cleveland needs a dome or roof on at least one of its stadiums. Now, we've gone through the first 100 reasons - and I have not yet begun to write. Stay tuned as we come up with the next hundred.

Reason #99 - Roofers

There are 17 pages of roofing contractors in the Cleveland Yellow Pages. Think of all of the potential contractors, and advertisers, for a Jacobs Field roof.

Reason #98 - Championships

It's been 1964 since Cleveland has won a major league team championship (minor league hockey and indoor soccer don't count - but at least they play under a roof).

Reason #97 - Take Cover

My Indians season ticket group has seats in section 144, in a row just under the overhang from the club seats - which means I stay dry even when the sleet or rain comes down (unless it's also windy, of course). Such overhangs cover a few thousand people at Jacobs Field. The rest have no cover. With a roof, they, too, could take cover.

Reason #96 - Families

The Browns are talking about creating a more family-friendly atmosphere at the Stadium this year. All I care about is having a competitive team and a roof over our heads - what could be more family- and fan-friendly than that?

Reason #95 - Hazy, Hot and Humid

Last night's Indians game started with temperatures in the lower 90s and very humid. At 11 p.m., after the walk-off home run home plate celebration, it was still 88 degrees and very, very humid. Is it any wonder that the announced attendance for this first place team was only 18,000? And fewer than that actually showed up.

Reason #94 - Online Poll

Seventy-one percent of people who answered an online poll at newsnet5.com support the idea of adding a retractable dome to Cleveland Browns Stadium. That's 894 people for the idea and only 357 against it; and I voted only one time. The people have spoken.

Reason #93 - Variety

Did you know there are different types of retractable roofs? In Milwaukee, Miller Park's roof is shaped like a fan. The roof on the new Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will have a tent style. And Toyota Stadium in Japan has an accordion-like roof. Cleveland? No roof, no luck.

Reason #92 - Interleague Play

Please don't tell me that you don't want a roof or dome on Jacobs Field because you're concerned about the integrity of the game of baseball. We're just finishing interleague play, the full story of steroids is just beginning to be told, and there are so many gimmicky giveaways and special events that you might think this is the minor leagues.

Reason #91 - Sin Tax

A "sin tax," on smoking and alcohol, helped build Jacobs Field. In "Sin City," they would have had more than enough money to add a retractable roof, but not in Cleveland, where the sin is to have used public money multiple times, on the Indians and Browns facilities, and not had the foresight to add a retractable roof.

Reason #90 - Attendance

The Indians have one of the lowest attendance totals in Major League Baseball, despite being in first place and having a great ballpark. How could that be? It has to be the weather - sometimes bad, always uncertain - that is keeping wary fans away. A roof would solve many problems.

Reason #89 - The Seasons

It's the first day of summer, and I'm still here, reminding you that this year's baseball season - actually many seasons - started with a snowstorm, and may end in a snow or ice storm, or with frostbite, especially if the Indians can break through and make the playoffs. Then we will have the exercise in frigid futility that is Browns football.

Reason #88 - Ryan Howard

Phillies slugger Ryan Howard hit a "moon shot" home run that traveled 451 feet last night. If we had a roof at Jacobs Field, the ball might have hit it and Howard would have been held to a ground rule double. On the other hand, maybe he would have put a hole in the roof.

Reason #87 - Weather and Economics

Bad weather, actually just the threat of bad weather, keeps baseball fans away - and that hurts sales of tickets, hot dogs and everything else. And that hurts team revenues, which are needed to be able to afford good players, who are needed to be competitive, which is necessary for a team to remain viable. You see, a roof is an economic necessity.

Reason #86 - Charlie Manuel

Former Indians manager (and current Phillies manager) Charlie Manuel is in town this week. If there were a retractable roof on Jacobs Field, he would probably describe it like this: "Well, uh, um, it's, uh, uh, like a roof." You don't get that kind of insight every day.

Reason #85 - Solar Power

How's this for irony? The Indians are the first MLB team to add solar panels to its ballpark to generate some of the park's electric power. Given the biting winds off the lake in spring, why not wind power, too?

Reason #84 - Tarp

Before Thursday's Indians game against the Marlins in Florida, the infield tarp blew off, which soaked the left side of the infield. Tarp follies are funny, but they're not why people go to baseball games.

Reason #83 - LeBron James

LeBron James says he has a lot of work to do in the off-season to make himself better. Here's hoping he spends some time working on a roof for Jacobs Field or Browns Stadium - in addition to trying to help Cavs management attract an outside shooter and point guard, of course.

