NFL Futures and News: Browns New Stadium

Share News

NFL Futures and News

Browns Stadium Renamed Huntington Bank Field Amid New Stadium Talks

The Cleveland Browns have officially announced a 20-year partnership with Huntington Bank, granting the bank the naming rights to the team’s stadium. 

The facility will now be known as Huntington Bank Field, starting with the Browns’ season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. This deal covers the existing stadium and any potential new home for the Browns, adding another layer of intrigue to ongoing discussions about the team’s future venue.

Future of Browns’ Home: New Stadium or Renovation?

While the naming rights agreement is set, the Browns’ future home remains in flux. Earlier this summer, team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam revealed two options: constructing a new, state-of-the-art indoor stadium in suburban Brook Park or renovating the downtown Cleveland facility. 

The new stadium would cost a staggering $2.4 billion, while a renovation could cost approximately $1 billion. The team’s lease at the current stadium runs through 2028, leaving some time to finalize the decision.

Local pushback has emerged, particularly from the city of Cleveland, which wants to keep the Browns downtown rather than relocate them to Brook Park. Cleveland officials have gone public with a proposal to cover about half of the renovation costs and offer other incentives, including waiving the team’s rent and allowing the Browns to keep parking fees from certain downtown garages. This proposal is part of a broader financing plan to retain the team in its historic location, where it has played since 1946.

Huntington Bank’s Presence in Ohio Sports

Huntington Bank, based in Columbus, Ohio, already has a strong presence in the state and beyond. Notably, Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis is the home field for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. The bank further cements its involvement in significant sports arenas by securing the naming rights to the Browns’ stadium.

The Browns’ stadium opened in 1999 and has undergone several name changes. Originally called Cleveland Browns Stadium, it became FirstEnergy Stadium in 2013 before reverting to its original name in 2023. The partnership with Huntington Bank brings a fresh branding identity, with the first game at Huntington Bank Field set to take place in a high-profile matchup against the Cowboys at 4:25 p.m. ET.

Impact on the Browns’ Long-Term Plans

This naming rights deal represents a significant shift for the Browns, not just in stadium identity but also in the broader context of the team’s long-term future. While discussions about a potential new stadium or renovation continue, the agreement with Huntington Bank signals stability and commitment to the Cleveland fanbase, whether the team stays downtown or moves to a new location.

This stability could influence NFL Futures for sports bettors, as a modernized or new stadium could impact the team’s performance and fan engagement. With the naming rights locked in for 20 years, the Browns have made it clear they are planning for a long-term presence, regardless of where the stadium ends up.