Earlier this week, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green reportedly said the future Aloha Stadium will cost “under $500 million.”
The project, which could also include an entertainment district and private residences for the surrounding area, was previously estimated to cost $440 million. It will include 35,000 seats — 15,000 less than the old stadium.
Green said the local government will have to agree on a blueprint for the project in the next month or so, and that the fate of a potential housing complex could depend on “cooperation” from the U.S. military, which controls a significant amount of land in the state.
Unlike other stadiums nationwide, taxpayers wouldn’t have to foot the bill — naming rights could fund the project — but there isn’t an NFL team or ownership group to bear most of the cost.
The former Aloha Stadium was a cornerstone of football — it hosted the annual NFL Pro Bowl for many years and was the home stadium for the University of Hawaii.
The new venue will aspire to youth and communal use, as well as opportunities for U.S. soccer and rugby, Green said. It could also host non-sporting events like concerts.
The stadium itself is slated to be finished for the 2026 season.
