Cleveland Browns Break Ground on New Stadium in Brook Park

Construction crews begin digging the hole for the team's $2.4 billion indoor stadium project.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns have taken a major step forward in their plans to build a new stadium in the suburb of Brook Park, Ohio. On Monday, construction crews began the mass excavation and digging of the hole that will eventually become the 67,500-seat enclosed stadium. While the official groundbreaking ceremony is not scheduled until April 30, team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam hailed this as an "exciting milestone" in the project, which is part of a larger $2.4 billion investment that will also include surrounding development.

Why it matters

The Browns' move from downtown Cleveland to Brook Park represents a significant shift for the franchise, which has played in the city since its inception in 1946. The new stadium project is part of the team's broader commitment to investing in Northeast Ohio, and is expected to have a major economic impact on the region through construction jobs, year-round events, and the development of surrounding retail, restaurants, and offices.

The details

The stadium project is being funded through a mix of public and private investment, with the state of Ohio contributing $600 million, the city of Brook Park adding $300 million, and Haslam Sports Group providing $1.5 billion, as well as covering any cost overruns. The surrounding $1 billion development will be privately financed. While there are still some outstanding issues to be resolved, such as a lawsuit challenging the state's funding and concerns from Cuyahoga County officials, the team's lease at their current downtown stadium is set to expire after the 2028 season, making it increasingly likely that the Browns will move forward with the Brook Park project.

  • On Monday, March 2, 2026, construction crews began the mass excavation and digging of the hole for the new stadium.
  • The official groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for April 30, 2026.

The players

Jimmy and Dee Haslam

The owners of the Cleveland Browns, who are leading the $2.4 billion investment in the new stadium and surrounding development project.

Ed Orcutt

The mayor of Brook Park, Ohio, who expressed excitement about the project and the economic activity it will bring to the city.

Chris Ronayne

The Cuyahoga County Executive, who has voiced concerns about the Browns leaving downtown Cleveland.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jimmy and Dee Haslam (Team statement)

“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.”

— Ed Orcutt, Mayor of Brook Park (Team statement)

What’s next

The team will hold the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new stadium on April 30, 2026. Additionally, the lawsuit challenging the state's funding for the project will need to be resolved before construction can fully proceed.

The takeaway

The Cleveland Browns' decision to build a new stadium in the suburb of Brook Park represents a significant investment in Northeast Ohio and a shift away from the team's longtime home in downtown Cleveland. The project is expected to have a major economic impact on the region, but also faces some lingering challenges that will need to be addressed before the new stadium can open in 2029.