Reason #82 - Browns

Summer doesn't even start until next week, and yet, once the NBA Finals are over, this town's sports attention will turn to the Browns, a team that plays almost all of its games in cold, wet weather, and, by the way, has not been to a championship game since 1964.

Reason #81 - Brick!

Can a dome be made out of bricks? If so, you could find a lot of them at Quicken Loans Arena, where the Cavs shot 36 percent from the field overall and made just 3 out of 19 three-point shots in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Reason #80 - Blizzard of Birds

Last night's Indians game against Seattle was a make-up from the April blizzard. Last night, left field was covered by birds, birds everywhere!

Reason #79 - San Antonio

San Antonio has the Spurs and the Alamodome, which hosts graduations, high school football, the circus, the 2008 NCAA Men's Final Four, etc. Cleveland has the Cavs and no domes or roofs - and perhaps no chance in the NBA Finals.

Reason #78 - Shadows

Shadows between home plate and the mound are an unfair advantage for pitchers and create dangerous blind spots for hitters. This is a fairness and safety issue.

Reason #77 - Draft Pick

The Major League Baseball draft was held this week. And with their first pick, the Cleveland Indians select ... a retractable roof.

Reason #76 - 20,000 Fans

The Cavaliers drew 20,000 to Quicken Loans Arena for its "Watch Party" for Game 1 of the NFA Finals. Think they could have attracted 40,000 to a roof-ed Jacobs Field or 60,000 to a dome-d Browns Stadium - both of which sat idle last night and will again Sunday night during Game 2?

Reason #75 - Sad But True

The Cleveland jokes are starting again. Leading up to the NBA Finals, a San Antonio sports columnist is making fun of Cleveland by referring to Jacobs Field as Antarctica. Nothing hurts more than a cruel joke that has some truth in it.

Reason #74

It's almost summer and the Indians have the third-best record in baseball, but last night's game in Cleveland was played under cold, windy conditions and with maybe 10,000 people in the stands. June 5 would have been a great day to have a retractable roof.

Reason #73

Glendale (Arizona), Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix, San Antonio, St. Louis, and St. Petersburg (Florida) are among the cities that have domes/retractable roofs. Who needs bad weather when you have civic forethought driving stadium decisions?

Reason #72

Many of the players on the Cavs - the Eastern Conference Champion Cavs - have shaved heads, which look like domes. They're believers - and they're winners - although it does make me wonder how Anderson Varejao might feel about this important issue.

Reason #71

See Reason #67 again because this could be the year that we need a venue with a roof to house tens of thousands of people for a professional championship celebration. Go Cavs!

Reason #70

It's 70s Weekend for the Indians at Jacobs Field. What could be more 70s than thinking about the glory days of the Houston Astrodome? Here's some history at http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/past/Astrodome.htm

Reason #69

Since I started this site on April 13, the Cavs are 14-4 and the Indians are 29-17. Domes are for winners.

Reason #68

It's been something like 16 straight days with no significant precipitation or cool weather, and a retractable roof is still the way to go in my view. That's the definition of a true believer!

Reason #67

Someday this town may have a championship parade - probably on a bad weather day - and we won't have anywhere for tens of thousands of people to gather for the post-parade speeches and party. We are the champions ... of the world.

Reason #66

U.S. and Iranian officials had a meeting that both sides said was "positive." If those two sides can agree on something, why can't we agree that a retractable roof is the way to go?

Reason #65

Of Cleveland's three professional sports teams, the Cavs are the closest to a championship - and they play under a roof. That must be the difference.

Reason #64

Brady Quinn played college football under the Golden Dome. What if he can't play pro football under the grey skies?

Reason #63

The Indians are in first place. Postseason baseball is good. Postseason baseball in the snow and ice is bad.

Reason #62

The Cavaliers have lost the first two games of the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals to the Pistons by identical scores, 79-76. There can be only one explanation - Cleveland needs at least one, and probably two, domed stadiums to compete (Detroit has two - that means they lead us 2-0 in domes and on the court). Weird, huh?

Reason #61

Bugs! The billions of midges (some call them Canadian soldiers) are coming soon and the 17-year cicadas are about to be swarming all over the Midwest. Can the killer bees and locusts be far behind?

Reason #60

As suggested on this site previously (see Reason #52), the Dallas Cowboys' new home in Arlington, Texas has been awarded the 2011 Super Bowl. All three cities in the running - Arlington, Indianapolis and Phoenix - will have new stadiums with retractable roofs by that time. I said it before and I'll say it again - check out the Cowboys' new $1 billion home at http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/.

