Thursday, April 30 at 5:00 PM
Brook Park, OH
The groundbreaking ceremony will mark the official start of construction on Northeast Ohio’s largest economic development project to date, the new Huntington Bank Field enclosed stadium and surrounding district. The event will include a panel discussion featuring leaders who will share their vision for the new stadium and its transformative impact on the region. Guests will learn how the venue will become an economic catalyst for the community while delivering an immersive fan experience and a best-in-class environment for players.
Stadium Impact
5,000+
Full Time Jobs
$3.5B
Investment in Northeast Ohio
$6B+
In Fiscal Impact
18198 Five Points Rd
Brook Park, OH 44142
The event will take place in a temperature-controlled environment on site.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early.
Valet will open at 4:00 PM, and the ceremony will begin promptly at 5:00 PM.
To attend the groundbreaking celebration, guests must check-in upon arrival. Invitations are non-transferable
To help create a smooth and efficient entry experience, we recommend bringing only small bags or purses. For planning purposes, bags should be limited to approximately 12” x 6” x 12”.
4:00 PM
Doors Open
5:00 PM
Groundbreaking Ceremony Begins
The Fan Experience
Fans sit at the center of everything Haslam Sports Group does. HSG Partners Whitney Haslam-Johnson, JW Johnson, and HSG President Dave Jenkins will share how the new stadium enhances the fan experience with closer seating, a translucent roof, and flexible guest capacity. With a Dawg Pound fan wall, Dawg Pound dedicated entrance, and reduced overall traffic, fans can expect this new stadium built for fans, by fans.
Economic Impact
The new Huntington Bank Field enclosed stadium will be a magnet for major events in Northeast Ohio. This panel with HSG Managing and Principal Partner Jimmy Haslam, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine will explore the vision behind the investment and its economic impact, including over 6,000 construction jobs and thousands of additional full-time positions across the stadium and adjacent development. Guests will also get a preview of the districts’ year-round use, indoor music venue, and array of retail and dining options.
Gameday Atmosphere
The Dawg Pound delivers one of the NFL’s most unique gameday atmospheres. Panelists will explore how age-old beloved gameday traditions will be transformed and improved at the new stadium with even more pre-game elements, touchdown celebrations, and kickoff energy – making fans feel part of the action. General Manager Andrew Berry, Head Coach Todd Monken, Carson Schwesinger, and Denzel Ward will speak to the new gameday atmosphere engineered to elevate athletes’ performance, preparation and well-being.
6:00 PM
Post Ceremony Reception
Dee and Jimmy Haslam
Managing and Principal Partners
Dee and Jimmy Haslam serve as the Chairman and CEO of Haslam Sports Group, which owns and operates the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew SC and the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. Under the Haslam’s leadership, HSG has developed a standard centered on providing a consistently winning team, taking exceptional care of the team’s fans, and striving to make a positive impact in the Northeast Ohio community. To best position the team for success, the Haslam’s have consistently invested in their teams, enhancing the organization and its facilities including the Browns new Huntington Bank Field enclosed stadium in Brook Park. Through these efforts, the Haslam’s have worked collaboratively and responsibly with the City of Cleveland and the City of Berea to support the Northeast Ohio community’s long-term growth.
JW Johnson
Managing Partner
James Wood “JW” Johnson III is a Managing Partner of Haslam Sports Group, which owns and operates the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew SC and the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. Johnson helps lead the strategic direction of the organization’s business side, with a focus on media, marketing, partnerships, fan experience and digital content. On the football side, Johnson served as a member of the head coach search committee that selected Todd Monken to lead the Browns. In 2019, Johnson was a leading advocate in securing the 2021 NFL Draft for Northeast Ohio, working alongside ownership and leadership to bring one of the league’s premier events to the region.
