Non-binding terms approved for new Falcons stadium deal

First

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unnecessary waste of money

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Why build a retractable roof when the 12th man if more effective with it closed anyway?

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New stadium so not needed. The stadium we have now is only 20 years old. A waste of money going down the drain.

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And people complain about handouts to the poor what about handouts to the rich?! Blank should be ashamed of himself. Let the Falcons go if they don’t want to pay for their palace. The Dome is still a viable and competitive building. Forget the NFL commish and keep the Super Bowl.

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Why do the Falcons need a new stadium? Why does it have to be in that location? Where do the fans come from? The north side of the city. The stadium needs to be moved away from where it is to a location in the 285/400 area.

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[...] Full Article on AJC.com [...]

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Of course it will cost us. Peope are so dumb. Glad I don’t live in that craphole.

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OH and Fans do come from the 75 & 85 area. They’re the ATLANTA Falcons. Not the Doraville or Gwinnett Falcons. Glad they kept it in Atlanta.

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[...] The Georgia World Congress Center Authority has this morning approved terms for moving forward on a new…. [...]

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This is good for the Democratic party in GA. The Republicans will have difficulty explaining why teachers and state employees keep getting furloughed and haven’t had a pay raise in over 5 years, our education and economy remains near the bottom in the country, ditto on transportation…but yet, we have $300 million to spend on a freakin’ new stadium. There will be no super majority for Republicans, or at least it will not last very long if they do get it. 70% of Georgians do not want this deal, Mr. Deal.

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Just like the Hawks and former Thrashers – (80% of season ticket holders lived in the northern suburbs). So why build a stadium in an area of town that no one really wants to go to and when they go takes them way too long to get there? I personally have not paid to go to a Falcons game in at least 10 years. I have not paid to go to a Hawks game in longer. Why do I want to waste all my time getting to the game and back in a terrible part of town. Are there good restaurants in the area? No. It is not a location that is conducive to people wanting to go there other than for the sports game. What a waste.

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You honestly think most hawks fans live the northern burbs? No way. think about that one for a second

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80% of season ticket holders. Read please.

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Life long Falcon fan and season ticket holder. That’s it, I’m out. bye bye. Good riddens.

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Look at the Super Dome and it still hold Super Bowls!! I am glad that Arthur bought the Falcons away from the Smiths but the city should give him the finger along with King Goodell. This is not a good business decision for the tax payers it’s a great business decision for the NFL and Arthur Blank.

WE BUILT THE FALCONS YOU DIDN’T!!

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Dear Tea Party Meber,

Can you be anymore ignorant?

I realize as a cognitively-lazy, likely closet-bigot you can’t help but vote against your own financial self-interest, but when have the “poor” ever been taxed less (especially relative to other tax brackets) or better off under Republican leadership?

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There talking 30 year lease with a fifteen year option and putting it downtown ?
Forgive but no no no no and no !!! Our society is so wasteful.

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so the new stadium is going to be about a 20-minute walk from the MARTA Dome station. That makes a lot of sense. Now people won’t take MARTA to the stadium. that’ll make traffic a lot worse

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The board of governors of the authority shall consist of 15 members. Each member shall serve for a term of four years, with the beginning and ending dates of terms to be specified by the Governor. All members of the board shall be appointed by the Governor of the State of Georgia = Home Depot cash

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Folks, the payoffs have been set; we’re moving on!

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the Falcons are going to pay for about 70% of the cost of the new stadium, and out-of-towners are going to pay for the rest of it via the hotel/motel tax. So tell me again why this is a bad deal for local taxpayers???

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Kasim Reed, may I sit with you in your FREE luxury suite every now and then. I mean it doesn’t even have to be the inaugural game or anything. Once a year would be fine.

No? What do you mean, try Gov Deal?

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We are not moving the Dome to the North, forget it. The Falcons belong downtown just like the rest of our pro teams. You guys can’t even keep the Gwinnett Braves stadium full. Enough said about that.

As usual, smarter, diverse, dialogue is the the basis for the city, Falcons, and GWCC’s decision. We DO need a better stadium to compete for the SuperBowl and to keep up with other Elite teams. Great job guys, keep up the good work.

This deal costs taxpayers NOTHING unless you stay at one of the hotels designated for taxing downtown. As I read these comments I can agree with election synopsis’s which said uneducated, misled, rednecks are the majority population in the Northern Burbs and rural GA. YOU WERE WRONG THEN AND WRONG NOW!

Go Falcons, thanks Arthur for having vision and putting a quality product on the field.

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for those in the northern suburbs (led by your fearless leader, John Kincade of 680 AM), who hate the idea of having to venture downtown to see a football game, there is one big problem with your demand that the new stadium be built in the northern suburbs. …. what neighborhood in North Fulton, Forsyth County, etc. is ever going to allow a huge stadium to be built there??? none

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I have enjoyed being a season ticket holder for over a decade. PSLs will be the end for me.

