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
Atlanta Falcons: NFL commish Goddell cites ‘need’ for new stadium
November 4th, 2012
11:18 pm
[...] a …Falcons host Cowboys, hope to remain undefeatedWXIA-TVall 2 news articles » Read more » Sponsored [...]
John
November 4th, 2012
11:45 pm
I like the georgia dome..
Mike Bell 790
November 4th, 2012
11:46 pm
FIRST!!!!
Fullback Who Can Catch.
November 5th, 2012
12:03 am
Who wouldn’t like a new stadium in the suburbs (north, south, east or west, I don’t care), with tons of free parking?
Gwinett Arena seems to do just fine with free parking.
[Falcons News] Roger Goodell Says There
November 5th, 2012
12:07 am
[...] old Georgia Dome, which is operated by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Steak Shapiro
November 5th, 2012
12:13 am
You get what say Cha Cha
Roger Goodell Says There’s ‘Need’ For New Stadium In Atlanta « Football News « The NFL Football Domain
November 5th, 2012
12:16 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution Go to Source Category: Football News. Top Rated [...]
Falcons Chic
November 5th, 2012
12:30 am
Unbelievable. 8-0. I think my stomach is still churning. Ugly win, but lovely win. Thank you, Birds.
Dr. Warren
November 5th, 2012
12:33 am
Wow, a 20 year old stadium. And how old is the Super Dome? 37, to be exact.
Billy
November 5th, 2012
12:36 am
if Atlanta is never getting another Super Bowl because of an ice storm, then Dallas should never get another one, either!
Uhh why?
November 5th, 2012
12:42 am
There’s nothing wrong with the GA Dome. I don’t understand why Atlanta “needs” a new stadium. Goodell will say anything, so that’s no concern. There are certainly better causes my tax dollars could go to.
Uhh why?
November 5th, 2012
12:42 am
There’s nothing wrong with the GA Dome. I don’t understand why Atlanta “needs” a new stadium. Goodell will say anything, so that’s no concern. There are certainly better causes my tax dollars could go to.
MarkATL
November 5th, 2012
12:49 am
GA Dome works for me
JuanATL
November 5th, 2012
1:17 am
If the Falcons win a SB, I’ll support them getting a new stadium.
falcon4dayz
November 5th, 2012
1:28 am
i love the dome, we dont “need” a new stadium
THE ATLER
November 5th, 2012
1:50 am
Who cares what Goodell thinks or says.
Meli
November 5th, 2012
1:57 am
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.
Bird backer
November 5th, 2012
2:35 am
Don’t stay in a hotel in Atlanta and you won’t pay any taxes for the new stadium…
Atlanta Falcons: NFL commish Goodell says there’s ‘need’ for new stadium | football-feed.com
November 5th, 2012
5:00 am
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BobbyDawg
November 5th, 2012
6:33 am
There are a lot of stadiums around the NFL that need replacing worse than The Dome. Unless they do something about the crime rate and the excessive amount or “street people” in Atlanta they need to get on out in the suburbs to build a new stadium.
Mike Franklin
November 5th, 2012
8:30 am
So, every 20 years or so… somebody has to pay for a new stadium? Heck, when people buy a home, they keep it for a long time because it is a long term investment.
But… never mind the common sense. Go ahead, build your new stadium. Just please put it somewhere… ANYWHERE but in Atlanta. Build it where there is room for parking and tailgating.
falconfeverfan
November 5th, 2012
8:35 am
undefeated at 8-0 haters are or better reconize the fact that ATL FALCONS are just a good flat out team!
loel
November 5th, 2012
9:36 am
So a new stadium would INCREASE the “value of the franchise”…..who cares and what good would that be unless the team is sold. The falcons are 8-0 now with no increased value and the same stadium. Leave it alone as long as we have the dead brained democrats in office.
5150 UOAD
November 5th, 2012
10:33 am
WOW….So we NEED to Spend a bunch of money to raise prices for the seats in the New Stadium to COMPETE for more revenue? STUPID
The DOME is the place for football games…..College….Bowls……High School….Concerts
So AGAIN WHY do we need a new stadium for 8 NFL games and maybe a Super Bowl once every 4-5 years? The DOME is 20 years old and we only have 1 superbowl when it was Brand new……………………SCREW the NFL and Goodell.
