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22 April 2025
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Apr 22, 2025Austadiums
Work has officially commenced on the major redevelopment of Penrith Stadium, marking a major milestone for Western Sydney’s sporting and entertainment landscape.
The $309 million project, backed by the NSW Government, promises to transform the aging stadium into a modern, multipurpose venue set to benefit the region for generations.
Led by construction firm John Holland Group, the redevelopment will generate approximately 500 jobs during construction and support an estimated 650 ongoing roles once the stadium is operational.
The project is expected to be a significant economic driver for Penrith and surrounding areas, boosting local businesses and enhancing the region’s appeal as a sporting and events hub.
Premier Chris Minns described the redevelopment as a key part of his government’s vision for Western Sydney.
"We’re excited to see work underway on a stadium that will not only deliver world-class sporting experiences but also serve as a vibrant community and entertainment precinct," Minns said.
"This isn’t just a stadium for sports fans—it’s a place for everyone, offering public spaces, multipurpose courts, and year-round community access."
When completed in 2027, the new Penrith Stadium will be able to host up to 30,000 spectators for sporting fixtures and up to 10 major concerts each year.
The venue will also offer flexible spaces for private events, such as conferences and catered functions.
The adjacent training fields will be redeveloped into open community spaces, featuring multipurpose courts, landscaped areas, and family-friendly amenities.
The stadium will continue to support Western Sydney’s rugby league, union, and football scenes, with its upgraded facilities designed to attract new sporting events and larger audiences to the region.
NRL team the Penrith Panthers are expected to be key beneficiaries of the enhanced venue, with fans set to enjoy better seating, improved sightlines, and upgraded amenities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car celebrated the project’s commencement, calling it a win for the region.
"This is a great day for Western Sydney," she said.
"The redevelopment not only delivers a world-class stadium for our mighty Panthers but also creates hundreds of jobs and opportunities for local businesses."
The design has been shaped by award-winning architects Populous and Tyrrell Studio, ensuring the venue meets the highest standards of modern stadium architecture.
With John Holland Group selected through a competitive tender process, the NSW Government expressed confidence that the redevelopment will deliver a premium outcome for Western Sydney.
Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper reflected on the venue’s long history and its bright future.
"Penrith Stadium has been a cornerstone of the community since 1967," Kamper said.
"This redevelopment ushers in a new era, transforming it into a safe, inclusive, and accessible space for all users."
Construction is set to be completed by late 2026, with the stadium to be in operation for the 2027 NRL season.
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Oakland Athletic Sets Date For Breaking Ground On New $1.75B Vegas StadiumThe Oakland Athletics’ relocation to Las Vegas will take a significant step forward this month as the team prepares to break ground on its new $1.75 billion ballpark in the heart of Sin City.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled for June 23 at 8 a.m., marking a major milestone for the franchise and its future in Southern Nevada.
While preliminary construction began in late April, the upcoming event will serve as a formal celebration with team officials and local dignitaries in attendance. Expected guests include Athletics ownership, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, members of the state legislature, and representatives from the Clark County Commission.
The stadium’s construction is expected to take 32 months, with the goal of completing the venue in time for Opening Day 2028.
In the interim, the Athletics are playing their home games at a minor league ballpark in Sacramento, California, as they await the completion of their permanent home in Las Vegas.
The team’s pursuit of Las Vegas began in 2021, after Major League Baseball authorized the franchise to explore relocation options. The move came following years of stalled efforts to secure a new stadium in Oakland—a process that has drawn criticism regarding its sincerity.
Looking ahead, the organization anticipates strong local support for the team once it arrives in Las Vegas, citing expectations of a predominantly regional fan base for home games, the team told the Review-Journal.
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12 June 20255 min readOakland Athletic Sets Date For Breaking Ground On New $1.75B Vegas Stadium
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12 June 2025
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$3.8B Commanders Stadium Deal At Risk Over Political RiftAs the Commanders look to advance their $3.8 billion plan to build a new venue at the site of the former home of RFK Stadium, the issue has devolved into a political back-and-forth between the District of Columbia’s top two officials.