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You know, I haven’t been down there for awhile now but, someone please tell me what’s wrong with the present structure and why would we tear it down if it’s paid for? This kind of thinking is precisely what’s wrong with our country’s fiscal policy. Why don’t we take all the revenue the present structure provides and use it to partially pay for Atlanta’s crumbling water/sewer system. In a few years the fans who attend functions at the new/old structure aren’t going to be able to afford it, what with the double digit inflation and $10/gallon gas prices we will experience under the tax and spend policies of the current currupt white house administration. What’s the GWCCC gonna do then? What are the birds gonna do? Hope Arthur B.’s got some dollars left to pay for it out of his own pocket……oh wait, he’ll just file for bankruptcy, then. You know folks, this is a bad idea and if Milton County happens to get approved, Atlanta will sink. You know, $1 Billion Dollars might not seem like a whole lot to some of you, or maybe you just don’t care but……..

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“I can agree with election synopsis’s which said uneducated, misled, rednecks are the majority population in the Northern Burbs and rural GA. YOU WERE WRONG THEN AND WRONG NOW!”

Wow. What tolerance shown by an uneducated lib. I for one can tell you that the northern burbs are not a majority of uneducated, misled, rednecks. Using Nativebirds amazing logic we can deduce that the inner city of Atlanta is full of lazy, goverment employees, hood rats, with no ambition to better themselves or their neighbors. See how that worked?

By the way 99% of the hotel tax paid by tourists? Have you never taken your spouse out for a night in the city?

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We will hear the portion of the public contribution will come from a hotel sales tax that will be paid by visitors. But the lingering question will be, could the public chose what initiative they would like to support instead of Arthur Blank chosing it for us? The arbituary nature, should bother people, but it won’t. Just like the Hot Lanes, no one will care.

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Last time we had a super bowl we had an ice storm and that was the reason ATL could not get another super bowl. With that being said what difference would a retractable roof make in February.

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I used to hate the Dome, but it has grown on me a little bit. A new facility would be nice, but I don’t see paying a seat license to get season tickets. Ticket prices are already well over $100, which makes going to a Falcon’s game a ‘once-in-while’ type activity. The Falcons plan on leasing the new building for 30 years, plus a 15 year option. Based on past history, I doubt the franchise will still be happy with the new building after 30 years.

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And ESQUIRE,
Leave (Kasim) our mayor alone, he’s done nothing wrong. He works hard everyday for every Atlantan.

If you want political crooks, look at the guy you elected to be Gov! How stupid are you? He was indicted Nationally and you Honeybooboo’s elect him Governor anyway. He then steps in and hires all his buddies and family while stealing from the GA coffers.

Better yet, take a walk down the street from where you live and realize those Gwinnett politicians are taking bribes left and right. Pointing the finger at ATL, when your house is no where near in order. That’s called “deflecting”. Get your self together before you start talking about our great city and wonderful leaders.

Have a great week.

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It’s cute how they talk about terms for renewing the lease in the new deal. At this rate, they’ll have already torn the new one down by then for ANOTHER stadium. One with lasers or something.

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WTF -Truly, WTF.
Morons! I hope they build it and NO ONE comes!
Tax the rich,
Feed the poor,
Till there are,
No rich no more.

Nazareth had it right years ago.

When will ‘you people’ start to get your heads out of the sand (or out of your a$$es) and wake up to the fact that government can’t do everything for you – never has, never will.
If Blank wants a new house, let him build it – where he wants, not where it can be used as a political plum to further the power of the d’town idiot pols.
Where is Sam Massell when we need him?

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I’m all FOR this deal. In fact, I think it should be even bigger. I’m thinking of moving away from Lake Claire. But if the city and state will put up 1/3 of the cost of my new deluxe home, not only will I promise to stay and contribute to the economic development of Atlanta for 30 years, but I’ll also pay the subsidized cost of my mortgage. If not, I might move out to Cobb Co….
Now I know I’m not THE richest man in the state, but I still need the financial help.

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[...] for New Stadium Non-binding terms approved for new Falcons stadium deal | Atlanta Falcons Am I the only one that does not get the outrage over "tax-payer money" being spent on [...]

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ATL1
December 10th, 2012
9:59 am

To people who propose to move the stadium to Doraville/285 – Do you have any idea what kind of a gridlock it will create on 285 and 400? Especially, with all the lane closures that seem to happen every weekend and the Thursday night Falcon games which will interfere with regular commuting. This will be worse than LA and I will be moving to a different city.

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Maybe on a non Sunday game 285 traffic could take a hit. (400? I disagree) But I also think more people would be willing to take Marta to the game. There is a lot more room to set up some awesome fan complexes and also it would be simple to build express lanes right into the dome parking area. But it really doesn’t matter, it won’t be built in Doraville. .