Bryan G.
November 5th, 2012
10:34 am
A new stadium would cost fans/taxpayers in two ways: (1) In financing the stadium and (2) in paying the inevitable higher ticket costs and PSLs. If the Falcons want a new stadium, they can pay for it. A new stadium won’t bring any new revenue to Atlanta – it will only cost money for taxpayers and fans. The Dome is a perfectly fine stadium and only 20 years old. No need for a new one.
Delbert D.
November 5th, 2012
10:39 am
Do the fans need a new stadium? I don’t think it is a pressing need. Would the value of the franchise be increased? On the asset side, of course it would, with an infusion of hundreds of millions of “free” money on the backs of taxpayers. As long as the Georgia World Congress Center Authority is involved, any deal will be full of questionable motives. As long as the City of Atlanta is involved, it will be corrupt.
Let Mr. Blank build an open air stadium north of the city. The fan base will be much better served, and the moochers and money grubbers can look for other boondoggles in Atlanta-Fulton County to hustle the sheep.
mrcvsjr
November 5th, 2012
10:45 am
@loel @9:36
Do some fact checking before posting. This is a Republican state. So if they decide to raise the bond cap, then it will be because the Republicans and Deals cronies and not the Democrats.
5150 UOAD
November 5th, 2012
10:50 am
mrcvsjr……………he is talking Washington…….Georgia Politicians can’t fix the US Economy that will get more money in people’s pockets and therefore have that money to spend on the $$$$$ Tickets and new stadium.
Leebo11Gator
November 5th, 2012
11:04 am
Godell’s argument is worthless. With the Salary Cap in the NFL, the Falcons are able to compete equally with all other teams, while generating a profit for Mr. Blank. The profits go to him and the Georgia World Congress, and probably the city has some stake in the current structure. So what is not working? We don’t get a Super Bowl. Who Cares? We have the SEC Championship, Chick Fil A Bowl, we get NCAA Basketball Finals, Concerts, etc. Atlanta is not lacking for big time events because we don’t have a better facility, except the Super Bowl.
As a season ticket holder for the Falcons, I don’t want to pay PSL’s in the new stadium, have to pay even MORE for parking and concessions..when it is not going help the Falcons get any better.
The Dome is fine.
Next!
Preston Thompson
November 5th, 2012
11:07 am
Delbert……..you’re dead on. Screw Goddell. What’s wrong with the dome as it is. If it ever got to where the events didn’t have room then that’s another thing. But they just ain’t got that problem. How often is the dome sold out? It seems the ones that don’t have to put up the money love to spend what ain’t theirs. Plus I just know Aurthur won’t allow the birds to increase in value off the tax payers. He’s just to honest a fellow, right?
Anyway, who said the win yesterday was ugly? I never heard such a thing. Winning is never ugly. Losing is ugly so that’s not part of the conversation. But the Falcons has got to find a fire breathing running back. Why not try Smith? He has a lot more fire than Turner. It just don’t take much to stop him. And did you see that linebacker hit our midget in the middle. He looked like a baseball hitting Chipper bat. Stopped very quick.
Tommy
November 5th, 2012
11:08 am
You should not have to replace or build new stadiums every 20 years or so years to satisfy the NFL,NBA, or Major League Bsaeball. You might get a SuperBowl every 10 years. The GA Dome is a geat facility. If the Falcons want a new stadium, let Blank and his buddy’s build it, not the public.
DawgDad
November 5th, 2012
11:09 am
“Well, I think there’s a recognition that they do need a new stadium,” Goddell said
Corporate extortion of the public and taxpayer. I hail from St. Louis, I’ve seen the NFL do this before first hand. I predict if they attempt to use public funds, (1) it will get voted down, or (2) it will cost a Governor an election.
Like to know what my wife thought of this when she heard that? Keep in mind, she votes.
Rtheomoorejr
November 5th, 2012
11:12 am
I think Atlanta could benefit from a New stadium! The talk is the Falcons and the GWCC are looking to build it at the corner of MLK and Northside dr. This location is perfect if the revitalize the vine city area. I envision hotels/brownstones/retail all along Northside dr. In addition after the new stadium is built the location that the dome currently sits on could be developed into the best tailgating in the NFL! Just saying!
