AECOM Hunt-Turner JV Wins $2.4B Browns Stadium Project

The Cleveland Browns have selected a joint venture of AECOM Hunt and Turner Construction to manage one of the most high-profile sports projects in the country: the $2.4 billion New Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park, Ohio. The project marks the latest in a string of major NFL stadiums undertaken by the duo and is set to transform the Browns’ home into a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment destination.

According to the project website, funding will come from a mix of $1.2 billion in private investment and $600 million each from state and local contributions. The stadium is scheduled to open in 2029, just in time for the NFL season.

The 67,500-seat enclosed facility will feature a translucent roof — the first of its kind in Ohio — capable of expanding to 75,000 seats for concerts, NCAA Final Four games, international soccer, and other large-scale events. Designed by Dallas-based HKS Architects, the stadium’s layout emphasizes fan proximity, including a redesigned “Dawg Pound” section intended to amplify the energy of Browns’ most passionate supporters.

The translucent roof design is especially notable. Unlike typical NFL venues that rely on truss systems, New Huntington Bank Field will feature the first long-span roof without a truss, eliminating structural obstructions and delivering unmatched sightlines. Beyond aesthetics, the roof will also harness natural light and intensify game-day sound — a competitive advantage for the Browns.

“We’re proud to involve local people and businesses while drawing on our expertise in complex sports venues,” said Jason Jones, senior vice president at Turner, noting that early site preparation will begin this month, with a groundbreaking expected in early 2026.

The Browns’ ownership group, Haslam Sports Group, tapped AECOM Hunt and Turner due to their extensive track record in stadium delivery. The JV was behind the $5.5 billion SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles — home to the Rams and Chargers — and is also managing the $2.1 billion New Nissan Stadium for the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.

Both companies are no strangers to the Browns either: AECOM Hunt built the team’s current stadium in 1999, while Turner handled a major renovation in 2014. Together, the firms bring decades of experience, with Turner having worked with 18 NFL teams and AECOM Hunt leading projects such as Atlanta’s $1.6 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the ongoing $1.45 billion Jacksonville Jaguars EverBank Stadium renovation.

Local participation will play a critical role in the Browns’ new stadium. Brecksville-based Independence Construction will join the management team, while Independence Excavating will oversee enabling sitework. Both firms are part of Cleveland’s DiGeronimo Companies, known for their development and construction services.

The emphasis on regional partners comes amid rising scrutiny on local hiring for mega-projects. Turner and Gilbane, for example, faced criticism in Buffalo in 2023 for initially missing diversity goals on the Bills’ $2.1 billion stadium, later improving to 40% workforce diversity. The Browns’ project team is already emphasizing outreach to Ohio-based contractors and suppliers.

Overall, the New Huntington Bank Field is projected to generate over 6,000 construction jobs, boosting the local economy while cementing Cleveland’s reputation as a sports hub.

With its cutting-edge design, fan-focused features, and major community impact, the stadium will not only serve as the home of the Browns but also position Cleveland as a national stage for world-class sporting and entertainment events.

Originally reported by Joe Bousquin in Construction Dive.