Stuttgart's Mercedes-Benz Arena Renovation $3.7M Over Budget

The remodeling of the Stuttgart's Mercedes-Benz Arena, home of Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart, "was initially €7M ($8.5M) over budget," according to Walter & Mühlebach of BILD. The invoice for the stadium remodeling including the construction cost for the new multipurpose facility Scharrena "amounted to €82M" ($100M), €7M ($8,5M) more than previously calculated. City, club and construction company BAM AG agreed on a total of €78M ($95.5M). That is still €3M ($3.7M) over budget, or a 4% price increase. Michael Föll, responsible for city finances, explained the increased costs on "tough soil conditions" and a "a rough winter." The additional costs of €3M ($3.7M) will be paid by tax payers -- who pay €1.3M ($1.6) -- the city and the club (BILD, 7/10).