Full Breakdown
Browns Break Ground on $2.6 Billion Domed Stadium
5/2/2026, 9:11:27 AM
Groundbreaking and Project Overview
On April 30 2026, the Cleveland Browns and Haslam Sports Group broke ground at 18198 Five Points Road in Brook Park, Ohio, beginning construction of Huntington Bank Field, a domed stadium slated for the 2029 season. The venue will seat 67,500 for football and up to 75,000 for concerts, and sit 80 feet below ground and 221 feet above ground near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Funding and Legal Context
The project’s cost is reported between $2.4 billion and $2.7 billion, most sources citing $2.6 billion. The Haslam Sports Group provides about $1.75 billion and will cover overruns. Ohio’s $600 million contribution from the Unclaimed Funds Account is on hold pending a class-action suit. Brook Park’s $245 million share also awaits council approval; a $35 million state grant will fund nearby freeway upgrades.
Design and Fan Experience
Designed by HKS and built by AECOM Hunt/Turner, the stadium features a translucent folded-plate roof that admits daylight while shielding fans. The lower bowl places the first row 16 feet from the field, creating the NFL’s closest average seat distance. A 34-degree “Dawg Pound” will rise 60 rows along one sideline. The 178-acre campus includes a 350-room hotel, 624 apartments, 255,000 sq ft of retail and a 10,000-space parking structure.
Official Statements
Governor Mike DeWine said he expects the lawsuit to be resolved and highlighted the stadium’s economic benefits. Commissioner Roger Goodell called the venue “Super Bowl-quality” but noted that additional infrastructure, especially hotel capacity, is needed for a championship game. Owner Jimmy Haslam described the project as a long-awaited response to fan expectations. Dee Haslam emphasized the family’s commitment to Northeast Ohio’s transformation.
Criticism & Opposition
Legal challengers argue that using unclaimed state funds for the stadium violates private-property rights. Goodell pointed out Cleveland’s roughly 22,000 hotel rooms fall far short of the 50,000-plus needed for a Super Bowl, underscoring infrastructure gaps.
On-the-Ground Observations
The ceremony featured Governor DeWine, Commissioner Goodell, Browns executives, players Denzel Ward and Carson Schwesinger, Hall of Famer Joe Thomas and Brook Park Mayor Ed Orcutt, along with local fans and media. Observers noted the 80-foot excavation and a transparent tent covering the stage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list the total cost as $2.4 billion, $2.6 billion or $2.7 billion. Funding reports differ on whether the $600 million state grant is pledged, pending or on hold. Brook Park’s $245 million commitment timeline remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think that we’re going to win this case in court.” — Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio
- “This stadium is certainly Super Bowl-quality.” — Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
- “Cleveland deserves this.” — Joe Thomas, Browns legend and Hall of Famer
- “Our fans deserve better than what we have given them over the last few years,” — Jimmy Haslam, Browns owner
Upcoming Milestones
Foundation work begins in late May 2026, followed by structural construction. The stadium aims to open for the 2029 season and will target the NFL Draft and future Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four bids.