Less than two months after first completing the stadium deal with Commanders owner Josh Harris, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser said that delays by the D.C. Council to approve the latest budget are already imperiling a plan for the facility targeted for a 2030 opening.
“A delay sacrifices our exclusive seat at the table and $2.7 million in private investment,” Bowser said. “The Commanders and my team are ready to iron out the details with the Council and respond to any concerns. It should be clear, but let me emphasize: If the Council strips the deal terms or budgeted dollars from the budget, it kills our agreement with the Commanders.”
The agreement between Bowser and the Commanders does require preliminary approval of the stadium plan by July 15, at which point the team would be able to talk with other jurisdictions. Neighboring Maryland and Virginia have made separate pushes toward a new stadium, but never got as far in negotiations as D.C.
D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson, already a skeptic of the $1.1 billion in public support targeted for the Commanders stadium and related infrastructure, called Bowser’s comments inaccurate. He also said, despite the language in the stadium deal, there is more time to work with than what Bowser suggests.
“The Commanders have said the earliest they would need the District’s money and go to the bond markets to finance construction is next summer,” Mendelson said. “We will work within the Commanders’ 2030 timetable.”
Part of the backdrop of the political battle between the two officials is Bowser’s late May delivery of a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, weeks later than expected and a particular source of public frustration for Mendelson, as he claimed it has unduly compressed the Council’s legislative work to fund the upcoming year.
Along similar lines, Mendelson has frequently balked at the prospect of reviewing and voting on an agreement as large as the Commanders’ stadium in just a matter of weeks, but he still pledged to move the governing body he leads as fast as possible.
“I have heard over and over from citizens and fellow councilmembers that the Council should do due diligence of this multibillion-dollar deal before voting to approve it,” he said. “The Council will move forward quickly to analyze the mayor’s terms, improve the deal where possible for taxpayers, and approve a new football stadium. Any suggestions to the contrary are simply false.”
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12 June 20255 min read$3.8B Commanders Stadium Deal At Risk Over Political Rift
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12 June 2025
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$2.4B Browns Stadium Plan Clears Hurdle With $600M State BackingThe Browns’ $2.4 billion plan to build a domed stadium and mixed-use development in suburban Brook Park, Ohio, has taken a major step forward as the state legislature has approved $600 million in public funding toward the project, but many more hurdles remain.
After weeks of debate, the Ohio Senate passed a $60 billion state budget for the next two years that includes the Browns funding, arriving in the form of a “performance grant” from an account of unclaimed state funds that would be paid back to the state through future tax revenues. That senate move follows a prior approval by the House that instead provides the funding in the form of state-backed bonds.
A reconciliation process will now start to resolve the differences in the two funding mechanisms before it moves to Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature. What’s clear, though, is that there is state-level legislative support for the Browns and this project.
“What this does is take idle money and puts it to work to create jobs, to create incremental taxes, and that’s why we’re so excited about this project,” said Ohio Senate budget chief Jerry Cirino, a key architect of the plan to use the unclaimed state funds, which derive from sources such as utility deposits, uncashed cashier’s checks, and forgotten bank accounts.
Two big steps, however, remain for the Browns’ plan to become reality. Another $600 million in local money will need to be found to get to the 50-50 split the team envisions between public and private funds for the project.
The Browns will also need to resolve an ongoing legal dispute with the city of Cleveland, which is fighting the team’s move out of downtown. A law named for former Browns owner Art Modell, who moved the team to Baltimore in 1995, states that a team playing in a publicly supported stadium in Ohio cannot move without giving the city in question six months’ notice and an opportunity to buy the franchise. There are competing lawsuits from the team and the city surrounding the dispute, with little sign of an immediate resolution.
