Bayer AG - Stockholders' Newsletter First Quarter 2007

News

BayArena to be enlarged

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The future BayArena will be covered by a circular, tent-like roof integrating the company’s logo. Its 200 meters diameter will make it the world's biggest Bayer Cross.

Leverkusen. The BayArena, the stadium that is home to the Bundesliga soccer team Bayer 04 Leverkusen, is to be modernized, enlarged and its capacity increased to accommodate over 30,000 spectators. Construction work costing some €56 million is scheduled to commence at the end of this year and be completed before the start of the 2009/2010 season. “Our soccer team is an important way to promote our image both at home and abroad,” explained Bayer Management Board Chairman Werner Wenning. “Expanding the stadium will help it to retain a high advertising value in the future.” The seats for spectators will be covered by a circular, tent-like roof that will extend well beyond the stands and provide shelter for people in front of the stadium as well. Above the arena will be a huge Bayer Cross 200 meters in diameter formed of 2,000 transparent leds. The world-famous company logo will thus be clearly visible from the air at a considerable distance.