CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Hamilton County commissioners were presented a master plan proposal that would enhance Paycor Stadium amenities at an overall cost of $1.2 – $1.3 billion.
MSA Sport architects say under the comprehensive renovation process the 24-year-old stadium would be:
- An engaging multi-purpose setting
- Modernized, expanded and updated
- An enhanced and varied fan experience
- A sustainable home for the Bengals
- Enhanced public utilization and team venue.
The county and the Bengals are currently in negotiations to renew their mutual lease agreement that is set to expire in 2026.
The commissioners have repeatedly said they are trying to find ways to utilize Paycor Stadium during the team’s offseason to relieve some of the financial burden on Hamilton County taxpayers.
“Our board has said we want to diversify the funding so don’t get into this, ‘Oh lord, this cost, is it going to take my house?’ No. I know I’m not supporting anything that will increase taxes,” Commissioner Alicia Reese explained.
Perhaps the most striking additions would occur outside the stadium itself.
The master plan calls for three “wraps” to cover the exterior walls. The county says these are LED video boards that can be changed and not stagnant or painted murals.
EXISTING:
PROPOSED:
A relocation of Mehring Way is included in the proposed site improvements.
The Kettering Health Practice Field would undergo a major transformation under the proposed master plan to include a building to house the Bengals’ administration offices, an indoor practice facility and a 2,000-seat grandstand for fans who want to attend the team’s annual training camp.
County officials say moving the Bengals’ executives and staff out of offices in the stadium would leave room for many improvements.
County officials say the new indoor practice facility would eliminate the need to use the IEL Indoor Facility which sits on W. Mehring Way.
The proposed master plan also calls for the construction of three new mid-level clubs. One each on the east and west side and one added to the north end zone. The north club would be built beneath a repositioned and expanded video scoreboard.
At the south end zone, a food hall and event space for conferences would be added at the club level.
The master plan calls for the addition of a “party deck” around the food hub and event space.
The field level would also see some drastic changes with the addition of a club and an area designated to be named “Hall of Champions.”
The county says with the Bengals administration offices out of the building, more room can be used to enhance pedestrian flow inside the stadium.
The architecture design firm, MSA Sport, showed photos of the Bengals’ first home game and the log jam that exists on the side of the stadium.
The proposal calls for additional escalators to be installed and dramatically increase the amount of space for other stadium services.
Review the whole plan proposed by the county:
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