The Broncos, meanwhile, have been linked to a series of land purchases near Burnham Yard, a railyard property just south of downtown Denver that has been eyed as a potential site of a new stadium. The team’s lease at its current stadium, the 24-year-old Empower Field at Mile High, ends in 2030, and Broncos president Damani Leech told Front Office Sports earlier this year that “pretty soon, we need to figure out what we’re doing” after that expiration.
The team, led by the Walton-Penner family ownership group, declined to discuss the transactions, but regarding the stadium deliberations broadly said, “No determinations have been made as we continue to evaluate several options in and around the Denver metro area.”
An amassing of separate real estate, however, has a similarity to the Bears, who currently play in Soldier Field in downtown Chicago but are increasingly pursuing a new facility on land they own in suburban Arlington Heights, Ill.
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12 June 20255 min read$2.4B Browns Stadium Plan Clears Hurdle With $600M State Backing
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12 June 2025
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Archi-Tectonics Tops Field Hockey Stadium In Hangzhou With 125-Meter Free-Span Wing RoofArchi-Tectonics’ Field Hockey Stadium at Hangzhou Asian Games Park is characterized by a diaphanous 125-meter free-span wing roof, doubling as a landscape sculpture. Positioned five meters below ground level, the stadium seamlessly integrates with the natural contours of the landscape, presenting itself as an organic element within the Park. Unlike conventional stadiums that isolate themselves, Archi-Tectonics’ design aims to harmonize with the environment. The playing field is set within a recessed oval grass plain, blending into the park’s rolling terrain. Winka Dubbeldam, Founding Partner of Archi-Tectonics, emphasizes their unique approach, stating, ‘Most stadiums are fortresses. Ours is more like land art.’ As an integral part of the landscape, the 5,000-seat stadium facilitates a smooth transition between the plaza and the playing field, adapting to the varying elevations. Spectators enter through a glass atrium with 35-meter high ceilings, offering a grand entrance. In plan, the roof and field take the shape of intersecting ovals, drawing inspiration from geometric configurations like the Seed of Life or the Vesica Piscis.
all images by SFAP Shanghai
The roof of the structure draws inspiration from the traditional Meinong oil paper and bamboo umbrella, spanning the entire distance in one continuous sweep. A single curved beam holds the roof in place, maintaining tension in the mesh. Positioned about a meter above the building, the roof creates a natural draft that brings cool air over the spectators. Surrounding the sunroof is a ring, ranging from 1 meter in diameter at its thinnest to 1.5 meters at its thickest, anchored by four substantial concrete sculptural elements. According to the team, the concrete abutments do not support the structure but instead weigh it down, contributing to the overall tension of the construction. Collaborating with structural engineer Thornton Tomasetti, Archi-Tectonics conducted prototyping and testing to achieve an ultra-lightweight structure, enabling the impressive free span of the roof. The construction process involved a comprehensive 3D modeling approach, integrating every aspect from construction staff management to material flows, budget considerations, and detailing. This project, comprising a park and seven buildings, became the first in China to achieve full coordination in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and received recognition for this accomplishment.
the stadium is covered by a 125-meter free-span wing roof that shades the lobby and stands
The structure, made of poured-in-place concrete, features an entrance plaza leading to a glass lobby beneath the sloping stands. On the ground floor, VIP lounges and parking areas are positioned beneath the main lobby, integrated into the topography’s slope. Apart from hosting field hockey games, the stadium serves as a venue for outdoor film screenings, concerts, and various events. The double-curved glass facade enveloping the lobby is supported by an engineered hardwood and steel structure, creating a play of light and shadow. Balancing modern engineering, the stadium incorporates traditional local finishes, such as interior walls clad in locally sourced bamboo, contributing to a sustainable building rooted in the region’s heritage. The surrounding sloping landscape, designed by !Melk!, adopts a sustainable sponge city approach, integrating local vegetation and elegant pavement patterns to incorporate porous areas. Initially planned as a non-permanent structure for the Games, the architects proposed and the client agreed to transform it into a hybrid facility with cultural functions for the neighborhood after the conclusion of the Asian Games. The 2023 edition of the Asian Games, the second-largest international sporting competition after the Olympics, took place in October.