DawgDad
November 5th, 2012
11:15 am
One other thing – if the NFL can get a new stadium for the Falcons on the taxpayers’ dime with lucrative revenue streams and tax breaks in another city they will move the team in a heartbeat. Don’t think they can’t or won’t. And don’t think I’d sit still for a moment as a taxpayer (even though I’m a football nut) and let them extort public funding for a new stadium here, when we don’t need it.
My Vote
November 5th, 2012
11:15 am
So if they build one with a stationary roof then the public should be under no obligation to pitch in.
I vote for that. Arthur, you build the new Georgia Dome.
Ueeediot
November 5th, 2012
11:16 am
right, because the GA Dome revitalized the area its in, so it makes perfect sense to think a new stadium a tenth of a mile of the street will help.
Oh, and they wont tear the GA Dome down. Its owned by GA World Congress Center.
Josh
November 5th, 2012
11:26 am
I like the Dome for noise and max seating. However, there’s something not right about playing football indoors in Georgia.
Speed Racer
November 5th, 2012
11:28 am
No, no, no, no, no! No need to spend a billion on new stadium. If the interior of the Dome is lacking then spend $250-$500 million and gut/rebuild the inside. Current building and location is fine. New stadium will not be near the MARTA either. Dumb move.
Speed Racer
November 5th, 2012
11:29 am
@Rtheomoorejr: They are talking about building it NORTH of the current location, north of the World Congress Center. Even further from the MARTA stations. Dumb move.
DP
November 5th, 2012
11:34 am
The idea of tearing down a 20 year old facility which is apparently modern enough to host the SEC championship game every year as well as NCAA Final Fours and other major events to add more zeros to Arthur Blank’s net worth, during a near depression aided by public financing, is a disgrace. I’d rather see Atlanta tell Blank to move the Falcons when the lease on the Dome is up rather than tear down a perfectly good facility and put $1 into a new facility.
Blank is like one of those 23 year old women on the HGTV Househunters shows who walks into a kitchen and whines “I wanted granite countertops!” Arthur, if you want a better facility, pull together investments from some of your rich buddies to buy shares in the team, get out your own checkbook, and have at it.
DP
November 5th, 2012
11:45 am
I regularly see Arthur Blank’s fellow Home Depot billionaire buddies Bernie Marcus and Ken Langone on TV whining about government spending, but they like the welfare fine when it’s for corporations or the top 1% of the top 1%. They’ll hire some “independent consultant” to show the city of Atlanta to show that the potential massive economic benefits from one or two possible Super Bowls in the first decade before the new facility is too old to be modern enough will more than offset the cost of 20-30 years of debt service by Atlanta taxpayers on Arthur’s new facility.
bo joe ellis
November 5th, 2012
11:48 am
Build it out of the downtown hell hole..Un-safe area period!
newkid
November 5th, 2012
11:49 am
Very recently it was reported that Georgia taxpayers receive a $5.50 return for every dollar the state invests in deepening the harbor at Savannah; if true, this sort of project provides a clear benefit to taxpayers. What’s the comparable ROI for state investment in a new stadium? In determining how much Georgia taxpayers should share in the stadium costs, how much consideration should be given to the fact that taxpayers already foot a significant portion of the costs of the infrastructure (e.g., roads, rail, water/sewer, etc) that make such venues successful?
The Living Legend
November 5th, 2012
11:50 am
First of all, why build a stadium and spend all this money on a new stadium just to host one (maybe two) Super Bowls? In 20 years we will “need” a ne facility to “compete” with the other places for a Super Bowl. Also, how many of us would actually go to the Super Bowl anyways? Not very many!!!!!!! It would cause most of us a headache with the traffic, extra police working, etc. for the week. How many of us would personally benefit from all that? None of us!!!!!!!!!! No to a new stadium!!!!!!!!!!!!! If it does pass, bring it up some place around 285 and 75. Do not leave it in some of the dumps of Atlanta. I have been to the Titans stadium, in Nashville, and it is a much better facility and the tailgating was much more fun, because it was a bit away from all the downtown stuff.
