New Falcons stadium now to cost $1.4 billion

ATLANTA (AP) -- The cost of the new Atlanta Falcons stadium has climbed to $1.4 billion.

The initial cost of the retractable-roof facility, which will replace the Georgia Dome in 2017, was estimated at $1 billion. That was later raised to $1.2 billion.

Now, it's gone up again by $200 million. The final budget was approved Tuesday by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. NFL ownership is expected to follow suit next week.

The new budget includes $1.078 billion in construction costs, with the remainder going to design, development and other non-construction costs.

''More detailed design plans allowed us to more accurately budget the cost of the stadium,'' said Greg Beadles, the team's chief administrative and financial officer. ''At the same time, construction costs across the board continue to increase as the economy improves and demand grows. ''