Cleveland Browns hit an ‘exciting milestone’ in stadium project
· Yahoo Sports
The Cleveland Browns took a big, albeit “unofficial,” step toward the new Brook Park stadium on Monday with the start of the mass excavation and digging of the hole for the enclosed stadium.
While work on the new Huntington Bank Field has begun, the franchise will not hold its official groundbreaking ceremony, complete with accompanying pomp and circumstance, until April 30.
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The big day was heralded by owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam as “another exciting milestone” in the project that will take the Browns from downtown Cleveland, where they have played since their first season in 1946, about 14 miles away to the suburb of Brook Park.
A momentous day as we begin the process toward 2029
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) March 2, 2026
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Monday’s work is the latest step in what will eventually become a 67,500-seat enclosed stadium for the Browns, along with surrounding development that is expected to include shopping, restaurants, and offices.
It is all part of their commitment to investing in Northeast Ohio, the Haslams said in a statement released by the team:
“We are thrilled to continue to invest not only in this stadium project and mixed-use development, but in Northeast Ohio. This is more than just a stadium, and we believe that by committing over $2 billion in private investment, we will be part of creating a transformative world-class experience for our community and generate significant economic impact through construction, jobs, and future year-round events. Northeast Ohio deserves this, and we are committed to continuing to invest in the growth of our region. This is a great step in our project, and we look forward to the official groundbreaking taking place on April 30.”
All told, the stadium project is expected to cost around $2.4 million, with the state of Ohio contributing $600 million, the city of Brook Park adding in $300 million, and Haslam Sports Group rounding it out with $1.5 million, along with covering any cost overruns. The development surrounding the stadium, estimated at $1 billion, will be privately financed.
In the same team-released statement, Brook Park Mayor Ed Orcutt expressed his excitement about the project:
“Today’s milestone is a testament to the positive working partnership we’ve formed with HSG over the past 18+ months, and we are excited about the work that has begun. We are proud that Brook Park is home to the largest construction project in Northeast Ohio, to date, and we can’t wait to welcome all the visitors and economic activity that will come to our city when this world-class stadium and development open in 2029.”
Even though there are a few issues that still need to be resolved, most notably a lawsuit challenging the plan by state officials to draw the $600 million from the state’s unclaimed funds account; grumbling from Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, who wants the Browns to remain downtown; and working through the details with Brook Park officials about the ownership structure of the site.
But with the team’s lease at the downtown stadium set to expire after the 2028 season, and work proceeding in Brook Park, it seems more than likely that the Browns will continue to ride the way that is expected to see more than half of the league’s teams playing in domed stadiums within a few years.