Hamilton County has reached a preliminary agreement with the Cincinnati Bengals to invest $185 million in Paycor Stadium renovations, with the upgrades scheduled to begin in 2026.
This funding would cover the first phase of a planned four-phase renovation project that could total around $830 million. For Phase 1, the NFL and the Bengals would contribute $120 million to improve club lounges, suites, concessions, and concourses. The county would provide $64.5 million, earmarked for accessibility-related improvements such as new escalators and elevators, electrical upgrades, and suite seat replacements.
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Hamilton County Commission President Denise Driehaus emphasized that the county’s investment focuses on accessibility and enhancing the stadium for broader public use.
“It aligns with several of our key priorities—public access, safety, and making the stadium available for more than just football,” Driehaus said. “We’re optimistic about hosting more events, from concerts to high school games and beyond.”
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) comes as the county and the Bengals continue to negotiate a new lease, with the current one set to expire in 2026. Although the Bengals offered to extend the existing lease, county leaders are pushing for more favorable terms. County Administrator Jeff Aluotto stated that one of the county’s goals is to increase public access to the stadium during the NFL offseason.
Though a final lease deal hasn’t been reached yet, Aluotto explained that the MOU would jumpstart planning and preliminary work.
“It allows both sides to begin design, engineering, and early equipment purchases in 2025,” he said.
The county and the team have until the end of June to finalize or extend the lease. Earlier this month, both parties also requested $350 million in state funding from Ohio to help with the broader renovation plans.
While some officials view the MOU as progress, Commissioner Alicia Reece expressed hesitation about spending county money without a finalized lease agreement.
“The Bengals have the funds,” Reece said. “They should cover the upfront costs while we finalize a lease. If we get an agreement, we can reimburse them. That would better protect taxpayers.”
County commissioners may vote on the MOU and whether to move forward with the renovations as early as next week.