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I don’t care whether or not you agree with a new stadium but for God sakes can you please have an opinion based on facts rather than spoon fed Tea Party sound bites. I am a 16 year season ticket holder and I think the Dome is fine, I would love to have a retractible roof stadium but its not a priority. I hate the idea of PSL’s which I think will cripple the Falcons fan base that actually shows up for games. But most of the commentary I hear around Atlanta about this is that Tax payers are footing the bill, THEY”RE NOT!!! Please read the number of articles that detail the financing proposals for the stadium and make an educated opinion. The Falcons would be paying for more than 60% of the new stadium which RARELY happens anymore, the remaining would be paid by PSL’s 20%, and a Hotel tax from the GWCC that has been in place since before the GA Dome was built. The only tax payer money would be from the hotel tax which would be paid by NON GA residents!

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FalconsFan
December 10th, 2012
10:18 am

I like the new stadium

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You’ve seen it???

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Vampire Bill
December 10th, 2012
10:19 am

It’s all corrupt. Elected officials lining their pocket and the tax payer gets the shaft.

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You got that right.

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Duran Willis,
I’m not sure exactly what point you are trying to make here. I am a proud North Point member and have gone to church there for years. Yes, I give money to North Point church and I am happy to do so. Buildings, electricty, and staff are expensive but I’m willing to contribute because I find the experience valuable for for my family. I personally feel if you’re going to reap the services of an organization it is reasonable to contribute to that organization. Falcons fans pay for tickets so that they can support the team and I don’t hear you condemning the Falcons as an organization hear…and most of then most likely drive far nicer cars than our pastor. The other difference is that I feel North Point does some amazing things for a lot of people. Did you know they helped raise 4.6 million dollars for charity in one week to help out the local community, or that last Sunday they brought in 33 tons of food for North Fulton Community charities? I’m happy to call North Point home and I hope you’ll come on out some Sunday and experience what I and countless others do on a weekly basis.

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Who’s idea to eliminate “Kickoffs”???

DLed — Good article, we need a better place more up to date. Especially retractable roof is excellent concept for ATL.

So Dled, i have a question — who was the idiot to come up with eliminating kickoffs? I know you probably do not know yet, but please find out let us know ASAP.

Go Falcons — G-men next

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Do you really think building a new stadium will bring in more revenue? First of all, Goodell talked about how Atlanta needs a new stadium to host a SB. So build a new stadium for one SB? Atlanta isn’t getting in the SB rotation like Miami, NO, Dallas and TB. Secondly, GA Dome is a fine football stadium. Chick-Fil-A and SEC host games every year. Plus, NCAA tourney. NO refurbished their dome and they’re doing just fine. The ticket price will skyrocket and most people will not attend games. The attendance has been declining already because people have a better experience at home watching the game on their HI-def TV and comfortable couch.

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Has anyone done or seen a study of the effects of the hotel tax on bookings? Seems to me there is a point where rooms cost so much folks will book their conventions somewhere else, or visit somewhere other than Atlanta. The Falcons are by far not the only game in town!

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If it’s going to cost 1 billion dollars (with a B), why not use that same $$ to renovate the GA Dome? Let’s logically approach this…tear down a 20 year old stadium to build a new one that’s got a retractable roof…? Arthur, stop trying to be Jerry Jones. The JerryDome exists b/c Jerry has $$… HIS OWN $$ and his team plays in TEXAS where football is on the right hand of Jesus!!!

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The teams that have the most money to spend year in and year out BUILT their own stadiums.

Now, the real reason this deal is going on is because Atlanta (the city) doesn’t want to lose the stadium site downtown. Not many people are talking about it, but that’s why they are pushing so hard for it. If the team builds it’s own stadium, they have virtually no incentive to keep it where it is, namely the worst pregame experience in pro sports. Atlanta offers virtually NOTHING in an around the stadium environment for any of it’s pro teams. It’s a lot better than it was, since there are some things to do around Phillips, but, seriously, I can’t think of a worse area as far as reasons to go to the game early anywhere in the country. Atlanta is an incredibly poorly planned city.

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Brooke, the reason they can’t renovate the Dome, is because it would cost roughly that same billion dollars to put a retractable roof on the dome and retrofit that facility, seems crazy, but it is what it is.

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I guess I am confused why the falcons just want pay for it. They are already investing over 700 Millons dollars into something they want own!!! That’s crazy to me and they still will have to pay a lease when the State of GA is not even paying half. Thats juzt crazy!

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First: Try to imagine what pro football will look like in 30 years. I’m thinking more like tag football.
Second: People who stay in local hotels for reasons other than to attend Falcons games, (all year long) get the opportunity to pay Arthur Blank 10% or so. What a sweet deal!

