Tag: name change

apr 28, 2021; cleveland, ohio, usa; a general overall view of firstenergy stadium. the stadium is the home of the cleveland browns and the site of the 2021 nfl draft. mandatory credit: kirby lee-Imagn Images

Browns stadium renamed Huntington Bank Field

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Cleveland Browns’ lakefront stadium will now be known as Huntington Bank Field, the team announced Tuesday.

The Browns announced a 20-year agreement with Huntington National Bank, which is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. The pact will carry over if the team opens a new stadium, such as the dome they reportedly are exploring just outside of Cleveland.

“We are thrilled to reach a long-term partnership agreement with Ohio’s own Huntington Bank,” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “Huntington Bank has a long-standing reputation of excellence and they continue to grow both regionally and nationally, while keeping their roots here in Ohio.

“Giving back to the community and a focus on education are two of the many attributes that bond our organizations, and we look forward to working with Huntington to make positive impacts in Northeast Ohio and beyond.”

The venue initially was known as Cleveland Browns Stadium when it opened in 1999 until an agreement was reached to rename it FirstEnergy Stadium in 2013. The Browns terminated that naming-rights deal in April 2023 after a bribery scandal rocked FirstEnergy, with the facility known as Cleveland Browns Stadium last season.

The new name will be on display when the Browns open the season Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

–Field Level Media

Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson, part of the new ownership group of Washington's NFL team, hinted the Commanders name could be changed soon. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Take 4? New owners discuss changing Commanders name

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Once the Washington Redskins, then the Washington Football Team, the Washington Commanders are under new ownership and another potential name change.

Following the sale of the NFL franchise to the Josh Harris-led group that includes former NBA great Magic Johnson, approved by league owners Thursday in Minnesota, it appears likely the new ownership has plans to bring an entire brand overhaul to Washington.

“Everything’s on the table, especially after this year,” Johnson said Friday on the “Today” show. “We’ll see where we are with the name, but I can’t say that right now.”

Under Dan Snyder’s rule as franchise owner since 1999, the Washington franchise had three team names in 24 seasons — and two playoff wins.

Harris, the principal owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils, paid $6.05 billion to buy the franchise for which he grew up cheering in Chevy Chase, Md.

“I feel an awesome responsibility to the city of Washington,” Harris said on Thursday. “I know what I’ve got to do. It comes down to winning. It’s on me and on our ownership group to deliver. That’s what we’re going to do.”

Major changes to the organization expected in the first year include reconsidering the name and addressing dilapidated FedEx Field.

Harris is a general partner of Crystal Palace F.C. in the English Premier League and a minority shareholder in Joe Gibbs Racing. Johnson is a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, MLS’ Los Angeles FC and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

Johnson broke down and was overcome by emotion when he discussed Friday morning in an interview on “Today” the significance of being able to sit in the owner’s box at games in Washington.

“I’m going to excel not only for myself and my family, but for all African Americans, making sure we can see ourselves in these seats,” Johnson said.

–Field Level Media

Dec 24, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A Cleveland Browns sits in a snow covered seat during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns Stadium returns in 2023

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Cleveland Browns will play their 2023 season at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Browns and FirstEnergy Corp. mutually agreed to end their stadium naming rights agreement, effective immediately, on Thursday. Both entities announced the move simultaneously.

“We reached this amicable agreement that is consistent with the productive relationship we have always enjoyed, and we wish FirstEnergy success with their future initiatives,” Haslam Sports Group COO Dave Jenkins said in the Browns’ release. “Our home stadium will return to its former name, Cleveland Browns Stadium.”

Terms and conditions of the breakup were not disclosed by either side.

It was called Cleveland Browns Stadium from 1999-2012.

–Field Level Media

Dec 26, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the helmets of Washington Football Team offensive tackle David Steinmetz (66) and center Beau Benzschawel (63) before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

New name, logo reveal for Washington Football Team coming Feb. 2

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The NFL team formerly known as the Redskins set an expiration date for the interim franchise name — the Washington Football Team — of Feb. 2.

Under the direction of a restructured front office and team president, the rebranding of the franchise owned by Daniel Snyder took more than 18 months.

The 2021 season is the second for the Washington Football Team moniker.

The franchise plans to reveal hints and uniform teasers leading up to the announcement in February. President Jason Wright gave the first spoiler Tuesday, saying the franchise will not be choosing Wolves or RedWolves as the team name due to copyright concerns.

“We can finally say that we are in the homestretch of our rebrand journey. We know this has been a long process — one with a lot of pieces and details — and we appreciate you sticking with us,” Wright said in a written statement. “First, and I’ll cut to the chase here, we can confirm that, after careful consideration, our team name will not be Wolves or RedWolves.

“Understanding the weight and importance of our team name, and excitement around other name options — both internally and within our fan base — we didn’t want to risk going down a route that could be dotted with legal hurdles.

“What comes next is exciting and fast-approaching — and here’s my second update: we can’t wait to reveal our team name to the world on Feb. 2, 2022! Mark your calendars, Washington Family. This is not a day you’ll want to miss!”

The franchise began using the Redskins nickname in 1933, when it was based in Boston and previously called the Braves. The name was dropped in July 2020 after multiple sponsors sent Snyder letters threatening to remove signage and end financial agreements, including the stadium naming rights deal with FedEx, unless the team retired the name.

–Field Level Media