For the next generation of sports fans, the Cleveland Browns’ home turf will now be called Huntington Bank Field, even if the team moves into a new stadium in Brook Park (Cleveland Browns). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
Brook Park stadium would be named HBF too
At least we now know what a Brook Park multi-purpose stadium would be called, if the owners of the Cleveland Browns football team decides to build it. While most terms of the naming rights deal were not disclosed by the Haslams Sports Group and their National Football League franchise, we do know that it will outlast the current stadium’s lease which ends after the 2028 football season.
The Browns and Columbus-based Huntington National Bank today announced a 20-year partnership that includes the naming rights to the Browns’ stadium, which will now be called “Huntington Bank Field.” If the Browns stay and renovate the existing, 1999-built stadium for $1.2 billion in partnership with the public sector, the naming rights and the revenues from it will be part of the financial picture.
But if the team is able to achieve its goal and pull together a 50/50 public-private partnership to build a $2.4 billion domed stadium in suburban Brook Park, the naming rights and the revenues from it will follow the Browns there. While a dollar amount for the Browns-Huntington partnership were not revealed today, the prior naming rights deal with controversial utility FirstEnergy was reportedly worth about $6 million per year. This new deal is likely larger.
NEOtrans revealed last week that two notable public officials — Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne and Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin — want a closed Burke Lakefront Airport to be considered for the next Huntington Bank Field and more than $1 billion in supportive real estate development. That would making interim repairs to the existing stadium to buy time for Burke’s reliever airport capabilities to be moved, possibly to Cuyahoga County Airport.
Rooftop signage and logo for Huntington Bank will be a part of the naming rights for the city-owned Cleveland football stadium so it can be seen by aerial photography during football games and other events (Cleveland Browns).
As part of the new partnership, Huntington Bank, a super-regional bank headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, will also become the team’s official and exclusive banking partner. The partnership strengthens both organizations’ shared vision and long-standing commitment to the Cleveland community and broader region.
“The Cleveland Browns are iconic in American sports and a globally recognized brand,” said Steve Steinour, Huntington Bank chairman, president and CEO in a written statement. “Huntington Bank is thrilled to create this partnership and make this investment in the Cleveland Browns and Northeast Ohio. This is also a pivotal moment for us as it gives us a high-profile platform to elevate our brand nationally.”
Like the Browns, Huntington has deep roots in Ohio, where it was founded in 1866. The naming of Huntington Bank Field makes the bank the anchor investor in the existing or new home of the Browns for the next 20 years. Through this partnership, NFL audiences in markets around the country will begin to see the reputation Huntington has built over the last 158 years.
“Whether in the existing stadium or a new one, the Browns’ commitment to Northeast Ohio will continue to spur significant economic growth and development for years to come, and we are excited to be a part of that future,” Steinour added.
With its logo perched atop Huntington Bank Field, the Columbus-based financial institution will be visible from most seats in the stadium (Cleveland Browns).
“We are thrilled to reach a long-term partnership agreement with Ohio’s own Huntington Bank,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Cleveland Browns managing and principal partners. “Huntington Bank has a long-standing reputation of excellence and they continue to grow both regionally and nationally, while keeping their roots here in Ohio.”
“Giving back to the community and a focus on education are two of the many attributes that bond our organizations, and we look forward to working with Huntington to make positive impacts in Northeast Ohio and beyond,” they added. “We’re excited to call the home of the Cleveland Browns Huntington Bank Field.”
Ultimately, this partnership will extend beyond the Huntington Bank Field name as the Browns and Huntington intend to launch new and dynamic ways to strengthen communities and neighborhoods across Northeast Ohio. The Cleveland Browns worked with global premium experiences company Legends of New York City to secure and negotiate this partnership with Huntington Bank.
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