Cleveland Browns Secure 20-Year Naming Rights Deal with Huntington Bank
The Cleveland Browns have partnered with Huntington National Bank for stadium naming rights. This agreement comes amid discussions about a potential new domed stadium, highlighting the team's future plans.
The Cleveland Browns have announced a significant partnership with Huntington National Bank, securing a 20-year naming rights agreement for their stadium. The lakefront venue, previously known as Cleveland Browns Stadium, will now be called Huntington Bank Field.
This development comes as the team prepares for the 2024 NFL season, set to kick off with a home game against the Dallas Cowboys. The partnership marks a new chapter for the Browns, who have been playing at this location since 1999 when the team returned to the league as an expansion franchise.
Dee and Jimmy Haslam, the Browns' owners since 2012, expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration:
"We are thrilled to reach a long-term partnership agreement with Ohio's own Huntington Bank. 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."
The Haslams highlighted shared values between the organizations, particularly in community engagement and education, promising positive impacts for Northeast Ohio and beyond.
This partnership announcement coincides with ongoing discussions about the team's future stadium plans. The Browns are considering relocating to a new $2.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park, Ohio. This proposed complex would include retail properties and hotels, potentially attracting major events like the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Fours to Cleveland.
The current stadium lease expires after the 2028 season, giving the team ample time to finalize their plans. However, the city of Cleveland has proposed an alternative, offering to fund approximately half of a $1.1 billion renovation for the existing stadium.
It's worth noting that the Browns have a rich history in Cleveland, dating back to their founding in 1944. Despite never appearing in a Super Bowl, the team has won eight league championships, with their last victory in 1964. The Browns' unique brown and orange colors and logo-less helmet design set them apart in the NFL.
The team's passionate fanbase, particularly in the famous "Dawg Pound" section, has remained loyal through various challenges, including an 18-year playoff drought that ended in 2020. As the Browns move forward with this new naming rights agreement, fans hope it signals a bright future for the franchise, both on and off the field.
