Stadium team tries to trim $48M
BY LUCY MAY
and GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Bengals and Hamilton County are trying to trim $48 million from the team's new stadium package to hit the county's target of $240 million.
The $240 million includes costs of the stadium, parking and stadium plaza, Gary VanHart, Hamilton County director of public works, said Monday. It does not include land acquisition, design fees or the cost of moving utility lines on the site.
Troy Blackburn, Bengals' director of stadium development, met with county officials Friday to hunt items to trim.
"They have asked us to shoot for reductions," Mr. Blackburn said Monday. "They have not asked for any significant portions to be reduced or eliminated from the design."
Mr. Blackburn said the dollar amounts are still rough.
"We're still at an early stage in design. Once there are more specific drawings, the numbers will improve. . . . Both sides are being responsible."
Design team members are scheduled to meet again next week.
Asked about the cost-cutting sessions, Hamilton County Commission President Bob Bedinghaus said that "it's obvious we're in the final stages" of reaching a lease agreement.
The county has to sign a lease by June 1 with either the Bengals or the Reds, or the sales tax passed to pay for the two new stadiums will be rolled back.
It's important to get the budget fixed, Mr. VanHart said, because "we're running out of time."
"It would be silly to sign a lease if you're not sure what you're getting," he said.
A casualty could be the Bengals' prized canopies on top of the stadium, which the club thinks not only provide the facility shelter, but a signature.
The designers have slimmed down the canopies considerably to save money, Mr. VanHart said. Ultimately, they might have to go, he said.
"We feel it's a very important part of the stadium," Mr. Blackburn said. "It's very small percentage-wise."
County officials understand there must be flexibility in that $240 million target budget, Mr. VanHart said. Once the county takes bids and construction starts, the price could increase.
But the county must have a target, Mr. VanHart said, and the county does not want to start out millions above the goal.
Mr. Blackburn said there is a list of about 100 items under discussion.
They range from types of urinals (hands-free or manual flush) to location of the press box on the 50-yard-line. There has been some discussion the press box is more expensive on the top level, out of the way of premium seats.
"This is no different than what any other project in the county has gone through," Mr. Blackburn said.
The Bengals point to inflation when asked about initial estimates two years ago that priced the facility at $180 million. Adding $10 million for an on-site practice facility and inflation by the time of the 2000 opener raises costs, the club says. That estimate was based on the cost of the Carolina Panthers' stadium in Charlotte, N.C., and factored in neither inflation nor the prevailing wage that must be paid in Cincinnati.
Previous stories
Bengals ask lease by May 20 April 30, 1997