Hamilton County Strike $185M Deal for Paycor Stadium Upgrades
Hamilton County is preparing to spend $185 million to soup up Paycor Stadium as part of a newly unveiled deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. This marks the first phase of what could, eventually, become an $830 million overhaul of the 24-year-old facility.
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Inside the Deal
The deal does not include a lease extension. The Bengals’ current lease expires in 2026, though it includes several two-year extensions. The county and the team have until June 30th to reach a new long-term agreement or activate the first extension.
Under the proposed plan, the Bengals will contribute $120 million toward renovations, funded through a combination of team money and G-5 financing from the NFL. That financing requires the team to match the NFL’s contribution and partner with a public entity.
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“The $120 million private investment from the Bengals and the NFL marks an unprecedented commitment in the history of Paycor Stadium,” said Commission President Denise Driehaus. “Never before has the NFL invested in our public asset, and never before have the Bengals invested so much.”
The team’s investment would cover improvements to East and West Club Lounges, a full renovation of the stadium’s 132 suites, upgraded concession areas, and beautification efforts across entryways, concourses, and public plazas.
Meanwhile, the county will contribute $64.5 million toward infrastructure-focused upgrades such as new elevators, stairs, and escalators; suite seating replacements; glass repairs; electrical system upgrades; and a new Junglevision control room.
An additional $16 million will cover maintenance and capital repairs tied to the existing lease.
If approved, construction would begin in 2026, with design and engineering work starting later this year.
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This $185 million package is intended to be just the beginning. County officials say it’s the first installment of a multi-phase plan to revamp the stadium by 2029. Each of the three to four phases are expected to cost around $210 million.
Last week, Hamilton County and the Bengals formally asked the state of Ohio for $350 million in support, The current agreement calls for “fair and equitable contributions” from all three.
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