JoeFann
November 5th, 2012
11:50 am
Note the key phrases “significantly more revenue for the Falcons” and “an increase in the value of the franchise.” Both are benefits to the Falcons (privately owned) and the NFL (a privately owned non-profit entity,” not the public being asked to finance it through taxes, or invest in it through bonds. Remember that Mr. Goodell works for the owners, so it’s in his (and their) interests to do both, again without direct public benefit. An increase in revenue will only come from increased ticket revenues, parking fees, and a better cut of concessions. There would be very minor increased tax revenues as a result. The primary public benefit would be short-term, primarily the cost of construction. In this economic climate, I just don’t see hitting taxpayers again, when you have a perfectly good stadium now. AFCS was built for multiple purposes in 1965 and served adequately, if not spectacularly, for 30 years. Since the Dome was built specifically to house football, why isn’t it good enough for at least 10 more years to give us a chance to recover some lost ground? Not saying we won’t get some benefit, but right now, the costs outweigh them.
5150 UOAD
November 5th, 2012
11:54 am
Living Legend………….the Titan Stadium in the the Heart of Downtown Nashville. Broad & 2 Ave is what the old Buckhead bar district used to be.
The new Stadium would have to be on the MARTA line. It needs be be where 1000’s of people can have hotel rooms and restaurants. The DOME is Perfect in so many ways.
DP
November 5th, 2012
11:56 am
newkid, take those ROI numbers from consultants paid to generate a report recommending whatever the people who hired them want recommended with a grain of salt. Unless of course you have a background in financial analysis and have actually looked through the assumptions and calculations. Quoting some fantasy headline ROI number without having any idea of whether or not it’s valid is what they’d like to have you do, and it’s not like there are too many people in the media with the training and skepticism to actually into dig into the consulting reports.
BigGTMike
November 5th, 2012
11:59 am
The first team out of the Braves and Falcons to take their building north stands to profit greatly!
tell the truth
November 5th, 2012
12:00 pm
Time to man up Mr Blank- it’s your baby; you pay for the new stadium!!!
5150 UOAD
November 5th, 2012
12:02 pm
BigGTMike you will have to provide some Proof for that statement.
markie mark
November 5th, 2012
12:03 pm
Mr. Goodell, we will be happy to accept your contribution of funds from YOUR league anytime you wish – do what Green Bay did, and ask Arthur Blank to make the Falcons a publicly traded company, and I will be happy to endorse us as fans/stockholders paying for the stadium. As Joe taxpayer, not so much…..
BuddyB
November 5th, 2012
12:03 pm
NO downtown stadium unless and until the City first clears out the homeless and aggressive panhandling problem. No one wants to go down there because you get consistently approached by these people. If New York can do it, so can Atlanta. Just need the political will. SECOND, Underground Atlanta needs to be transformed into something the whole city can enjoy. Not a place for out of work people to hang out every day. THIRD – if Atlanta wants downtown to work, the city council needs to stop being so racially divisive. I have personally attended city council meetings in the past where one council member Derrick B, stated on video, that it was his job to take money from the north party of the city and move it to the south part of the city and it’s hard to see that as anything but racial politics. The Dome has lost significant concert and entertainment revenue to venues in Cobb, Gwinnett and Alpharetta – because downtown is unfriendly to those who drive in and with the availability of alternative venues that don’t have aggressive panhandling. BEFORE the City and State advance 300 million, they need to address the more fundamental problems of downtown Atlanta and NOT make cleaning downtown up a racial issue.
BuddyB
November 5th, 2012
12:09 pm
One last comment – Arthur Blank is a Billionaire. The Falcons are already worth a lot of money. It is an affront to the residents of Atlanta that we have to front 300 million dollars to a billionaire and a huge money making football franchise with tax dollars at a time when the city is hurting so badly. We need to attract business and industry and I just wonder if Atlanta had 300 million to work with to attract companies to the city, what would be the payback and the diversity of employers we might attract. In other words, what is the opportunity cost of giving this to one company, when it could be used to attract many companies. Anyone study this???
falcon
November 5th, 2012
12:11 pm
I don’t understand how a new stadium will increase revenue. More seats? For who, the visiting team? I’m not sure all of this year’s seats are sold out. I don’t understand the specifics behind what is wrong with the current GA Dome. I know Arthur Blank doesn’t like it, but I’ve never heard him go into any details as to why.
