Report: Putting Dome On NFL Stadium Would Cost Up To $1 Billion
10/30/2024 03:25 PM
The Cincinnati Bengals have been looking into possible alterations to Paycor Stadium, most notably adding a dome.
Earlier this month, local officials began looking into the feasibility of enclosing the Bengals' home field. Unfortunately, following the completion of a study that reportedly cost $139,000, the cost of the project appears too high.
It would cost between $900 million and $1 billion to put a dome on the facility, according to Chris Wetterich of the Cincinnati Business Courier. The news comes one month after officials unveiled a $1.25 billion renovation plan for Paycor Stadium, where the Bengals have played since 2000.
The original expansion plan did not include a dome, but the county commission elected to do research on the possibility after considering how adding one could allow the stadium to host other important events.
"While it was a good, smart move to investigate this just a little bit ... absent an additional revenue source or an income stream, it would be, from a financial perspective, very challenging to enclose Paycor Stadium," Hamilton County Administrator Jeff Aluotto said Tuesday, via WCPO.
The Hamilton County study reportedly considered multiple design options for a roof, but with the cheapest one costing $900 million, the decision was made to abandon the concept.
Meanwhile, the Bengals have until June 2025 to decide whether or not to activate a five-year extension on their lease. Should they opt not to, the franchise would be allowed to move in 2026.
On the field this season, the Bengals are 3-5 heading into Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Related: NFL Fans React To The Cleveland Browns' Big Stadium Move