the stadium has a seating capacity for 5,000 visitors
the structure appears to emerge out of the folding landscape
project info:
architect: Archi-Tectonics NYC, LLC
collaborators: Thornton Tomasetti Engineers, !Melk Landscape and Mobility in Chain traffic engineers LDI: Zhejiang Province Institute Of Architectural Design And Research (ZIAD) construction drawing design consultation: Powerchina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited (HDEC) general contractor: China Power Construction Group East China Survey and Design Research Institute Co., Ltd. landscape design: !Melk NY construction unit: Zhejiang Xinsheng Construction Group Co., Ltd.
location: Hangzhou, China built area: 18,000 sqm / 5000 seats date: Winning of competition May 2018
completion: October 2022, Opening Games Oct 2023
photography: SFAP Shanghai | @shaofengap
Design Boom- Stadium
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07 June 20255 min readArchi-Tectonics Tops Field Hockey Stadium In Hangzhou With 125-Meter Free-Span Wing Roof
Design Boom- Stadium
07 June 2025
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Chicago Soccer Club Announces $650M Stadium Build In Vacant RailyardChicago Fire Football Club has unveiled plans for a new US$650 million stadium on a long-vacant parcel of land in Chicago’s South Loop neighbourhood.
The open-air venue will be built specifically for soccer (football) on a nine-acre portion of ‘The 78,’ a 62-acre vacant railyard site bound by two major roads and the Chicago River located just south of the city’s downtown.
The Fire’s team owner will privately finance the 22,000-seat stadium, according to the club. The team is targeting completion in time for the 2028 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The development has seen multiple false starts over the past decade, but the recent investment announcement is expected to anchor the project.
Global architecture firm Gensler (US) will design the stadium, which will feature a canopy over seating areas and a natural grass pitch.
While stadium construction will be privately funded, major public infrastructure upgrades are required to prepare the site. These include relocating existing rail lines, reinforcing the riverfront seawall, and installing water, sewer and power lines. Related Midwest, the site’s Chicago-based developer, is expected to seek support from the city through a pre-approved $450 million tax-increment financing (TIF) district to fund these works.
The stadium would have direct access to multiple Chicago Transit Authority lines at Roosevelt Station and could be linked to water taxi service along the river. Additional elements of the broader development are set to include housing, commercial space and an extension of the Chicago Riverwalk.
City officials have signalled early support for the project, which they say could revitalise the underutilised site. A community engagement process is expected in the coming months, with further renderings and project details to be shared.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, though no contractor has yet been named.
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05 June 20255 min readChicago Soccer Club Announces $650M Stadium Build In Vacant Railyard
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05 June 2025
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Manchester City £300M Stadium Expansion Celebrates Topping OutManchester City Football Club and contractor Sisk have marked a significant moment in the development of the club’s £300M north stand expansion with the topping out of the new structure.
The ceremony celebrated the installation of the final steel beam, signalling that the highest structural point of the project has been reached.
Once completed, the redevelopment will increase the stadium’s capacity to over 60,000 spectators, making it one of the largest football stadiums in England.
The expansion will also feature a new covered fan zone with space for 3,000 supporters, a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the club’s history and various food and beverage outlets open year-round.
In addition to sports facilities, the development will include The Medlock, a 401-room hotel operated in partnership with Radisson. The complex will also offer workspace and entertainment options designed to bolster the area’s appeal beyond matchdays.
At the topping out event, club officials were joined by apprentices working on site, representatives from Sisk and Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig. Attendees signed a commemorative artwork that will be permanently displayed in the new museum.
