German football club SC Paderborn 07 has recently revealed its plans to raise the capacity of its Benteler-Arena home from the current 15,000 to 17,700. The club announced the expansion plans after reclaiming its place in Bundesliga, the top division of German club football.
Paderborn has detailed a two-phase project. 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 €5.5 millon ($6.3 million) but is expected to boost stadium revenue by €2 million per season once completed. The club said this will take into account increased rent and operating costs at the stadium, which opened in 2008.
“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”, Paderborner Stadiongesellschaft CEO, Josef Ellebracht, said.
Currently, the building application is being prepared, which is to be submitted to the city of Paderborn by the beginning of September 2019 with all the required reports.
The inauguration of the entire stadium expansion is scheduled for the first home game of the second half of the season 2020/2021.
“This will create a future-oriented venue, which also meets the current requirements of the German Football League and the demand for places in Paderborn optimally,” said Ellebracht.
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