SteveC
November 5th, 2012
12:11 pm
No, no, no, Mr. Goodell. The Falcons do NOT need a new stadium — especially one paid for largely by taxpayers. It’s illogical, unfair, bad economics, wasteful,shameful, greedy, stupid. You name it. Unbiased study after study have proven that sports arenas add relatively few dollars to the local economies — it doesn’t add up.
Why should the public pay for a PRIVATE enterprise’s new house — and one that will give back so few dollars to the local economy after WE pay for the millions of $$ of new infrastructure (roads, bridges, utilities, sidewalks, traffic signals, police and fire protection, etc.)? Please, everyone, follow the money. The public does NOT benefit from professional sports teams — leagues and owners do.
Ronald Reagan
November 5th, 2012
12:11 pm
Arthur is a Liberal & he just wants to share some of Atlanta’s wealth!
Angus
November 5th, 2012
12:16 pm
You may not think we need a new stadium today, but at some point we will. It will be publicly financed, it will be in downtown Atlanta (if not some other state), and it will be freaking awesome to watch football outdoors again.
As to whether the ROI is there – who knows? You can google and find any numbers you want to find. There’s no doubt that having the Falcons and being the college football mecca is a good thing – not sure if it’s worth $300 mil though.
I’d suggest the politically expedient thing to do would be to get the GWCCA’s obligation down to $200mil and avoid a major obstacle. Kasim Reed & Co. seem to have a knack for finding millions in the couch cushions every time they need it.
tastes like chicken
November 5th, 2012
12:18 pm
“NFL commish Goodell says there’s ‘need’ for new stadium”. Goodell said that? Really? I would have fallen out of my chair had he said anything other than that.
Falcons can build whatever they like and want as long its with THEIR money!!!
DS CE'91
November 5th, 2012
12:22 pm
Please people, no matter your particular political affiliation, DO NOT SUPPORT PUBLIC FUNDING OF SPORTS VENUES!!! Ultimately, the only parties to benefit from such deals are owners and sports leagues. The return for the public is never worth the investment.
Take 10 minutes and read this folks:
http://www.cato.org/pubs/regulation/regv23n2/coates.pdf
And don’t let anyone convince you this Falcons deal will be “different.” Just once, I want to see common sense rule the day….
mambo
November 5th, 2012
12:28 pm
Where will the new stadium be and who will run it?
SEChater
November 5th, 2012
12:33 pm
After going to the game last night, the Falcons need to do something about their season ticket holders. That was a disgrace to the city of Atlanta the way they acted. Especially in section 122. If you don’t want to stand up at a game stay at home and sit on your couch, or since you acted like you own the place buy a suite then. I will not go back to a Falcons game Georgia Dome or new stadium. The NFL is the one sport that staying at home watching it on tv is better than going. Mainly because of fans who think they run the show.
barney fife
November 5th, 2012
12:35 pm
Well then let Goodell & the owners pay for it! I can’t believe anyone would advocate the utilization of public funds for a private entity. Isn’t that a violation of the federal Hobbs Act anyway? I might be ignorant to that legality, but NO MORE TAXES to line the pockets of a few!
John Lovitz
November 5th, 2012
12:40 pm
Let’s see . . . a new stadium built by the low (”qualified”) minority bidder with a qualified Beverly Hills disadvantaged minority partner and we can let the concessions and parking to the Mayor’s friends, family, and political contributors. That’s the ticket. And we can get another Super Bowl? Go fiigure. Thanks, Mr. Goddell for showing us the way.
Falcon Fan
November 5th, 2012
12:43 pm
Jerry Jones got a guarantee of a Super Bowl for his new stadium. This should be a minimum for a new Atlanta stadium. I would start asking for 3 Super Bowls, one per decade. We are not stupid. Also, it cannot be named for a person, otherwise it will be Obama stadium.
Falcon Fan
November 5th, 2012
12:46 pm
If the value of the franchise will increase, then maybe the state taxpayers should get a stake in that. How about 10%?
ellie mae
November 5th, 2012
12:50 pm
The nerve of Goodell, Blank, and the NFL never ceases to amaze me. Plus, the Dome isn’t a bad stadium but it is in the middle of a huge festering dunghole known as the City of Atlanta. Thugs, traffic, outrageous parking, gangbangers, beggars, and other issues plague that area. I wouldn’t go to a sporting event down there for anything.
