News Summary
The Haslam Sports Group and the Cleveland Browns have chosen AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction Company as construction managers for the Huntington Bank Field, Ohio’s first enclosed stadium. With a budget of $2.4 billion, construction will begin with site preparation in 2025, followed by groundbreaking in 2026. The stadium aims to boost the local economy by generating thousands of jobs and will feature a seating capacity of 67,500, expandable for special events. The project is a significant economic initiative for Northeast Ohio and expected to transform the community.
Cleveland, Ohio — The Haslam Sports Group (HSG) and the Cleveland Browns have announced the selection of AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction Company as the construction managers for the upcoming Huntington Bank Field, a $2.4 billion project that will mark Ohio’s first enclosed stadium. Construction commenced on October 1, 2025, with initial enabling work that includes site preparation, grading, and utility installations aimed at paving the way for the innovative facility.
A formal groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for early 2026, an event that will kick off the full-scale construction of what is being touted as Northeast Ohio’s largest economic development initiative to date. Huntington Bank Field aims to enhance stadium innovation and fan engagement, with design elements that draw spectators closer to the action. The stadium is anticipated to have a seating capacity of 67,500, which can be expanded to 75,000 for concerts and special events.
Projected Economic Impact
This ambitious project is projected to generate more than 6,000 construction jobs, along with the potential for thousands of additional full-time employment opportunities stemming from both stadium operations and mixed-use developments associated with the site. This influx of jobs is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the local community in Brook Park and the surrounding Northeast Ohio region.
The stadium is designed by HKS, a prominent sports architecture firm known for creating cutting-edge venues. The design draws inspiration from the natural beauty of Lake Erie and urban elements of the City of Cleveland, contributing to the area’s local aesthetic and cultural identity. Additionally, it is anticipated that Huntington Bank Field will host a variety of year-round events, including NCAA Final Fours, international soccer matches, and high-profile concerts, thereby transforming Northeast Ohio into a dynamic entertainment hub.
Financing and Local Partnerships
Financing for the construction of the new stadium is structured to include $600 million sourced from the state, alongside site-generated city taxes that will account for an additional $300 million in borrowing. Key local partners in the project, such as the DiGeronimo Companies and Independence Excavating, are recognized for their expertise and dedication to the region, ensuring that local knowledge is utilized throughout the construction process.
The current stadium lease for the Cleveland Browns is set to expire at the end of the 2028 season, coinciding with the planned opening of Huntington Bank Field in time for the 2029 NFL season. This alignment signifies a strategic timeframe for the franchise, as it looks to establish a solid foundation for its future within the community.
Commitment to Quality and Experience
The construction management team boasts over 55 years of combined experience in building NFL stadiums, with past projects including notable venues such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and SoFi Stadium in California. The skill and background of the construction managers are expected to contribute greatly to the successful execution of Huntington Bank Field, reinforcing a commitment to creating a world-class stadium experience and a lively mixed-use entertainment district.
As the project progresses, the enabling work and preliminary site operations demonstrate the commitment of the Haslam Sports Group and local partners to deliver the stadium on schedule. The implications of this project extend beyond the field, seen as critical for the future success of the Cleveland Browns and the broader economic growth of the Northeast Ohio community.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland Browns: AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction Announce New Stadium
- Sports Illustrated: Cleveland Browns Stadium Update
- Cleveland 19 News: Work Underway on New Cleveland Browns Stadium
- Wikipedia: Cleveland Browns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ohio
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