Throughout the construction process, 86 apprentices and trainees have been employed by Sisk and its supply chain, with 62 recruited from the Greater Manchester area.
The finished development is expected to create hundreds of full-time and part-time jobs, as well as additional casual roles, contributing to the economic regeneration of East Manchester – a key priority shared by both the club and local authorities.
The expanded north stand is scheduled to open during the 2025/26 football season, while the hotel, fan zone, workspaces and catering outlets will become operational by late 2026. These new facilities will complement the nearby Co-Op Live arena, a 23,500-capacity venue developed through a joint venture between City Football Group and Oak View Group, enhancing the city’s entertainment district.
Sisk apprentice, MCFC officials, Sisk Infrastructure leadership and Manchester City Council leader celebrate topping out on 7 May 2025
Sisk Infrastructure and UK North managing director Alan Rodger said: “The topping out of Manchester City’s entertainment destination marks a significant milestone for Sisk and the club. We have achieved some very visual planned milestones recently including quad pod steel and façade installations, and the project is gathering real momentum heading into the football off-season.
“We would like to thank all our staff, supply chain partners, designers and consultants for helping us reach this stage and we look forward to the next phase of the project.”
City Football Group chief operating officer Roel de Vries said: “This is a proud moment for Manchester City and for everyone involved in the Club’s project to create a year-round entertainment destination at the Etihad Campus.
“The delivery of this project will enable us to enhance and expand our offering to our fans and visitors, both on matchday and non-matchday, and create lasting long-term economic and social benefits for our local community, building on the regeneration work City Football Group has delivered in East Manchester since 2008.”
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said: “This is a major infrastructure investment which will create and support hundreds of jobs, adding to the remarkable regeneration of East Manchester in which the club has played a constructive role.
“It’s great to see this construction milestone reached. It means it won’t be long before those benefits for the city and the community start to be realised.”
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09 May 20255 min readManchester City £300M Stadium Expansion Celebrates Topping Out
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09 May 2025
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Commanders To Return To D.C. Under $4B Stadium Development PlanWashington’s NFL team is preparing for a long-anticipated homecoming to the nation’s capital, following an agreement with the District of Columbia to construct a new stadium as part of a $4 billion redevelopment project. Announced Monday, the plan will see the Commanders build their new facility on the site of the old RFK Stadium—where the team played for over 30 years—under a partnership with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration.
“This has been a vision of ours since we bought the team,” Harris said. “We all experienced the rumbling of RFK (and) the fact that we grew up here gave us that vision to not look at the crumbling concrete that was there but remember in our minds the vivid nature of what Washington football is all about.”
Construction could begin next year, pending approval from the D.C. Council, with the stadium expected to open its doors in 2030.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the news, calling it “a HUGE WIN for Washington, D.C.” and the team’s supporters in a social media post.
The Commanders are expected to invest $2.7 billion into the development, while the District will contribute approximately $1.1 billion over the next several years toward the stadium, public housing, green spaces, and a new sports complex across 170 acres along the Anacostia River. The stadium itself—planned to seat 65,000 and feature a roof for year-round use—will occupy just 16 of those acres.
“It’s a great day in our process to bring the Commanders home,” Harris added, noting he and his fellow owners “are committed to making the single largest private investment in D.C. history.”
Public financing will account for 24% of the total project cost—significantly below the average of 40% for NFL stadiums built or renovated since 2008. By comparison, recent stadium projects for the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Buffalo Bills received between 49% and 60% in public funding, according to data from Conventions Sports & Leisure International Inc. Of D.C.’s contribution, $500 million comes from funds initially allocated for Nationals Park, while another $181 million will be provided by EventsDC for parking infrastructure.
The announcement was made at the National Press Club, where Mambo Sauce’s “Welcome to DC” played as Mayor Bowser, Harris, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell arrived on stage. A backdrop bearing the message “Welcome home” set the tone as Goodell remarked that the new stadium “dramatically” improves Washington’s chances of hosting a future Super Bowl.
