Overview of the Proposal
Architects revealed a $1.3 billion plan to transform Paycor Stadium and its surroundings, expanding the Cincinnati Bengals’ venue for year-round use and enhanced fan experiences.
The vision, which the Bengals and the county commissioned, proposes moving Mehring Way south along the riverfront. This will allow the team to move its offices, operations and indoor practice facility to a new $249 million facility on part of the existing practice field. The plan would add about 500,000 square feet of repurposed or new space to the stadium.
Key Features and Costs
The Paycor Stadium Transformation proposal includes three new high-revenue club areas in the north end zone, the western side of the stadium and at the 50-yard line at the field level. MSA Sport, along with six other partners, produced the vision for the county and the Bengals.
The north end zone changes alone, which also include a huge new scoreboard and improved vertical and horizontal circulation for fans moving throughout the stadium, would cost $121 million. The new club areas would cost $82 million.
Approval Process and Next Steps
Commissioners will likely discuss the reimagining at their Sept. 17 meeting. The Bengals declined to comment in advance of that session.
County officials emphasized they are not yet endorsing this vision, but merely presenting it for discussion. The $1.3 billion cost includes both $494 million in upgrades and maintenance to the stadium’s infrastructure, as well as new features designed to make the stadium first class, increase fan engagement and revenue for the team, add connections to downtown and keep the Cincinnati Bengals there for decades to come.
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Funding Challenges and Negotiations
It remains unclear how much of the package Hamilton County commissioners will agree to and how they will pay for it. Commissioners have stated they expect the Bengals, the NFL, the state of Ohio and local taxpayers to pay for any upgrades, marking a major change from how the county funded the stadium in the late 1990s, with county taxpayers bearing 82% of the cost, including land acquisition.
The new vision for the stadium could help speed things up between the county and the Bengals. So far, talks have been moving at a snail’s pace. But now, with a clearer picture of what’s possible, both sides might have a better idea of what they’re actually discussing.
County have made it clear that if the Bengals want a major makeover for Paycor Stadium, they’ll need to commit to sticking around for decades. But here’s where things get tricky: the Bengals have been hinting they’re only interested in a shorter deal, maybe 10 years tops.
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Commissioner’s Stance and Lease Details
Commissioner Denise Driehaus stated, “The first priority is my top priority: a better deal for the taxpayer.”
The Bengals’ lease expires in 2026. The team can renew the existing document five times for two years each. The Bengals must notify the county a year in advance to exercise these options.
The county and the Bengals enlisted the services of Gensler Sports—a Los Angeles architecture and design firm—to assess the stadiums condition. The capital assessment report, by Gensler Sports in April 2022 proposed $493. 7 Million, for repairs to the structure. This includes repairing steel rails and ramps replacing seats and enhancing plumbing systems.
Paycor Stadium Transformation Project Factsheet
Total Cost: $1.3 billion
Main Objective: Increase stadium use outside football season and enhance fan experience
Key Features
Relocation of Mehring Way
New team facility ($249 million)
Offices
Operations
Indoor practice facility
Stadium expansion
500,000 sq ft of new/repurposed space
Three new high-revenue club areas
North end zone improvements
New scoreboard
Improved circulation for fans
Infrastructure upgrades and maintenance
Costs Breakdown
North end zone changes: $121 million
New club areas: $82 million
Infrastructure upgrades and maintenance: $494 million
Project Partners
Cincinnati Bengals
Hamilton County
MSA Sport (lead design firm)
Six additional partners
Timeline
Current lease expiration: 2026
Next discussion: September 17 county commissioner meeting
Funding for the upcoming Paycor Stadium Transformation
Proposed sources: Bengals, NFL, State of Ohio, local taxpayers
Final funding structure yet to be determined
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