Whitney Haslam Johnson
Managing Partner
Whitney Haslam Johnson is Managing Partner of Haslam Sports Group (HSG). Whitney’s vision and direction helps lead the family-run business, utilizing her expertise in communications, marketing, brand, fan and team member experiences to influence every major decision related to the organizational ethos of win-fan-community. As part of her role as Partner, Whitney helped lead the strategic vision for the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus Expansion in Berea and the Browns new Huntington Bank Field enclosed stadium in Brook Park. From 2019-2024, Whitney served as the Chief Experience Officer and on the Board of Directors for Pilot Flying J where she was responsible for elevating the company’s guest and team member experience. Whitney has also served on the board of directors for the Knoxville Museum of Art and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, as well as on committees for the United Way of Greater Knoxville. Currently, she is on the board of University School in Cleveland, Ohio and serves on strategic committees for University Hospitals. Sports Business Journal named Whitney a “Game Changer” in 2018. Whitney graduated with a finance degree from the University of Georgia in 2001.
Dave Jenkins
President
With over 20 years of experience at the Browns, Haslam Sports Group President David Jenkins leads the organization’s daily business operations and long-term vision. He directs all organizational goals related to business, including financial management, revenue generation, marketing, stadium operations, government relations, and administration. Jenkins’ efforts to lead the team’s stadium planning process has created a collaborative public-private partnership with public officials in Northeast Ohio for the Browns’ new domed Huntington Bank enclosed stadium. He also oversees the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus expansion project in Berea, which broke ground in June 2025 on a mixed-use development adjacent to the team’s practice facility.
Todd Monken
Head Coach
Todd Monken was named head coach of the Cleveland Browns on Jan. 28, 2026. Monken has spent 26 seasons coaching on the college level, where he served as head coach at Southern Miss (2013-15) and helped Georgia to consecutive national championships (2021-22). He has also spent seven seasons as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, including the 2019 season with the Browns. He most recently served as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens (2023-25), where he led one of the league’s most productive offenses and helped QB Lamar Jackson earn the 2023 NFL MVP, while guiding a unit that consistently ranked among the league leaders in scoring and efficiency. A native of Wheaton, Ill., Monken was a three-year letter winner at quarterback for Knox College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in education leadership from Grand Valley State. He is a member of the Knox College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Roger Goodell
NFL Commissioner
During his two decades as NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell has built the NFL into a sports, media and cultural leader. Working closely with the league’s 32 teams, he has pursued innovative policies and partnerships that strengthen the game, make football more accessible and drive global growth. Under Goodell’s leadership, the NFL has secured consecutive, ten-year transformative collective bargaining agreements with the NFL Players Association, allowing the league to grow and thrive, enhancing pay and benefits for current and retired players and ensuring decades of labor peace. Goodell has brought regular-season games to an increasing number of countries, supported the rise of flag football globally, and launched a program for NFL teams to grow their year-round presence in markets around the world. As the league’s platform continues to grow, Goodell has embraced players who are using their voices to create change and bolstered the NFL’s support for causes like social justice, cancer prevention, domestic violence awareness and the needs of active military, their families and veterans.
Mike DeWine
Governor of Ohio
Mike DeWine was elected to serve as the 70th Governor of the State of Ohio on November 6, 2018. The Governor has had a long and distinguished career in public service, focusing on protecting Ohio children and families. He was previously the 50th Attorney General of Ohio and has previously been elected to serve as Greene County Prosecutor, Ohio State Senator, U.S. Congressman, Ohio Lt. Governor, U.S. Senator. Mike DeWine loves Ohio and cares passionately about our state’s future. He will fight for an Ohio that works for everyone – every person and every family in every corner of our state. From world class cities to some of the best small towns in America, Mike DeWine knows that to build our state into an economic powerhouse, we must have strong schools, a great quality of life, and compassion for those who need our help. Raised in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Mike DeWine and Fran (Struewing) met in the first grade and married while students at Miami University. They’ve been blessed with eight children, 28 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Family is at the core of everything Mike DeWine does, and that’s why he has devoted his life to fighting for Ohio’s families. He knows when families are strong, Ohio communities are stronger, and our future is bright.
