A New Era for Sports and Entertainment in Northeast Ohio
The Haslam Sports Group (HSG) and Cleveland Browns have appointed AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction Company as construction managers for the new Huntington Bank Field, marking the beginning of one of Ohio’s most ambitious development projects. Designed as the state’s first enclosed stadium, the venue represents a transformative milestone in stadium innovation, fan experience, and regional economic growth.
With an anticipated opening in 2029, Huntington Bank Field will serve as the centerpiece of Northeast Ohio’s largest-ever economic initiative, surrounded by a mixed-use entertainment district led by Lincoln Property Company. The project’s focus on community engagement, sustainability, and local employment ensures it will anchor Cleveland’s cultural and economic resurgence for decades to come.
Designing the “Super Theater” Experience
Conceived by renowned sports architecture firm HKS, the 67,500-seat “Super Theater” redefines stadium architecture. Inspired by Lake Erie and Cleveland’s urban character, the design merges natural light, modern form, and immersive fan connectivity:
- Closest seats in the NFL: Fans will experience unparalleled proximity to the field, highlighted by a reimagined Dawg Pound.
- Translucent roof: Drawing on Cleveland’s iconic atrium designs, the roof floods the interior with natural light while maintaining a weather-protected environment.
- First-of-its-kind roof system: Featuring a long-span, truss-free structure for unobstructed sightlines.
- Flexible capacity: Configurable for events up to 75,000 attendees, including NFL games, concerts, international soccer, and NCAA tournaments.
- Economic catalyst: Expected to generate over 6,000 construction jobs and thousands of permanent positions post-completion.
Local Partnerships Driving Regional Growth
The construction management team—AECOM Hunt, Turner Construction, and Independence Construction—is supported by Cleveland-based DiGeronimo Companies and Independence Excavating, ensuring that local firms and workers play a central role in the project’s delivery.
“Partnering with such respected and accomplished construction managers as AECOM Hunt and Turner will help us create a world-class stadium and entertainment district that benefits the entire Northeast Ohio region,” said David Jenkins, President of Haslam Sports Group.
Enabling works commenced on October 1, 2025, with groundbreaking set for early 2026, positioning the project on schedule for its 2029 grand opening.
Expertise Behind the Vision
The AECOM Hunt–Turner joint venture brings over 55 years of NFL stadium experience, having collaborated on landmark venues including:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
- SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)
- Intuit Dome (Inglewood)
- Buffalo Bills’ New Highmark Stadium
- Tennessee Titans’ New Stadium
Their shared legacy in innovative sports infrastructure ensures Cleveland’s new stadium will set global benchmarks in design, sustainability, and fan engagement.
“The New Huntington Bank Field represents a new era for Northeast Ohio—and for reimagining what a fan experience can be,” said Jason Kopp, COO, Central Region, AECOM Hunt.
“This project is deeply personal for us,” added Jason Jones, Senior Vice President, Turner Construction. “We’re proud to involve local people and businesses while delivering a transformative venue for Cleveland and Browns fans.”
A Catalyst for Long-Term Economic Development
Beyond sports, the Huntington Bank Field project anchors a larger urban redevelopment strategy. Phase 1 of the adjacent mixed-use district will debut alongside the stadium, offering retail, hospitality, residential, and entertainment spaces designed to attract year-round activity.
With local partnerships, sustainable construction practices, and community-first development goals, the project exemplifies the fusion of infrastructure excellence and regional identity—ensuring Cleveland remains a model for next-generation sports districts.
