Design & Development

Dome plans presented for Paycor Stadium

Featured image credit: Julian Myles on Unsplash

Investigations into potentially adding a dome to fully enclose Paycor Stadium, home of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, have found that such a project would cost up to $1bn (£771.9m/€924.9m).

Hamilton County, owner of Paycor Stadium, is currently weighing up options to extend the life of the venue, which opened in 2000, and studies concerning the addition of a dome were presented to the authority yesterday (Tuesday).

Gensler and AECOM Hunt were engaged to assess the concept of a new roof structure. The Cincinnati Business Courier said two proposals were produced – one a “tied arch” concept that would cost $982m to $1bn. An alternative design supported by structural steel columns with “plastic film-type roofing” has been projected to cost $903m.

Adding a roof or dome to Paycor Stadium has been found to be especially challenging due to the facility’s elliptical design. It is being assessed as a means to enhance the stadium’s ability to host a wide array of events.

Speaking after yesterday’s presentation, Commissioner Denise Driehaus said the study would “close the chapter” on any discussion of a dome. Driehaus added: “I have long held the opinion that we can’t afford a dome. From what I’ve heard, we just can’t afford it.”

Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas agreed, stating “it comes down to dollars and cents for me”, adding the numbers “are obviously to me cost-prohibitive”.

However, opposition to the plans wasn’t unanimous, with Commissioner Alicia Reece stating: “There seems to be a tone. ‘We can’t do it. It can’t be done.’” Reece said she would seek a breakdown of all the costs of enclosing the stadium. She added: “Maybe there’s some things on there we don’t want. I would like to see a multi-faceted facility that can be an arena and can be (used for) other events.”

Yesterday’s meeting came after Hamilton County last month set out a $1.2bn redevelopment plan that aims to transform the home of the Bengals into a more campus-style environment.

The Paycor Stadium Complex Renovation Proposal was produced by the sports arm of Cincinnati-based MSA Design, as part of a stadium master planning process jointly funded by the county and the Bengals.

MSA Sports’ vision aims to increase public engagement, improve accessibility, and better connect with the surrounding community while sustaining the long-term future and competitiveness of the team in its home on the Cincinnati Riverfront.

The Bengals in May announced plans to invest between $100m and $120m to upgrade Paycor Stadium, with the work to focus on enhancing the fan experience.

The Bengals will launch major improvements to Paycor Stadium, with construction to take place until 2026. Projects will be in fan-facing areas and will include updated video and audio systems, renovations to suites and club lounges, concession upgrades, and beautification projects.

In April 2022, a study by Gensler found that the stadium is suitable to remain the long-term home of the Bengals but will require a minimum of $493m in upgrades.

The Bengals’ current lease deal at Paycor Stadium expires in 2026. The team has until June 2025 to decide whether to activate the first of five two-year extensions.