If they want a new stadium, let them build it with their own money! Not another dime of City or State taxpayer funds should ever be used to finance any private venue! Did the Dome put any money in my pocket? Not a dime- how about y’all? The only ones who benefit from this are those directly involved and the politicians all the way up to the Governor who line their pockets over this deal.
Tapped Out Tax Payer
November 5th, 2012
1:00 pm
Stadiums are a bad investment. You build one & 20 years later the property depreciates to $0. Seriously, the Falcons already have a great facility. Turner field will be 20 years old in four years & it is a wonderful facility as well. the Braves are not lobbying to tear it down.
I love the Falcons & my advice to them is to keep winning. Winning is the best way to keep your high revenue flow. Besides, The GA Dome is great!
Disgusted in Dekalb
November 5th, 2012
1:01 pm
Goodell can pay for the new stadium if he thinks we need one. And NO, everyone does NOT agree we need a new stadium.
Its funny how these owners, who probably are staunch Republicans, always come to state and local GOVERNMENT to fund their stadiums.
And then they want to license the seats. They want us to help fund their stadium and then they want us to buy the right to get tickets to events there. They sure have some balls…..
Gman 84
November 5th, 2012
1:05 pm
I used to think Furman was a crank when he’d argue that Ful Co stadium was perfectly good and shouldn’t be replaced.
Atl-Ful was 26 years old when destroyed but the Ga Dome would be about the same age when replaced. I see his point now. If you are building stadiums to last 26 years, you don’t need to spend $1 B. You should build it out of plywood and aluminum.
Also, PSL for the Falcons?? Are they high?
Juan Carlos Diego Raul Snachez
November 5th, 2012
1:11 pm
a new stadium…not on the backs of the tax payers….this is crazy….if you build it move it OTP…
Let's Be Real
November 5th, 2012
1:12 pm
The new stadium wouldn’t be built with taxpayer money, but Arthur Blank is a billionaire and should be building it with his cash anyway.
Small Business Owner
November 5th, 2012
1:17 pm
I am a small business owner, and own my building, which is over 50 years old and was renovated 29 years ago. I pay Federal tax, State tax, County tax, City tax, Corporation tax, Unemployment tax, Social Security tax, Ad valorem tax, School tax, Sales tax, Property tax, Inventory tax, Business license tax, Utility tax, Medicare tax, etc. While I agree with Mr Goddell that a new stadium would be nice, I would be nice if someone would help me with a new building, or a salary of a fraction of what a NFL player makes. It would also be nice if NFL tickets were priced so we could afford to go to a game.
5150 UOAD
November 5th, 2012
1:21 pm
Reed just said it will ONLY COST VISITORS!
I’ll believe that NEVER.
Please Tell Me
November 5th, 2012
1:28 pm
Will someone PLEASE tell me why Atlanta cant get another Superbowl until they get a new stadium but New Orleans can keep getting them in that dump that is 40 years on they have?
DC
November 5th, 2012
1:37 pm
If the Falcons want a new stadium, more power to them. Go ahead, build as many as you want but not on my dime. The Falcons are a private business venture. Any growth of that business is totally the responsibility of the business owner, not the tax payer. If I’m to help pay for Blank’s business venture then should I not also get a share of the revenue?
DawgDad
November 5th, 2012
1:47 pm
To Disgusted in DeKalb, there are differing factions in the Republican Party. Country Club Republicans, Tea Partiers, Evangelical Christians, Libertarians to name a few. Not all would agree extorting public funding for an unnecessary and redundant sports venue with little to no net benefit to the community is a good thing.
alex
November 5th, 2012
1:57 pm
The studies have been done: nfl football games do not add income to the respectable cities coffers…
In fact(?) I would argue that Atlanta with it’s traffic problems becomes an even more miserable city to drive in during those games. Just ask anyone who tried to get to disney on ice a few Sundays ago.License the seats , make popcorn $20/box, you want a new stadium and YOU want to go to falcon games,have at it….
prof. jess
November 5th, 2012
2:08 pm
As one writer commented, Blank can pay for the stadium and plenty left, if he can get away with it why not sock it to us. Ask him to release a copy of his tax return. I love football but lets be sensible about it.
