Atlanta Falcons: NFL commish Goodell says there’s ‘need’ for new stadium
The question was put to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he stood on the Falcons’ current field Sunday night.
Why should taxpayers help to foot the bill for a new home for Arthur Blank’s team?
“Well, I think there’s a recognition that they do need a new stadium,” Goodell said before the Falcons played the Cowboys at the Georgia Dome. “The question is, how do you do something that makes sense for the community and how do you combine that with what they want to do with the (World) Congress Center? And do it in a way that’s responsible and creates more activity. That’s what the discussion is on both sides.”
The Falcons are seeking partial public financing for a $1 billion retractable-roof stadium to be built in downtown Atlanta. The new stadium would replace the 20-year old Georgia Dome, which is operated by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority.
In 2010 state legislators extended the Fulton County’s hotel-motel tax, which is expected to contribute $300 million to the costs of a new stadium. But the bonding capacity for the GWCCA, which also would operate the new facility, is capped at $200 million.
Raising the cap to allow the GWCCA to issue bonds on the entire $300 million would require an act of the Legislature and the signature of Gov. Nathan Deal. Some lawmakers have said they are waiting to see the details of the final deal between the Falcons and the GWCCA.
The Falcons would cover the costs of the stadium beyond the $300 million. The GWCCA said it hopes to reach agreement with the Falcons by the end of the year.
A new stadium would likely mean significantly more revenue for the Falcons as compared to the Dome and also an increase in the value of the franchise.
“It’s important for the team to have a [new] stadium when you’re competing against other markets when a [new] stadium can generate more revenue,” Goodell said.
The NFL in the past has awarded the Super Bowl to cities with new stadiums for their teams. But Goodell, asked if Atlanta would improve its chances for a Super Bowl with a new facility, said only that it would allow the city to “compete against other markets” for the right.
Atlanta hosted Super Bowls in 1994 and 2000 but failed in subsequent bids after an ice storm disrupted the 2000 event.
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114 comments Add your comment
Bravesfan 54
November 5th, 2012
6:03 pm
Sorry about that, it looks like Jerry only paid a whole lot of money, but did have public help.
Section108
November 5th, 2012
6:17 pm
Let’s see a Super Bowl under the Falcon’s belt first, or even a playoff win for that matter, before we start talking about a new stadium…..
dave
November 5th, 2012
6:41 pm
I was at the 2000 superbowl. . . .exactly how did the “ice storm” disrupt the event? Seemed just fine to me. How often will there be an ice storm in Atlanta Ga? We need to spend this much to avoid another freak weather incident? nonsense.
LoFlyerII
November 5th, 2012
7:10 pm
I have never stepped a foot into the Falcons stadium but a small percentage of my taxes are allocated to it. I understand the facility brings jobs and revenue into the immediate area and hotels. I receive no personal benefit from the structure although I pay for a minute portion of the cost.
After 20 years we have Mr. Blank and the Falcons asking for a new stadium to be covered by public taxes.
Dumb question, why cannot the current stadium be refurbished to Blanks and the Falcons requirements for 1/10 the cost of building a new stadium? The current stadium displayed structural integrity during a tornado five years ago, and even major renovation would be far less costly than a new stadium. From what I understand, the current objection is the stadium is not open to the elements and does not provide enough VIP boxes to enhance revenue.
A renovation can easily remedy the VIP boxes, is it worth a billion dollars and citizens taxes to provide to the whims of the Falcons who demanded an enclosed stadium 20 years ago?
Ted Striker
November 5th, 2012
7:24 pm
I support Goodell on Bountygate, concussion reform, player accountability for off-field behavior.
However he speak with forked tongue on the “need” for a new stadium.
“Need” is when food isn’t on the table. “Want” is when you’re wanting prime rib and lobster yet all you can afford is ramen noodles.
count_schemula
November 5th, 2012
7:32 pm
@LoFlyerII – the stadium was refurbished recently – $300 million in 2006
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_Dome
Jborodawg
November 5th, 2012
7:33 pm
They “need” a new stadium? Fine. Mr Blank is a bastion of the free enterprise system; therefore do it the free enterprise way with leveraged financing; no public funds. Please spell out how “a new stadium will generate more revenue”. It’s pure hype that Super Bowls create millions in revenue for the host city; they don’t. $300 million toward schools, streets, public works, recreation, parks, even the ATL Symphony, would go a long way. Public funds for some infrastructure might be agreeable; but not for financing a stadium for a private sports franchise. Goodell is only campaigning for A. Blank’s wishes.
When Home Depot expands, do they ask for public funds? When Coke wants expand a bottling plant, do they ask for public funds? When Delta wants to buy new aircraft, do they ask for public funds? Again, it’s called the free enterprise system. Helping Blank, the Falcons, and the NFL with a new stadium would be a massive welfare deal that Atlanta nor Georgia can afford.
“…Meli…Well, if Commissioner Goodell believes the Falcons need a new stadium, and he is speaking on behalf of the NFL, then the NFL should pay for it…”
Exactly.
Jborodawg
November 5th, 2012
7:39 pm
For example…
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/18/indy-lost-more-than-1-million-hosting-super-bowl-but-isnt-complaining/
Gotta love the comment, “I don’t think anybody’s changing their vacation travel plans to include Indy…”
Scooby
November 5th, 2012
7:53 pm
The new stadium dog don’t hunt folks. The Super Dome in New Orleans was built in 1975 and they will have the 2013 Super Bowl. Be careful and pay close attention to what the politrickians and corporate crooks say. Watch dem dogs…………
Atlanta Falcons: Goodell met with Gov. Deal, Mayor Reed to discuss stadium issue | Atlanta Falcons
November 5th, 2012
8:05 pm
[...] Goodell met with fans before the Falcons played the Dallas Cowboys at the Georgia Dome on Sunday. [...]
bullrusher1
November 6th, 2012
1:02 am
Until Atlanta drops below sea level, the Falcons are living large where they are right now. Last I checked, Ryan has lost four games in 4.5 seasons under the GA Dome.
Atlanta Falcons: Goodell met with Gov. Deal, Mayor Reed to discuss stadium issue | NFL Online News
November 6th, 2012
11:49 am
[...] Goodell met with fans before the Falcons played the Dallas Cowboys at the Georgia Dome on Sunday. [...]
Falcon 228
November 6th, 2012
12:11 pm
PSLs have just turned me against this project. It means the common season ticket holder has just been sent to the upper level end zone seats. PSLs will run in excess of 30K to 50K per seat per year. So there you have it. Super Bowls are brought to a city by money. In the past it was sent to a city to bring revenue. No longer. Yes, I would love to have a great stadium. But I refuse to pay the price of a PSL to see 8 NFL regular season games a year and 2 worthless preseason games a year. Believe me, the price of the PSLs will increase every year afterward. This league is going to price itself out of the market where it was created.
Andrew
November 7th, 2012
12:09 pm
Fairly simple in my opinion: Hire an outside agency to calculate taxpayer ROI on $300 mil + municipal bond rates over however many years it will take to payback the bonds. If ROI is very positive – build it, if ROI is nearly 0 – discuss it, if ROI is negative – hell no