“We’re working on the commissioner hard (but also) Taylor Swift, pick an event, pick an act,” Harris said. “This is about D.C. and making this more than just a stadium and making it attractive.”
Since acquiring the team from Dan Snyder in 2022, the Commanders’ ownership group has explored potential stadium locations across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Their plans gained momentum after Congress passed legislation in January transferring control of the RFK site to the District—legislation signed by then-President Joe Biden, following lobbying efforts by Harris and Goodell in late 2024.
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01 May 20255 min readCommanders To Return To D.C. Under $4B Stadium Development Plan
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01 May 2025
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Work Begins On $309M Penrith Stadium RedevelopmentWork has officially commenced on the major redevelopment of Penrith Stadium, marking a major milestone for Western Sydney’s sporting and entertainment landscape.
The $309 million project, backed by the NSW Government, promises to transform the aging stadium into a modern, multipurpose venue set to benefit the region for generations.
Led by construction firm John Holland Group, the redevelopment will generate approximately 500 jobs during construction and support an estimated 650 ongoing roles once the stadium is operational.
The project is expected to be a significant economic driver for Penrith and surrounding areas, boosting local businesses and enhancing the region’s appeal as a sporting and events hub.
Premier Chris Minns described the redevelopment as a key part of his government’s vision for Western Sydney.
"We’re excited to see work underway on a stadium that will not only deliver world-class sporting experiences but also serve as a vibrant community and entertainment precinct," Minns said.
"This isn’t just a stadium for sports fans—it’s a place for everyone, offering public spaces, multipurpose courts, and year-round community access."
When completed in 2027, the new Penrith Stadium will be able to host up to 30,000 spectators for sporting fixtures and up to 10 major concerts each year.
The venue will also offer flexible spaces for private events, such as conferences and catered functions.
The adjacent training fields will be redeveloped into open community spaces, featuring multipurpose courts, landscaped areas, and family-friendly amenities.
The stadium will continue to support Western Sydney’s rugby league, union, and football scenes, with its upgraded facilities designed to attract new sporting events and larger audiences to the region.
NRL team the Penrith Panthers are expected to be key beneficiaries of the enhanced venue, with fans set to enjoy better seating, improved sightlines, and upgraded amenities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car celebrated the project’s commencement, calling it a win for the region.
"This is a great day for Western Sydney," she said.
"The redevelopment not only delivers a world-class stadium for our mighty Panthers but also creates hundreds of jobs and opportunities for local businesses."
The design has been shaped by award-winning architects Populous and Tyrrell Studio, ensuring the venue meets the highest standards of modern stadium architecture.
With John Holland Group selected through a competitive tender process, the NSW Government expressed confidence that the redevelopment will deliver a premium outcome for Western Sydney.
Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper reflected on the venue’s long history and its bright future.
"Penrith Stadium has been a cornerstone of the community since 1967," Kamper said.
"This redevelopment ushers in a new era, transforming it into a safe, inclusive, and accessible space for all users."
Construction is set to be completed by late 2026, with the stadium to be in operation for the 2027 NRL season.
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22 April 20255 min readWork Begins On $309M Penrith Stadium Redevelopment
Austadiums
22 April 2025
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Washington Commanders Close To New $3B Stadium DealWashington D.C. is close to a deal worth more than $3 billion to bring the Washington Commanders back to the district and build a new stadium at the RFK Stadium site.
Preliminary plans, supported by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the team, outline a financing framework in which the Commanders would fund the bulk of the project. The city’s financial contribution would instead focus on supporting broader infrastructure and development across the surrounding 180-acre site.
According to documents obtained by NBC4, the Commanders would invest $2.5 billion into the stadium. The city’s share—up to $850 million—would cover “eligible capital costs” tied to infrastructure and amenities such as parking, which would serve the entire mixed-use development.