DC
November 5th, 2012
2:09 pm
Unfortunately, the management of the Falcons know all too well what they are doing. With the selling of seat licenses, they are pricing the purchase of season tickets beyond the ability of the average person to buy them. They will be sold to business owners and then written off as entertainment expenses. I stress again though that if I as a taxpayer have to help build a new stadium for a private business venture, then I must also be eligible for revenue sharing.
Jimnalph
November 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
How much $$ is Goodell going to contribute to the cause? Better be a lot.
” 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.” If that is the case, then Arthur Blank has lots of money to do this. Why should the taxpayers pay any of Blank’s cost of doing business? I don’t see the city of Atl or the State of GA contributing to any other business.
The bottom line is that a new stadium is not “needed” it is wanted. And if it is an open air stadium, I sure don’t see the NFL placing another Super Bowl in Atl given the debacle of the ice storm at last Super Bowl here. Does anyone remember all those miserable years of the Peach Bowl when it was played in the old Atlanta Stadium? As nice as the weather is in Atl a lot of the time, it can be, and often is, just plain miserable in January and February.
count_schemula
November 5th, 2012
2:25 pm
Sounds like the police needed $3 million to replace a helicopter 11 years ago. I guess you can’t always get what you want.
Jay Stanhope
November 5th, 2012
2:33 pm
A new stadium specifically used fo football is not needed. The dome is fine. It is time to start letting the GWCC and Ctiy of Atlant hear your voices loud and clear on this issue. A preliminary letter of agreement between the Falcons, GWCC and the City has already been signed. This process already wat down the road and a stadium will be built unless there is much more public outcry against a new stadium
Toughen up
November 5th, 2012
3:01 pm
I get a kick out of the “downtown is dangerous and scary” crowd. Toughen up, wussies.
WTF
November 5th, 2012
3:03 pm
If they ever have a referendum on this question – and thy SHOULD – it would lose by 80-20%. And that why they will NEVER allow that to happen. City of Atlanta thug/politicians need a free-be and a place to take their..ahem..’nieces’. The decrepit and crime/drug laden neighbor ‘hood’ needs the infusion so money to buy more guns and drugs so some of the money can be given to the politicians to keep them out of jail.
This whole thing is as slimy and dumb-as-dirt as only a southern city dominated by short-term thinking long-armed, knuckle-dragging politicians and drug lords can make it..
If Mr. Blank wants another stadium for his team, let him build it with his own money wherever he thinks fit.
D Money
November 5th, 2012
3:10 pm
Nothing is wrong with the dome. Forget the superbowl for that matter, we can pull large college championships AND make more money. What’s going to happen is that they price out the people that scrape up enough to go to a game or two. A billion dollars for something we don’t need? If Blank and the city of Atlanta wants improve their chances of a Superbowl, how about improving the infrastructure and the area around the dome? Now, THAT is worth doing and it wouldn’t be a billion dollars.
Delbert D.
November 5th, 2012
3:36 pm
What is Goodell’s pitch to Green Bay (just renovated for $373 million)? Chicago (Soldier field, 61,500 capacity)? Buffalo (40 year old stadium)? Washington (FedEX Field is already 15 years old)? Also, let’s remember that the original NFL complaint against Atlanta getting another Super Bowl was the ice storms in 2000 during the Super Bowl. A new stadium isn’t going to help that. Stop the B.S., Goodell.
Javier
November 5th, 2012
3:37 pm
If they (Falcons & NFL) want a new stadium, great! But not with public money.
Delbert D.
November 5th, 2012
3:50 pm
“I get a kick out of the “downtown is dangerous and scary” crowd.”
Do you also get a kick out of ugly, filthy and decrepit?
crossdawg
November 5th, 2012
3:57 pm
The Dome is no more “broken” that the old Atlanta Fulton County Stadium was. It was torn down in favor of a similiar # of seats with more bling. B.S.