Reason #59

The April 6 home opener against the Mariners was sold out - and then snowed out. Last night's make-up game of the home opener drew less than 10,000 people despite perfect weather. The team is playing well, but the financials for this team must look horrible right now.

Reason #58

Today, the Indians play the Mariners, the third time the teams have tried to play the Indians "opener." The first home series in April was snowed out. Promotions for today's make-up game include a snowblower giveaway, snow machines and ice sculptures at various gates, and free McDonald's Blizzards. At least we can laugh at ourselves, after everyone was laughing at us a month ago.

Reason #57

Cleveland is the victim of a Super Bowl "double whammy" - the Browns have never been to a Super Bowl and Cleveland has never hosted one. With a dome, at least we would have a shot to host one.

Reason #56

The Florida Marlins beat the Indians in the World Series in 1997. Ten years later, Jeff Conine, who played for the Marlins that year and the Cincinnati Reds now, says, "I remember it was cold here," according to today's Plain Dealer. You win the World Series but what you remember most is Cleveland's weather? That's how badly we need a dome or retractable roof.

Reason #55

Shelter - "a roof over your head" - is one of the basic human needs. Athletes and fans are human too, you know.

Reason #54

See Reason #26 - which stated that, "someday, MLB may decide to play the World Series at a neutral site - where there's warm, dry weather or a roof." And here's the latest: MLB has announced that Game 7 this year would be played on November 1, the first time a World Series game has been scheduled for November. Don't be surprised by an announcement in future years that the World Series will be moved to a neutral site.

Reason #53

Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards has pledged $1 million in college scholarships for local high school students. Let's follow his example: If 150 to 200 of us would pledge $1 million each to add retractable roofs to our stadiums, we'd be set. Who wants to go first?

Reason #52

Have you seen the pictures and plans for the Dallas Cowboys new stadium? With a retractable roof and doors, the stadium will be ready for play in 2009 and could host the Super Bowl as early as 2011. Go to http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/ to see what we're missing.

Reason #51

Global warming? How warm will it REALLY be here on the North Coast?

Reason #50

Today is Mother's Day. My mom thinks a dome/retractable roof is a good idea and yours probably does too. Can't we do this for them after they've done so much for us? Happy Mother's Day, moms.

Reason #49

Because we're about to reach the first 50 reasons (and as I said originally, I think I can come up with hundreds, even thousands of reasons) why Cleveland needs a dome or retractable roof, that should tell you we REALLY do need one. Can all of these reasons be wrong? I don't think so.

Reason #48

In the event of a disaster or other community emergency, a domed stadium can be useful as a command center or shelter - notwithstanding the post-Katrina Louisiana Superdome debacle.

Reason #47

Do you believe in Cleveland's sports curses? Perhaps our teams have been haunted by the "Curse of the Roof-Less Stadiums" - not bad luck, marginal players or mismanagement.

Reason #46

Northeast Ohio business and political leaders have launched a new regional marketing program, promoting the region as "Cleveland+." How about a big "+" sign on the top of the dome for people to see from planes, helicopters and blimps?

Reason #45

Today is Election Day in Ohio, and yet no dome issues or roof-friendly candidates are on the ballot. If only we had some May snow, as we sometimes do on the North Coast, to fire up the grassroots.

Reason #44

Today's weather is 72 and sunny - ideal outdoor baseball weather (if the Indians weren't playing in Baltimore) - which is why this roof would be RETRACTABLE. This all makes too much sense to ignore.

Reason #43

"Dome" rhymes with "home," which is the field advantage every team enjoys when it has a dome/roof.

Reason #42

One of these years the Indians may get to the World Series - and win it - and we wouldn't want the championship to have an asterisk (which looks like a snowflake, doesn't it?) because we beat some warm-weather team.

Reason #41

See Reason #37 again regarding third baseman Andy Marte's problems with the cold weather. Consider this new information: Indians GM Mark Shapiro says that Marte has to make the adjustment to the cold weather because "we're not close to doming the stadium." Of course not, that takes time and money, but does this mean they're starting to think about it?

Reason #40

Get rid of those cold-weather promotions - blankets, umbrellas, earmuffs, winter hats. It's no wonder there are so many Cleveland jokes out there.

Reason #39

Reason #38

Adding a roof or dome to an existing stadium would create jobs for construction workers - perhaps then they won't have to spend all of their time digging up the streets.

Reason #37

Indians infielder Andy Marte (currently on the disabled list) will never be a star in Cleveland unless we have a climate-controlled environment. Manager Eric Wedge recently stated that our cold, wet spring weather affected Marte more than any other player on the team. Are we going to stand by and let Andy Marte be the latest failed experiment at third base?

