Cleveland Browns sign stadium naming rights deal with Huntington Bank
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Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. Photo: Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images.
The Cleveland Browns on Tuesday announced a stadium naming rights deal with Huntington Bank, which will be effective when the team kicks off its season this Sunday.
The big picture: The 20-year deal would cover the current stadium, which opened in 1999 and doesn't have a corporate name, plus any new stadium that could be built.
- The facility will be called Huntington Bank Field.
Catch up quick: The venue has been operating under the name Cleveland Browns Stadium, after the team and Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. mutually agreed to end their stadium naming rights agreement in 2023 after 10 years, in the wake of the House Bill 6 scandal.
- Huntington Bank is based in Columbus, Ohio, and reports $196 billion in assets under management. It was founded in 1866.
- The bank also sponsors a club at the stadium for the Columbus Crew soccer team, which is also owned by Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam.
- Huntington chairman, president and CEO Stephen Steinour said the Browns deal represented the largest investment in the bank's history. Though, specific financial details were not released.
What they're saying: Jimmy Haslam said during Tuesday's press conference announcing the deal that the Browns and Huntington have the "same type of culture and the same type of values."
- Steinour added: "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."
The intrigue: The news comes amid uncertainty surrounding the Browns' stadium plans.
- The Haslams are deciding between building a new domed stadium in Brook Park, which would cost more than $2 billion, or undergoing a $1.2 billion renovation to the current facility.
- They are reportedly seeking 50% public funding for either project.
- A potential Browns move would complicate the city's lakefront master plan, which includes building a land bridge to connect downtown malls to the lakefront in front of Huntington Bank Field.
Between the lines: The Haslams did not provide an update on their decision or take questions from reporters during the press conference.
This story is being updated.

