News Summary
The Haslam Sports Group and Cleveland Browns have appointed AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction as the construction management team for Huntington Bank Field. This enclosed stadium will be part of a $2.4 billion project in Brook Park and is expected to significantly benefit the local economy. With a seating capacity of 67,500, the stadium will host various major events and create thousands of jobs. The groundbreaking ceremony is set for early 2026 as Northeast Ohio looks forward to the completion of this transformative project.
Cleveland, OH – The Haslam Sports Group and the Cleveland Browns have officially appointed AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction Company as the construction management team for Huntington Bank Field, the first enclosed stadium in Ohio, which is part of a monumental $2.4 billion project in Brook Park. The construction process is set to begin on October 1, 2025, marking the start of a significant economic development initiative for Northeast Ohio.
The formal groundbreaking ceremony for Huntington Bank Field is scheduled for early 2026. This stadium is designed to stand as the centerpiece of the largest economic development project in the region’s history, with expectations that it will bring substantial benefits to both the community and the local economy. Designed by prominent sports architecture firm HKS, the stadium draws inspiration from the natural beauty of Lake Erie and the unique character of the City of Cleveland.
Huntington Bank Field is projected to have a seating capacity of 67,500, expandable to 75,000 for concerts and diverse events. The venue is expected to host a wide range of events throughout the year, including NCAA Final Fours, international soccer matches, and various concerts, thereby attracting visitors from across the country.
The economic implications of the stadium are substantial. It is anticipated to create over 6,000 construction jobs and a significant number of permanent full-time positions resulting from the stadium and the planned mixed-use development surrounding it. Local companies, including the DiGeronimo Companies and Independence Excavating, are engaged in the project, emphasizing the importance of local partnerships and expertise.
The funding for this ambitious project involves a combination of $600 million sourced from the state and additional city taxes that will contribute to $300 million in borrowing. This financing plan has been structured to make the project viable and sustainable in the long term. The current stadium lease of the Cleveland Browns expires at the end of the 2028 season, aligning perfectly with the projected opening of the new stadium for the 2029 NFL season.
Mayor Edward Orcutt has highlighted the potential historical economic impact this new stadium will have on the Brook Park area, predicting it will stimulate growth and development in related industries. The construction management team brings over 55 years of combined NFL stadium experience, having worked on past projects including Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and SoFi Stadium in California, positioning them well for the successful execution of Huntington Bank Field.
As enabling work begins, including site preparation, grading, and utility installation, the swift mobilization reflects a strong commitment to adhere to the project timeline and expectations. Jason Kopp, COO of AECOM Hunt, has stated that this ambitious new stadium signifies a new era of reimagined fan experiences in the region.
The development of Huntington Bank Field is not just seen as an improvement for sports fans but also as a critical component to the future success of the Cleveland Browns and the broader community of Northeast Ohio. The stadium’s innovative design and the creation of a vibrant mixed-use entertainment district aim to spur long-term economic growth, ensuring that this project will have a lasting impact on the area.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
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