News Summary
The Cleveland Browns and Haslam Sports Group have appointed AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction as managers for the new $2.4 billion Huntington Bank Field. Set to open for the 2029 NFL season, the enclosed stadium will host various events and aims to boost economic growth in Northeast Ohio. Construction begins in 2025, with significant job creation expected during the process. Mayor Edward Orcutt emphasizes the project’s importance for the local economy, with expectations for it to revitalize the Cleveland sports landscape.
Cleveland – The Haslam Sports Group (HSG) and the Cleveland Browns have officially appointed AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction Company as the construction managers for the $2.4 billion Huntington Bank Field project, set to be Ohio’s first enclosed stadium. Construction is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025, with a formal groundbreaking ceremony anticipated in early 2026.
Huntington Bank Field aims to be the centerpiece of the largest economic development initiative in Northeast Ohio’s history. The new stadium is designed not only to enhance fan engagement but also to ensure that fans are closer to the action on the field. Planned to accommodate 67,500 seats, it can be expanded to 75,000 for concerts and other large-scale events.
The stadium is expected to host a variety of events year-round, including NCAA Final Fours, international soccer matches, and various concerts. The architectural design is being led by HKS, a prominent sports architecture firm, with inspiration drawn from Lake Erie and the City of Cleveland.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The project is projected to generate over 6,000 construction jobs and create thousands of additional full-time positions linked to both the stadium and mixed-use developments in the area. Local firms such as DiGeronimo Companies and Independence Excavating are involved as partners in the project, contributing their expertise to the construction efforts.
The financing for this $2.4 billion endeavor includes $600 million from the state, along with an additional $300 million covered by site-generated city taxes and borrowing. The Cleveland Browns current stadium lease is set to expire at the end of the 2028 season, aligning with the anticipated opening of Huntington Bank Field in time for the 2029 NFL season.
Civic Reaction and Expectations
Mayor Edward Orcutt has highlighted the historical economic implications that the new stadium will have on Brook Park. The project is viewed as pivotal not only for the Cleveland Browns but for the overall economic landscape of Northeast Ohio. Enabling work and preliminary operations at the site indicate a strong commitment to keeping the project on schedule.
AECOM Hunt brings a wealth of experience, having worked on other significant NFL stadiums such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and SoFi Stadium in California. Their team’s combined expertise of over 55 years in NFL stadium construction is expected to result in a world-class facility for fans.
Future of Cleveland Sports
In addition to providing an innovative and immersive experience for fans, Huntington Bank Field aims to establish a vibrant mixed-use entertainment district that is intended to stimulate long-term economic growth in the surrounding region. Jason Kopp, COO of AECOM Hunt, has indicated that the new stadium symbolizes a transformative era for rethinking the fan experience in the Cleveland area.
The construction of Huntington Bank Field is viewed as a crucial step for the future success of both the Cleveland Browns and the Northeast Ohio community, as it is expected to draw significant attention and revenue to the area. By creating a dynamic sports and entertainment venue, stakeholders aim to harness the potential economic benefits that come with such a development.
The overall vision for the new stadium reflects an ambitious commitment to enhancing Cleveland’s profile as a destination for major sporting events and entertainment, while also creating numerous jobs and boosting the local economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntington Bridges Set for Major Renovations
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
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