Andrew Berry
Executive Vice President, Football Operations & General Manager
Andrew Berry was named the Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager on Jan. 28, 2020. As Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager, Berry has helped build rosters that have accounted for two 11-win seasons and two playoff appearances. Prior to the 2025 season, the Browns agreed to a four-year contract extension with perennial All-Pro DE Myles Garrett. He went on to set the NFL single-season sack record with 23 en route to becoming just the ninth player in NFL history to be earn the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award multiple times. Berry assembled one of the best draft classes in Browns history in 2025. The class was highlighted by second round pick LB Carson Schwesinger, who became just the second Brown to be named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. In addition, fifth round pick QB Shedeur Sanders became the first Browns QB to be named to the Pro Bowl since Derek Anderson in 2007. In total, the Browns have had 10 players account for 26 Pro Bowl selections since 2020, the most by the team over a six-year stretch since 1985-90 (28).
Carson Schwesinger
Linebacker
Cleveland Browns Linebacker Carson Schwesinger quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Browns defense, delivering one of the most productive rookie seasons in franchise history. A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, he earned the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year title, becoming just the second player in team history to do so. He was the PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year and selected to the All-Rookie Team.
In 2025, Schwesinger led the team with 146 tackles and added two interceptions, 2.5 sacks, and 11 tackles for loss. He led all NFL rookies in tackles and tackles for loss and tied for third in interceptions. He recorded seven games with double-digit tackles, including a six-game streak, the longest in the league that season, and was the only NFL linebacker in 2025 to post at least 11 tackles for loss and two interceptions.
A former walk-on at UCLA, Schwesinger developed into one of college football’s top linebackers. He appeared in 38 games with 10 starts, totaling 163 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. His performance earned him recognition as a finalist for the 2024 Butkus Award, awarded to the college football’s top linebacker and a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top college football player who began his career as a walk-on.
Denzel Ward
Cornerback
Selected by the Cleveland Browns with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Denzel Ward is a five-time Pro Bowler, the most ever by a Browns cornerback. He has also been recognized off the field as the Browns’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2021 and 2024.
Since entering the league, Ward leads the NFL in passes defensed with 104 and has consistently ranked among the league’s top cornerbacks. He was the first NFL player to post at least 10 passes defensed and two interceptions in each of his first seven seasons from 2018-2024. In 2024, he led the NFL with a career-high 19 passes defensed. He is an integral part of the Browns defense that has not allowed a 300-yard passer in 45 consecutive games (the longest active streak in the NFL) and led the league in several defensive categories in 2023 and 2025. Over the course of his career, he has recorded four defensive touchdowns (two fumble returns for touchdown in 2022 and two interception returns), with one of his interception returns for a touchdown being a 99-yard return in 2021. He also holds the most games in team history with multiple passes defensed (29).
A native of Macedonia, Ohio, has played all his football in the state of Ohio: high school (Nordonia), college (Ohio State) and professional (Browns). He remains connected with the Cleveland community through his “Make Them Know Your Name” Foundation, which focuses on heart health awareness, education, and prevention. Inspired by the loss of his father, Ward has helped fund hundreds of thousands of dollars in AED access, supported legislation in Ohio’s Senate Bill 47 that mandating defibrillators in schools and public facilities, and contributed to numerous community initiatives, including scholarships, coat drives, and support for small businesses and families in need.
Dee and Jimmy Haslam
Managing and Principal Partners
Read Bio
Whitney Haslam Johnson
Managing Partner
Read Bio
JW Johnson
Managing Partner
Read Bio
Dave Jenkins
President
Read Bio
Andrew Berry
Executive Vice President, Football Operations & General Manager
Read Bio
Todd Monken
Head Coach
Read Bio
Roger Goodell
NFL Commissioner
Read Bio
Mike DeWine
Governor of Ohio
Read Bio
Denzel Ward
Cornerback
Read Bio
Carson Schwesinger
Linebacker
Read Bio
What time should I arrive?
Doors open at 4pm and the ceremony will begin promptly at 5pm. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for parking and check-in.
Where is parking located?
On-site parking will be available and managed by attendants. Please follow posted signage and staff directions upon arrival.
What safety measures should I be aware of?
This is an active construction site. Guests must follow all posted signage and staff instructions, and remain within designated event areas at all times.
Countdown to Groundbreaking