5 Shocking Details Of The $3.4 Billion Cleveland Browns Brook Park Stadium Project: Timeline, Cost, And The Dome

The Cleveland Browns' highly anticipated move to a new, state-of-the-art stadium in Brook Park is officially underway, marking a monumental shift for the franchise and Northeast Ohio. As of December 2025, the project has transitioned from a proposal to an active development, with dirt already moved at the 175-acre site and a final financial settlement reached with the City of Cleveland. This massive undertaking, spearheaded by the Haslam Sports Group (HSG), promises an enclosed, domed facility that will redefine the fan experience and secure the team's future in the region for decades to come. This new venue, which the team has already referred to as the new Huntington Bank Field, is not just a replacement for the current downtown stadium but a complete transformation, aiming to be a year-round economic and entertainment hub. The urgency is driven by the current lease's expiration in early 2029, making the construction timeline one of the tightest and most critical components of the entire $3.4 billion endeavor.

The Cleveland Browns Brook Park Stadium: Project Profile and Biography

The proposed new home for the Cleveland Browns represents one of the largest public-private stadium ventures in recent NFL history. The project’s details have been solidified through a series of key agreements and legislative approvals throughout 2024 and 2025.

• Official Name (Proposed): New Huntington Bank Field (Enclosed/Domed)
• Location: Brook Park, Ohio (Southwest of downtown Cleveland)
• Site Size: Approximately 175 acres
• Current Downtown Lease Expiration: Early 2029
• Target Opening Date: 2029 NFL Season
• Estimated Total Project Cost: Between $2.4 billion and $3.4 billion
• Project Developers: Haslam Sports Group (HSG), led by owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam
• Key Public Funding Sources: State of Ohio, City of Brook Park
• Facility Type: Enclosed, domed stadium (allowing for year-round events)
• Distance from Downtown Cleveland: Less than 15 miles
• Major Landmark Proximity: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

The shift from renovating the existing lakefront stadium to building a completely new facility in the suburbs was a strategic decision by the Haslam Sports Group to create a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours, and major concerts, significantly boosting the regional economy.

The $900 Million Public Funding Breakdown and Financial Timeline

The most scrutinized and crucial aspect of the Brook Park plan is its financing, which relies heavily on a public-private partnership. The Haslam Sports Group unveiled the official funding model in February 2025, detailing a multi-layered approach to cover the multi-billion-dollar construction cost.

Ohio State’s Historic $600 Million Commitment

The state of Ohio has thrown its weight behind the project with a massive financial pledge. The Ohio legislature approved a $600 million public funding allocation, which represents the largest single contribution from the state government. This support was a major hurdle cleared, signaling the state’s belief in the stadium’s potential to generate substantial long-term tax revenue and economic activity across the region. The funding is intended to cover a significant portion of the public infrastructure needs related to the massive development.

Brook Park and Local Contributions

Adding to the state's contribution, the City of Brook Park is slated to contribute a substantial $300 million to the project. This commitment is a testament to the local excitement and the anticipated economic boon for the suburb, which will become home to the NFL franchise. The total secured public funding for the project now stands at approximately $900 million. The remaining portion of the $2.4 to $3.4 billion cost will be covered by the Haslam Sports Group and the NFL, demonstrating a significant private investment from the owners. The financial plan was a key factor in the team and the City of Cleveland reaching a $100 million settlement, which officially paved the way for the team's departure from the lakefront site.

Why the Brook Park Site Was Chosen Over Downtown Cleveland Renovation

The decision to build new in Brook Park instead of renovating the existing stadium on the lakefront was a complex, multi-faceted choice driven by long-term vision and practical constraints. The 175-acre parcel in Brook Park provides the necessary space for a modern NFL stadium complex. The downtown site was restrictive, making it difficult to build a large, enclosed, domed facility and the surrounding mixed-use development that the Haslam Sports Group envisions. The new location, near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, also offers improved accessibility for fans traveling from outside the immediate downtown area, with ample space for parking and future transportation infrastructure development. Furthermore, the team's vision for a domed stadium was a non-negotiable factor. An enclosed venue is critical to attracting major, high-revenue-generating events like the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff games, and international soccer matches, which are currently impossible to host in Cleveland's open-air stadium. The new enclosed Huntington Bank Field renderings showcase a modern, sleek design that is intended to be a year-round destination, securing the stadium's economic viability far beyond the eight regular-season home games. The move also allows the City of Cleveland to proceed with its own Lakefront Master Plan redevelopment. As part of the settlement, the Haslam Sports Group will reportedly provide $45 million to support the lakefront's transformation once the current stadium is demolished, allowing the city to reclaim prime real estate for public access and urban renewal.

The Critical 2029 Deadline and Construction Timeline

The timeline for the Brook Park stadium is aggressive, dictated by the looming expiration of the lease for the current Huntington Bank Field. The Browns need the new facility to be ready for the 2029 NFL season. This gives the project a tight window of approximately four years from the start of site work to the final ribbon-cutting. * Site Work Commences: Work officially began on October 1st, focusing on preparing the 175-acre site. The initial phase involves moving dirt and laying the groundwork for the massive construction effort. * Financing Finalized: The public-private funding model was solidified in early 2025, providing the capital necessary to move into the full construction phase. * Full Construction: The next few years will see the vertical construction of the domed structure, a massive logistical undertaking that will involve thousands of construction workers and engineers. * 2029 Opening: The target remains a grand opening for the first home game of the 2029 NFL season, a deadline that all stakeholders are working relentlessly to meet. This ambitious schedule underscores the commitment of the Haslam Sports Group and the city of Brook Park to deliver a world-class, enclosed stadium experience that will serve as a premier sports and entertainment destination for the entire state of Ohio. The new stadium represents a bold, multi-billion-dollar investment in the future of the Cleveland Browns and the regional economy.

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