Digging Underway for New Cleveland Browns Enclosed Stadium in Brook Park

The $2.4 billion stadium and $1 billion mixed-use development is expected to generate over 6,000 construction jobs.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:15pm

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The Cleveland Browns have begun excavation work on the site of their new Huntington Bank Field stadium in Brook Park, Ohio. The team plans to hold a ceremonial groundbreaking event on April 30 and move into the 67,500-seat enclosed stadium in time for the 2029 NFL season. The $2.4 billion stadium project is part of a larger $3.4 billion development that will also include a $1 billion mixed-use entertainment district.

Why it matters

The new Browns stadium and surrounding development represent a major investment in Northeast Ohio, with the project expected to generate over 6,000 construction jobs and thousands of additional full-time positions. The stadium's 'Super Theater' design will allow it to host a variety of events beyond just NFL games, further boosting the economic impact for the region.

The details

The excavation work at the site involves digging 80 feet deep and moving nearly 2 million cubic yards of dirt, making it one of the largest earthwork projects ever undertaken in Cuyahoga County. The Haslam Sports Group (HSG), which owns the Browns, is privately financing roughly half of the stadium project, with the remainder coming from state and local tax revenues.

  • Excavation work at the site began on March 2, 2026.
  • The Browns will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking event on April 30, 2026.
  • The team plans to move into the new stadium in time for the 2029 NFL season.

The players

Jimmy and Dee Haslam

The owners of the Cleveland Browns and the Haslam Sports Group, which is overseeing the stadium and mixed-use development project.

Rob DiGeronimo

The president of Independence Excavating, the company leading the excavation work for the new stadium.

Ed Orcutt

The mayor of Brook Park, Ohio, where the new Browns stadium is being built.

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What they’re saying

“Today marks another exciting milestone moment for the new Huntington Bank Field Stadium. We are thrilled to continue to invest not only in this stadium project and mixed-used 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.”

— Jimmy and Dee Haslam, Browns owners (wkyc.com)

“The mass excavation for the new Huntington Bank Field project lays the foundation for this substantial endeavor. Driven by the site's proximity to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the scope requires digging 80 feet deep and moving nearly 2 million cubic yards of dirt, making it one of the most significant earthwork projects ever undertaken in Cuyahoga County.”

— Rob DiGeronimo, President, Independence Excavating (wkyc.com)

“We are so appreciative of the Haslams' commitment and investment in the City of Brook Park and the Northeast Ohio region. 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 (wkyc.com)

What’s next

The Browns will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking event at the site on April 30, 2026.

The takeaway

The new Cleveland Browns stadium and surrounding mixed-use development represent a major investment in Northeast Ohio, with the project expected to generate thousands of construction jobs and long-term economic activity for the region. The stadium's unique 'Super Theater' design will also allow it to host a variety of events beyond just NFL games, further boosting the project's impact.