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Friday, September 18, 2026

Bengals Could Be Next Team Eyeing Stadium Upgrade

  • The Cincinnati Bengals are the latest NFL team to consider plans to revamp their stadium — part of a growing nationwide trend.
  • Recent results from a study, however, suggested renovations would cost $493 million.
David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals are the latest NFL team to consider plans to revamp their stadium — part of a growing nationwide trend.

Recent results from a study commissioned by the team and Hamilton County, however, found that while Paul Brown Stadium doesn’t need to be replaced, suggested renovations would cost $493 million over the next 20 years. 

  • The study, which cost $375,000, was commissioned by the county and the Bengals in 2020 and conducted by Gensler Sports, an architecture firm that specializes in pro, collegiate, and international sports venues.
  • It analyzed 15 main categories in the stadium, like parking lots and food offerings.
  • While the price tag for renovations is hefty, the study ultimately found the stadium in “good” condition, despite the fact that it’s already 22 years old.

The Bengals called the study “the first step” to considering future renovations. 

Public Price Tag

It’s reportedly unclear how much taxpayers would be on the hook for renovation costs. 

But the stadium will cost taxpayers more than $1 billion by the time the lease ends in 2026, according to Fox 19. Hamilton County officials, however, said they hope to ease the tax burden as changes are made.

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