Seattle - The Washington State Public Stadium Authority (PSA) Board of Directors received pleasant news today: confirmation that the Exhibition Center and Parking Garage built on the Kingdome's south lot are finished on time and on budget-with the Grand Opening to occur this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The icing on the cake was provided by Ray Colliver, Project Manager for First & Goal Inc. (FGI), when he announced that the overall project budget for the Exhibition Center, Parking Garage, Kingdome Demolition, and construction for the new Football/Soccer Stadium remains at $430 million total. The PSA Board had approved the $430 million budget in August, 1998. In briefing the Board, Colliver stated that "cost estimates for the new Stadium are based on 100% construction documents-allowing bidders to accurately project their costs. We have a great deal of confidence in these numbers and are ready to begin work on the Stadium." PSA Board Chair Lorraine Hine was the first to congratulate First & Goal on the budget news: "First of all, the PSA Board is extremely pleased that Phase I has come in on time and on budget, and we would like to congratulate First & Goal, LMN Architects, and Turner Construction for the fine job they have all done. Secondly, I am extremely pleased that FGI's proposed budget remains at $430 million, with the public share capped at $300 million. The partnership between the PSA and FGI is allowing us to meet the project goals approved by the voters in 1997." In 1998, as authorized by the Stadium Act, the Public Stadium Authority entered into a Development Agreement with First & Goal. This public-private partnership allows the Stadium Authority to provide project oversight and ownership, with First & Goal serving as the project developer. PSA Board Member Jake Jundt, a contractor from Yakima, could not be present at the meeting but provided written comments that were read into the record. Jundt commented on his early review of the budget, "I can say without reservation that the Project is well organized, and has quality trades people and supervision. Turner Construction's attention to budget and quality of construction is evident. As Board Liaison for design and construction, I can assure the citizens of the State of Washington that they are well represented by the team of the PSA, First & Goal, Ellerbe Becket, LMN, the Project's General Contractor, Turner Construction, along with the many subcontractors and trades people. The next phase of construction will culminate with a Stadium and Exhibition Center that will truly be world class." After the Grand Opening of the Exhibition Center this Saturday, a full compliment of exhibitions and trade shows will be offered, beginning with the Seattle Antiquities and Art Show November 4 - 6th. The Seattle International Auto Show will light up the venue with its show November 17 - 21. Additional event schedule information can be found on the First & Goal web site at http://www.firstandgoal.com. Phase II of the Project, Kingdome demolition and Stadium construction will begin in November. The implosion of the Kingdome will be sometime next March, and the opening of the new Football/Soccer Stadium will be in August, 2002. ### For further information, contact: Suanne Pelley, Public Stadium Authority, at 206-205-8620 (www.stadium.org) Susan Pierson Brown, First & Goal Inc. at 425-990-7000 (www.firstandgoal.com)