Cleveland Indoor Stadium Plan for 2031 Women's World Cup

Brook Park’s grass test

The planned Huntington Bank Field is expected to hold 65,000 spectators, giving Cleveland the scale for major tournament fixtures. The report says the building could host a temporary grass surface even if the Browns eventually choose artificial turf for NFL games.

That conversion would be a significant operational exercise. The grass would reportedly require watering and heating, while the stadium’s translucent roof is designed to provide natural light without exposing players and supporters to extreme summer heat.

The indoor setting would offer protection from rain and excessive temperatures. However, maintaining a high-quality football surface inside an NFL venue would remain a visible test of the stadium’s flexibility.

Three venues, different strengths

Ohio’s options would give organisers a choice between scale, atmosphere and football-specific design:

  • Huntington Bank Field: A large indoor venue with controlled conditions.
  • ScottsMiracle-Gro Field: Columbus Crew’s open-air stadium, listed with 21,000 seats.
  • TQL Stadium: Cincinnati’s football-specific ground, listed with 26,000 seats.

The report says Cleveland and Columbus could split matches, although only one of those venues might ultimately be selected. Cincinnati is being considered separately within the wider bid.

A strong case, not a guaranteed place

The joint bid reportedly includes 35 sites across the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica, with more than a dozen cities likely to be chosen. That makes the Ohio contest about more than local enthusiasm: each venue must offer tournament value, transport capacity and a convincing matchday experience.

Brook Park’s size and roof could make it attractive for headline fixtures. Columbus and Cincinnati, meanwhile, could offer a tighter connection between the tournament and established club football communities.

The next milestone is ’s decision on the bid and the eventual host-city selection. If Cleveland remains in contention, the temporary grass plan could become one of the most closely watched elements of Ohio’s World Cup proposal.