Story perspectives

Browns Break Ground on $2.4B Multi-Use Stadium in Ohio

5/2/2026

Summary

Browns Break Ground

The Cleveland Browns broke ground in Brook Park, Ohio, on the $2.4 billion Huntington Bank Field, a 67,500-seat stadium that will hold 70,000 for concerts.
Financing includes a $600 million state pledge on hold over a lawsuit, a $245 million city contribution pending, and Brook Park’s $35 million infrastructure pledge and $100 million settlement with the Browns.
The venue will host NFL Drafts, NCAA Final Fours, international soccer matches and concerts, expanding events in Cleveland.

Summary

Haslam Promises Seats

Ticket prices for Huntington Bank Field will start at $200 per single-game seat.
Each seat will require a personal seat license (PSL) costing between $550 and over $150,000.
Co-owner Jimmy Haslam pledged affordable seats despite high PSL fees that sparked fan outrage.
Private investors will fund at least $1.75 billion of the $2.6 billion project, relying on PSL revenue.

Summary

Stadium Generates Jobs

The $3.5 billion stadium project is projected to generate about 6,000 construction jobs and 5,000 permanent positions.
Brook Park merchants expect short-term disruption but anticipate long-term gains from new retail, dining and entertainment spaces.
Mayor Ed Orcutt said the arena will improve fan experience and serve as a regional gathering hub.
Governor Mike DeWine called the stadium a “big, big deal for Ohio,” citing its expected economic ripple.

History

Historical Context

Georgia completed the $214 million, 71,228-seat Georgia Dome in 1992 to host the 1996 Summer Olympics and later NFL games. Operated by the state, the venue proved profitable but the Falcons sought a newer arena, leading to its 2017 demolition. Ohio’s Huntington Bank Field now follows a similar public-funding approach, echoing the Dome’s legacy.

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Browns Break Ground

The Cleveland Browns broke ground in Brook Park, Ohio, on the $2.4 billion Huntington Bank Field, a 67,500-seat stadium that will hold 70,000 for concerts.
Financing includes a $600 million state pledge on hold over a lawsuit, a $245 million city contribution pending, and Brook Park’s $35 million infrastructure pledge and $100 million settlement with the Browns.
The venue will host NFL Drafts, NCAA Final Fours, international soccer matches and concerts, expanding events in Cleveland.

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