The city’s portion would be paid in installments. An initial $500 million would be disbursed between 2026 and 2030, with the remaining $350 million to be paid in 2032 using tax revenues generated by the new complex.
Though still under negotiation, the current timeline targets fall 2030 for the completion of the stadium and associated parking structures—aligning with Commanders owner Josh Harris’ vision for the team’s future.
The project comes as D.C. faces $410 million in budget cuts imposed by Congress, a factor that must be addressed before Mayor Bowser can present the city’s 2026 fiscal year budget. Both the D.C. Council and Congress must approve the final budget plan.
In a key step toward redevelopment, former President Joe Biden signed the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act into law this January, after the U.S. Senate passed it with unanimous consent in December. The legislation allows the city to move forward with demolition and redevelopment under a new 99-year lease—clearing the way for formal talks with developers like the Commanders.
Currently, the team is under contract to play at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, through 2027, with the option to extend that arrangement until a new stadium is ready. The team owns both the stadium and the surrounding land.
Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has publicly expressed interest in keeping the Commanders in Landover, proposing a new stadium adjacent to the current site.
The Commanders previously played at RFK Stadium from 1961 until their move to Maryland in 1997, and a return to their longtime home city would mark a major shift in the franchise’s history and identity.
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17 April 20255 min readWashington Commanders Close To New $3B Stadium Deal
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17 April 2025
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Browns’ Quest For Domed Stadium Starts Nfl Fight For Ohio DollarsA political showdown is unfolding in Ohio as Republican leaders clash over two competing proposals: whether to back a new domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns in the suburbs or push for broader tax hikes to fund long-term upgrades for the Cincinnati Bengals and other professional teams.
Both plans are drawing fire from members of both parties who argue that public funding for NFL stadiums diverts critical resources from priorities like infrastructure and public education.
At the center of the storm is a $2.4 billion proposal from Haslam Sports Group, owners of the Browns, to relocate the team from their current downtown Cleveland lakeshore stadium—home since 1999—to a new state-of-the-art facility in Brook Park, about 15 miles away. The plan, pitched as a public-private partnership, seeks $600 million in state funding.
After the Ohio House approved the funds last week, officials in Hamilton County, where the Bengals play, quickly responded by renewing their own request for $350 million in upgrades to Paycor Stadium. The Bengals’ lease ends on June 30, 2026, and the timing of the ask follows pointed comments from team executive Katie Blackburn, who said at recent NFL meetings in Florida, “We could, I guess, go wherever we wanted after this year,” while also indicating that negotiations are ongoing.
The debate now moves to the Ohio Senate following its spring recess.
Team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam—major donors to Republican campaigns—say they envision a world-class venue with a dome that could host year-round events and stimulate economic development through a nearby entertainment complex. They emphasize that 80% of Browns home game attendees live outside the city, underscoring regional impact.
But Cleveland city leaders are pushing back hard. The current $247 million Huntington Bank Field was largely funded with city and county tax dollars. For many residents, the stadium is a symbol of Cleveland’s enduring support for the Browns, especially after the traumatic departure of the team to Baltimore in 1996 under former owner Art Modell.
That move, tied to a previous stadium conflict, prompted the creation of what’s now known as the “Modell Law,” which requires any professional team whose home stadium receives public funding to reach an agreement with its host city before relocating—or to provide six months’ notice and the chance for the city to purchase the team.
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16 April 20255 min readBrowns’ Quest For Domed Stadium Starts Nfl Fight For Ohio Dollars
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16 April 2025
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Tasmanian Government Seeks To Fast-Track Hobart Stadium ApprovalThe Tasmanian Government is looking to fast-track planning for its proposed AFL stadium at Hobart’s Macquarie Point, introducing new legislation aimed at bypassing the current approval process.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced that his government would move to implement “enabling legislation” to ensure the stadium project proceeds without further delay. The proposed venue remains a key requirement for Tasmania to secure its own AFL team.
