Industrial Waste Delays Red Bulls' Stadium Project

Tuesday, May 22, 2007; Page E02

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/21/AR2007052101397.html

The opening of the New York Red Bulls' $140 million stadium has been pushed back two months until September 2008 because of delays in the cleanup of industrial waste and foundations at the stadium site.

Any more delays in the completion of the Red Bull Park in Harrison, N.J., would force the team to play its entire 2008 MLS season at Giants Stadium, managing director Marc de Grandpre said yesterday.

De Grandpre said that oil and old structures have been found below the surface at the construction site and "it takes time to clean them up."

Peter Higgins, chairman of the Harrison Redevelopment Agency, said there was very little unforeseen contamination since ground was broken in September and that the majority of the delay was caused by the discovery of subsurface structures.

The additional site work will cost more than originally budgeted, Higgins said, adding that the team will pay the bill.

Had the stadium opened on time, the Red Bulls would have played about 10 home games next season at the new stadium. It is a 25,000-seat facility that will feature 53 luxury suites situated 12 rows from the field.