Full Breakdown
Browns Break Ground on $2.6 Billion Huntington Bank Field
5/2/2026, 2:49:37 AM
Groundbreaking Milestone
On April 30, 2026, Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, Governor Mike DeWine, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Brook Park officials turned shovels at 18198 Five Points Road, beginning construction of a domed stadium slated for 2029. The 67,500-seat venue will sit 80 feet below ground and rise 221 feet above the airport after a height-limit waiver.
Background & Context
The Browns have played at the lakefront Cleveland Browns Stadium since 1999. In 2021 the Haslam Sports Group concluded that renovating the aging venue was less viable than building a new 178-acre facility on a former Ford plant in Brook Park, a plan approved after a 2024 settlement with Cleveland.
Data & Statistics
Projected cost is $2.6 billion (some reports say $2.7 billion). Funding includes $600 million state aid, $1.76 billion private equity and a pending $245 million Brook Park share. The stadium will seat 67,500 for football, up to 75,000 for concerts, employ up to 2,000 workers daily and create about 5,000 jobs. Construction will shift 10,000 cubic yards of dirt daily.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor DeWine said the stadium upholds Ohio’s tradition of backing sports venues and affirmed state support despite the lawsuit. The Haslams called it an “economic catalyst” for entertainment and tax revenue. Goodell praised the design as “Super Bowl-quality” but warned that hotel capacity and infrastructure must improve before Cleveland can host the league’s marquee event. Mayor Orcutt stressed fiscal responsibility and needed upgrades.
Criticism & Opposition
A class-action suit claims diverting $1 billion from Ohio’s Unclaimed Funds Account for the stadium violates constitutional takings. Brook Park has not approved its $245 million share, leaving a funding gap. Analysts note the region lacks the 50,000-60,000 hotel rooms needed for a Super Bowl.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the total cost as $2.6 billion, $2.7 billion or $3.5 billion. Funding figures vary between $600 million state aid and $1 billion from unclaimed funds. Capacity is reported as 67,500 seats for football and up to 75,000 for other events.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is clearly going to go on for a while and so I'm not happy about that. There's nothing we can do about that, but we're going to go ahead,” — Gov. Mike DeWine
- “I have no doubt that this stadium is going to be Super Bowl quality.” — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
- “We’re actually moving 10,000 cubic yards of dirt each and every day. That’s the equivalent of 3 Olympic-sized pools,” — Taurean Spratt, VP, Turner Construction
- “It was a bumpy road to get here, but we're excited we're here,” — Jimmy Haslam
Why It Matters
Proponents say the stadium will create jobs, increase tax revenue, and position Cleveland for events like the Final Four, concerts, and a Super Bowl.
What’s Next
The project now seeks final design approval, road upgrades and hotels. The Browns, NFL and Haslams will continue bid talks and aim to settle the funding lawsuit before 2029.