The decision follows concerns raised last month by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, which warned that the financial implications of the development could impact the state's credit rating. In response, Premier Rockliff argued that the existing Project of State Significance pathway had created uncertainty around the project.
“We simply cannot afford to let this project stall,” Rockliff said.
“Delays risk the future of the Macquarie Point precinct and the Tasmania Devils AFL club. We need to act now to provide certainty.”
Business Minister Eric Abetz echoed those sentiments, expressing unease with the Planning Commission's draft Integrated Assessment Report, particularly its reliance on analysis from economist Dr Nicholas Gruen.
Abetz stated the government had "lost confidence" in the process, alleging that Gruen’s involvement raised concerns about impartiality.
“We believe there is a perception of bias that compromises the integrity of the assessment,” he said.
Dr Gruen, in a response to the ABC, rejected any suggestion of bias, saying he held no strong opinion on the stadium itself.
“My hope is that Tasmania reaches a decision where everyone feels their voice was heard, and even those who disagree feel the outcome was fair. Right now, we’re a long way from that,” he said.
Public consultation on the proposed legislation is expected to begin in May, with Premier Rockliff hopeful that construction on the stadium could commence before the end of the year.
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15 April 20255 min readTasmanian Government Seeks To Fast-Track Hobart Stadium Approval
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15 April 2025
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Stage One Utas Stadium Upgrades Given Tick Of ApprovalThe match day facilities at UTAS Stadium were recently completed ahead of the venue's opening AFL match of the 2025 season.
Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan, said it was great to hear the positive feedback from Hawthorn players and their support team at the recent night AFL game.
“We are pleased the existing matchday facilities have been brought up to Australian tier 2 sporting code guidelines. These works were completed in time for the first AFL clash of the season at UTAS Stadium,” Minister Duigan said.
“Umpires, officials and players now have refurbished change rooms, medical, massage and strapping rooms, a briefing room, warm up and training spaces, delivered by Tasmanian firm Fairbrother.
“This project has enhanced the AFL experience for both players and officials and is just the beginning of improvements at UTAS which are poised to make Launceston a powerhouse for national sporting and entertainment events, boosting business, tourism, and local pride.”
The match between Hawthorn and the GWS Giants was attended by 14,021 spectators and is one of two night matches at the venue in 2025. It will host its first ever Friday night fixture on June 13 when the Hawks host Adelaide.
Stage two of the $130m jointly funded Federal and State redevelopment will get underway in the next two months, with competition expected in early 2027.
“The works include a new eastern stand, a new centre west stand, and south-east entry plaza. Upgrades to the broadcasting facilities, new changes rooms and hospitality facilities on the western side,” Minister Duigan said.
“New infill boundary seating will be added to the existing western stand and a series of minor works to enhance the spectator experience are planned.
The changes are expected to see the seating capacity increase by 2000 to more than 17,000.
“The entertainment precinct will also include improved food and beverage facilities as well as new spectator and visitor amenities, enhancing the overall experience and atmosphere at the new stadium,” Minister Duigan said.
Much needed upgrades to match day facilities at UTAS Stadium have been completed.The existing matchday facilities have been brought up to Australian tier 2 sporting code guidelines. These works were completed in time for the first AFL clash of the season at UTAS Stadium! pic.twitter.com/mNfZgmBlQi
“This revitalisation project will ensure UTAS Stadium will continue to host world-class events, inspiring the next generation of sporting stars and reinforcing Tasmania’s status as a premier destination for major events and sporting excellence.
“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s future gives Tasmanians access to the sporting and entertainment facilities they need to succeed, which is what these upgrades will do.”
The Tasmanian Government recently extended its agreement with Hawthorn Football Club to play AFL pre-season and premiership season games at UTAS Stadium until 2027.
Austadiums
stadium
15 April 20255 min readStage One Utas Stadium Upgrades Given Tick Of Approval
Austadiums
15 April 2025
stadium