Reason #36

The editorial section of today's Plain Dealer is calling on Mayor Frank Jackson to wake up and show some aggressive, outspoken leadership on key issues. Why not this issue for a well-liked but invisible mayor? Read Brent Larkin's editorial at http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/brent_larkin/index.ssf?/base/opinion/117774906241450.xml&coll=2.

Reason #35

Stadium seats are more comfortable, even for fans who eat way too many hot dogs and nachos, when they don't have to wear layers of sweatshirts, sweaters and winter coats.

Reason #34

The NFL draft is this weekend. The Browns have the third pick, which means they're probably going to be paying someone a lot of money for not a lot of performance. At least with a dome or roof, we would have something tangible for the multi-million-dollar investment.

Reason #33

It's late April in Cleveland and both the Cavs and Indians were playing night games at home. How could you tell the difference between the teams' fans? Indians fans were wearing winter coats, scarves, gloves, ski masks, and carrying blankets. Cavs fans - "Witness" T-shirts.

Reason #32

Maybe the Browns are just a bad outdoor team - instead of a bad team - and having a dome could improve their chances more than any draft pick ever will.

Reason #31

Browns Stadium cost some $300 million to build. It gets used about 10 days a year - and half of the days, it's so unbearably hot or cold that many people can't stand to be there for four quarters, no matter what the score is.

Reason #30

Presidential candidate John McCain thinks domed stadiums is an important national issue, and we all know that politics deals only with significant national and world issues.

Reason #29

The proposed new Minnesota Twins proposed ballpark won’t have a roof either, but it is expected to have heated grass to prevent buildup of spring snow. That will help the players. So why not go all the way and provide heated seats for the fans?

Reason #28

Cleveland’s weekend weather is dry and in the 70s, so we could retract the roof - except that the schedule-makers have the Indians playing the Devil Rays in sunny, hot St. Petersburg, Florida, which, of course, has a dome.

Reason #27

We should have more foresight in Cleveland than Minnesotans, who are building a new ballpark for the Twins - no dome, no roof, although it will have heated grass to prevent snow buildup. The ballpark is expected to be ready for the 2010 season. With any luck, the Indians will open the 2010 season in Minnesota when it's 22 degrees and snowing.

Reason #26

Someday, MLB may decide to play the World Series at a neutral site - where there's warm, dry weather or a roof.

Reason #25

Because winter in Cleveland is not a season; it's an eternity.

Reason #24

Indoor motorcycle tricks! Motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel made a major jump in Houston's Astrodome in January 1971. But, until we have a dome, Kellen Winslow Jr. may not have anything to do in January, as the Browns finish another 4-12 or 5-11 season.

Reason #23

No more bad-weather baseball games where the team has to pay people for attending by giving them a voucher for a future game.

Reason #22

Another reason Jim Thome should not have left Cleveland for more money - we might have named it the Thome Dome.

Reason #21

"Dome" may be a four-letter word, at least when paired with Astro or Metro, but "retractable roof" sounds positively poetic.

Why Cleveland needs a dome - the first 20 reasons

1 - April 6, 2007 - Cleveland, Ohio
2- April 7, 2007 - Cleveland, Ohio
3 - April 8, 2007 - Cleveland, Ohio
4- April 9, 2007 - Cleveland, Ohio
5 - Cold, wet, windy climate - need I say more? Perhaps not, but I will
6 - Because we're not allowed to have a modern convention center
7 - A dome is shiny - like Indians slugger Travis Hafner's shaved head
8 - Dome would keep inflated-ego players from floating away
9 - Lake effect snow - the official tourist attraction of Cleveland, Ohio
10 - Another thing about Cleveland that's better than Pittsburgh
11 - Indians season ticket holders wouldn't have to beat up their friends to take at least one April game in their season ticket groups
12 - I could close down this site and move on to less pressing social issues
13 - Great for headline writers: "Domer Homer" and "Raises the Roof"
14 - The only way Cleveland will ever have a shot at a Super Bowl
15 - Domes create jobs; you can look it up
16 - Perhaps we could get a corporate sponsor; how about the Lids chain of baseball cap stores?
17 - You could take your 80-year-old grandmother to a game and not worry she'll die of heat exhaustion or extreme hypothermia
18 - You could take your 1-year-old son to a game and not worry he'll die of heat exhaustion or extreme hypothermia
19 - Everybody could experience what the suite dwellers overpay for
20 - Owners could find new sources of revenue - perhaps advertising on the ceiling for fans to see or on the outside for blimp shots. Or try selling PALs (personal air licenses)