SC Paderborn 07 has said it will expand its Benteler-Arena after reclaiming its place in the Bundesliga, the top division of German club football.
Paderborn has detailed a two-phase project that will increase capacity of the stadium from 15,000 to around 17,700. As a tenant of the stadium, the club is currently preparing a building application, which should be submitted to the City of Paderborn by the beginning of September.
The first phase of the project will focus on expanding the stadium’s VIP area by adding another floor. Construction is scheduled to commence in December, with work continuing through the second half of the 2019-20 season in time to be ready for the 2020-21 campaign.
The second phase will involve developing a new upper tier of 2,700 seats. Work is expected to start in May 2020, with completion of the entire project scheduled for the opening home game of the second half of the 2020-21 season.
Paderborn said the project is expected to cost €5.5m (£4.9m/$6.3m) but is expected to boost stadium revenue by €2m per season once completed. The club said this will take into account increased rent and operating costs at the stadium, which opened in 2008.
Paderborner Stadiongesellschaft CEO, Josef Ellebracht, said: “Following the expansion, the Benteler-Arena will have more than 17,700 seats, spread over approximately 8,600 seats and 9,100 standing places, creating a forward-looking venue that also meets the current requirements of the German Football League (DFL) and the corresponding demand for places in Paderborn.”
Paderborn secured only its second-ever season in the Bundesliga after finishing runner-up in the 2.Bundesliga in 2018-19.
Image: SC Paderborn 07
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