Hamilton County commissioners on Thursday signed off on $5.7 million to take down the current scoreboard at Paycor Stadium, clearing the way for a roughly $12 million replacement and related upgrades. The newly approved money covers demolition and structural work that officials say must happen before the county will agree to buy a new video board. Commissioners also approved modest improvements to the visitors' locker room and said demolition work will not begin until January, after the NFL season ends.
Commissioners Sign Off On Teardown
As reported by WLWT, commissioners approved the $5.7 million item Thursday and indicated an additional $6.9 million purchase for the new scoreboard is expected to come before the board next, bringing the scoreboard project total to about $12 million. Hamilton County Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas told WLWT "they're moving forward, we're moving forward," and Commissioner Denise Driehaus said the demolition clears the way for technology upgrades meant to "improve the fan experience."
How The Scoreboard Fits Into A Bigger Plan
Hamilton County's executed Memorandum of Understanding with the Bengals lays out the financing framework for Phase 1 and shows the team committed about $120 million to team-funded projects, part of a much larger renovation program planners have estimated at roughly $830 million. County and team officials previously requested up to $350 million in state support as part of that broader effort, per Cleveland19, and the MOU documents the parties' agreed Phase 1 responsibilities and cost ranges. See the county MOU (PDF) for details.
Procurement And Timeline
Bid documents for the south scoreboard expansion show an estimated construction budget in the $7.1 million range and place the work at the corner of Mehring Way and Central Avenue. County purchasing records and agendas show related Paycor procurements and pre-bid activity this spring, indicating design and bid work is already underway before the board signs off on the purchase contract. Read the ITB #024-26 pre-bid packet and the Hamilton County OnBase agenda for procurement details.
Officials framed the vote as a measured step to modernize the stadium while limiting new costs for residents, saying the updated funding formula with the team reduces the county's burden. For Bengals fans, the timetable means a quieter construction window timed to the off-season and a larger, higher-definition video board in seasons ahead.
