While a string of higher-than-expected jury verdicts led Hamilton County officials to increase their budget to buy land for the stadium project, officials are pleased with hitting an early price target.
The target, known as a guaranteed maximum price, or GMP, is $288 million, according to county documents obtained by the Enquirer through the state's public records act.
That cost covers the $270 million stadium itself; the team's three riverfront practice fields and practice facilities, at a cost of $10 million; and other costs such as carpeting, furniture in luxury suites and equipment, such as popcorn poppers.
Hamilton County Commission President Tom Neyer Jr., a developer, said the public shouldn't underestimate the importance of bringing in the GMP on budget.
"Not only is it the largest number (in the project), it's also the area with the biggest potential for cost variances because it's the structure itself," he said.
Mr. Neyer and County Commissioner Bob Bedinghaus said they're confident the total budget cost -- the widely reported $400.3 million -- will come in on budget, too.
While the county has been criticized as giving the team too sweet a deal, Mr. Bedinghaus said the county had strong leverage during GMP talks.
"It was very simple," he said. "If they couldn't meet those (budget) numbers, we weren't going to build it."