Denver Falcon
November 5th, 2012
4:09 pm
Goodell is the master of Lip Service. It has nothing to do with how antiquated (so they say) the dome is. The superdome opened in 1975 and is still getting Superbowls. It’s because of the storm that crippled the city and the poor logistics and infrastructure. The administrators that run these events have their positions due to nepotism, cronyism, or something else – not their expertise in handling large crowds or scenario planning in case something goes wrong. Look at the Olympics. That’s the first, and only, time the IOCC didn’t say it was the greatest olympics ever. It’s because they did a horrible job of planning. It was a nightmare to get around in, with no alternatives other then sit in gridlock on 75/85. We build a new stadium, we might get one SB, but I wouldn’t expect us to get one every five years like Miami, SD, or NO. Just my two cents worth
i care why?
November 5th, 2012
4:10 pm
go ahead build it…but if taxpayers have to pay for it..then i want ticket prices to drop …and great idea…build in atlanta..more traffic and higher parking prices..blah blah….take the GM plant on 285 and doraville and make it Blank Field
lynn
November 5th, 2012
4:23 pm
I will tell you exactly why Blank wants a new stadium, Jerry Jones. He sees Dallas and Jones as his “rivals” Dallas has a brand new stadium and now ours looks outdated and old. Blank probably can’t stand that. Its all about the shine.
Oh, and here is what Dallas paid for their stadium:
Originally estimated to cost $650 million, the stadium’s current construction cost was $1.15 billion,[17] making it one of the most expensive sports venues ever built. To aid Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones in paying the construction costs of the new stadium, Arlington voters approved the increase of the city’s sales tax by 0.5 percent, the hotel occupancy tax by 2 percent, and car rental tax by 5 percent. The City of Arlington provided over $325 million (including interest) in bonds as funding,[17][18] and Jones covered any cost overruns.
Does Atlanta really want to do that?
Toughen up
November 5th, 2012
4:36 pm
“Do you also get a kick out of ugly, filthy and decrepit?”
No. But I do get a kick out of soft, easily frightened, hysterical people.
Wussies.
Gman 84
November 5th, 2012
5:10 pm
If Blank eventually sells the Falcons and includes the stadium in the deal, does he repay taxpayers for their donation to his personal net worth?
I love the smell of urine in the morning
November 5th, 2012
5:17 pm
Some parents complained that there neighborhood was “too dangerous” for their kids to walk through, so, the already broke school system is spending $3 million to run buses on routes that should be walkable. The police wanted a new $3 million helicopter 11 years ago. It crashed killing 2 police officers over the weekend. MARTA gets worse, not better over time. There are no bike lanes in the city. GaTech and Georgia State students get jacked weekly. The school system is closing schools causing near riots. Criminals walk out of jail due to overcrowding. The city is knee deep in litter. I’ve blown out tires on potholes. A $1 billion + stadium is like not even on the list of 100, or even 500 things I can think of that Atlanta “needs.”
Goodell cares about the NFL. Blank cares about the Falcons. And those two butt clowns are going to force this thing through over the meek discordant objections of millions. We should be milking the Dome for profits, not maxing out the credit card to basically add value to an NFL franchise, a private venture. The Dome is weak because it was a political hack compromise 20 years ago so the GWCC could host Monster Trucks and Bronner Bros Hair. Atlanta had 30 years of unprecedented growth and failed to take care of the basics and now our biggest “public works” project is going to be a stadium for 8 home games and a one and done playoff game, a monster truck event and a hair weave convention? Get mad people.
Falcon Since 1966
November 5th, 2012
5:35 pm
The Super bowl should be at the home stadum of the team with the most wins that make to the super bowl. No one going to a game in N.O. is really there to watch the Broncos play the Giants. just saying.
FrankieP
November 5th, 2012
5:37 pm
Oh good, je can pay for it!
Bravesfan 54
November 5th, 2012
5:54 pm
Falcon Fan- Jerry Jones paid every dime out of his pocket for his stadium – obviously you didn’t know that!
DIckieR
November 5th, 2012
5:57 pm
The Georgia Dome was good enough to host the Super Bowl in 1994 and 2000. Why is it not good enough for Mr Goddell now?
Double Zero Eight
November 5th, 2012
6:02 pm
So we can assume that New Orleans will not get another
Super Bowl until the Super Dome is replaced…..right?
Where is the Super Bowl being played this year? The GA
Dome is a much better facility than the Super Dome!
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