CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Cleveland Browns and Huntington Bank announced a new 20-year partnership agreement that includes stadium naming rights on Tuesday.
The team will play at Huntington Bank Field starting Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.
“We are thrilled to reach a long-term partnership agreement with Ohio’s own Huntington Bank,” Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Browns managing and principal partners, said in a statement. “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. We’re excited to call the home of the Cleveland Browns Huntington Bank Field.”
The Haslams are currently weighing a $1.2 billion overhaul of the existing stadium or building a $2.4 billion dome in Brook Park along with a 100% privately funded $1-1.4 billion mixed use development next to the dome.
The team has pledged to cover 50% of the construction costs for both stadium options.
“I think it's a subject for another day though,” Jimmy Haslam said regarding the stadium decision. “I think today is about a long-term partnership between what we believe are two of Ohio's premier institutions, Huntington Bank and the Cleveland Browns. That's what we want to talk about today. We will answer those questions in the coming days.”
Should the Browns move forward with a new stadium, the naming rights agreement would transfer.
“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,” Steve Steinour, Huntington Bank chairman, president and CEO, said.
The Browns worked with global premium experiences company Legends to secure and negotiate the partnership with Huntington Bank, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, which will go beyond stadium naming rights.
“The Cleveland Browns are iconic in American sports and a globally recognized brand,” Steinour said. “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.”
New signage will go up this week and is expected to be completed in time for Sunday's season opener.
The current stadium lease runs through the end of the 2028 football season.
