Hamilton County Board reviews MOU for $830M Paycor Stadium renovations with Bengals

Hamilton County Commissioners are moving forward with significant renovations to Paycor Stadium, following a recent staff meeting where a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was presented for consideration. The proposed renovations, initially estimated at $1.3 billion, have been scaled back to approximately $830 million, with plans to execute the project in four phases starting in 2026.

The MOU aims to facilitate ongoing negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals while securing funding from various sources, including a $350 million request to the state of Ohio. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of both the county and the team for the first phase of renovations, which includes substantial upgrades to club lounges, suites, and essential infrastructure like escalators and electrical systems.

Commissioners emphasized the importance of timely action, noting that many projects have long lead times and must begin in 2025 to ensure readiness for the 2026 construction start. The MOU also includes provisions for both parties to withdraw from the agreement if a comprehensive deal is not reached by June 30, 2025, the deadline for the Bengals to exercise a two-year lease extension.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the negotiation process and the perceived lack of direct communication with the Bengals. Some commissioners expressed frustration over the lengthy timeline for finalizing the lease agreement, which has been a contentious issue for over two decades. They highlighted the need for transparency and accountability to ensure taxpayer interests are prioritized.

The discussions underscored a collaborative effort between the county and the Bengals, with a focus on leveraging NFL funding and ensuring equitable contributions from all parties involved. As the county moves forward with the MOU, the urgency to finalize a long-term agreement with the Bengals remains a top priority, with implications for both the stadium's future and the taxpayers of Hamilton County.