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If there’s any justice, Arthur Blank will be 6 feet underground before this boondoggle at taxpayer expense is ever completed.

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Horrible decision – the cost overruns will kill the taxpayer….and seat licensing? its becoming a rich mans game….

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Aquagirl
December 10th, 2012
10:31 am

If you think hotel/motel taxes produce magic money from nowhere you’re probably sitting on a rent-to-own couch.

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But I only have 2 more payments.

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When will this be on a ballot so we that are in opposition can TSplost this foolishness?
Im not leaving Cobb County to go down there to be harassed by Park Atlanta, rookie Atlanta police officers, vagrants begging for money, and traffic congestion when I can continue to have the best seat in the house to watch Falcons’ games played at the current dome……………In front of the TV!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the current dome……..This is a Billion Dollar want not a need-

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I hate this with a passion….especially when there are SOOO many GLARING deficiencies in the City of Atlanta. I get it know. Build a team that can only win in the regular season that way at least the home games can be exciting and he can have a freakin windfall for at least 8 weeks. Ive been a fan for 25 years and honestly this is NOT a championship caliber ball club and it certainly doesnt warrant a new playground. Rise up? I sure will be rising up out of Birdland very soon. I’m just very discouraged guys. Sorry to be the sourpuss.

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Falcons need to win a post game and a couple of superbowls then get a new stadium. What a waste of money.

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Complete waste of cash
December 10th, 2012
10:41 am

See the Green Bay game last night? Snow, wind, ice – NO ROOF!!! Seventy degrees outside and the Falcons need a dome? A complete waste of cash.

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Didn’t you know those cheese heads come with high tech body heat accelerators???? They run on cold fusion.

IMO football was meant to be played in the elements. The roofs are about fan comfort and event dollars.

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VictoriousOne has it right… The average fan will pay the price and will continued to get priced-out of attending Falcon games. It’s a joke.

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20 years and NOW the stadium is obsolete? C’mon man!!! I don’t hear any flack concerning The Superdome, or for that manner Lambeau Field!!!

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The good news is that when the Falcons get whipped in the first round of the playoffs again instead of being disappointed I’ll be laughing at them.

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Ive been a season ticket holder for 10 years but have been attending fewer and fewer games every year due to the challenges of getting to the GA Dome. It’s in an area that can’t be easily accessed from interstates. When game ends, police route you 5 miles through parts of town you hope to never see again when you could have gotten to the interstate quicker had police allowed you to go a different way. From Dunwoody, it often takes me 1.5-2 hours to get down there(particularly for night games) and the same or longer to get home. The 1st consideration for any new stadium should be a better location – downtown or not- that is easier to get to. This city proved it’s incompetence with the location and handling of the Turner field and should not be relied upon with key decisions around the new Falcons stadium.

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Welcome to Atlanta, where we’ll do anything to attempt to look good, despite the reality of the major problems that need to be addressed across the city.
OK build a new stadium but the Falcons should also have to pay for major reconstruction around the area, new parks, greenspace walk ways, and make it attractive for new investments around the area as well as linking it to current business districts in the Lucky St. District and around Castleberry.

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Tax money used once again for a private person to have his private football team supplied. If he wants a new stadium them let him build it. He has the money. Tax money should not fund private industry period!

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Wutehvah
December 10th, 2012
11:00 am

VictoriousOne has it right… The average fan will pay the price and will continued to get priced-out of attending Falcon games. It’s a joke.

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Remember the days of all the blacked out Falcons games…………………..get ready.

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This thing is gonna happen come hell or high water. Show me a politician who does not get orgasmic over spending other people’s money and I’ll show you a fish riding a bicycle.

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@Esquire is in the HOUSE…

You got it… Sad but true…

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The bottom line is the Falcons do not get all of the revenue from the Ga. Dome why build a new dome for them to get that, when all you have to do is give the Falcons all the revenue from the dome as it stands now I know why Mr.Blank wants a new stadium I can`t blame him our elected officials need to come up with a plan to get everybodys hand out of the Ga. Dome pockets so all of the revenue can go to the FALCONS then we won`t need a new stadium I have been to over eight stadiums but none are as good as the Ga. dome sometimes new is not always good even Dallas new stadium is not better than the dome you can`t see the game live for the concourse or in the restrooms give the Falcons all the revenue we won`t need a new dome and you won`t price me out because I will not pay for a PSL. The tickets are high enough as is and I am A guy that will be hard to replace I have only missed eight home games in 46 years.Also the North site is to far form the Marta line where 50% of your fans come from on game day nobodys is in favor of walking up and down the hill on Northside dr. the south site is gonna be a problem with the wall behind the orange parking lot but you will have to put it there to stay on the MARTA line if you don`t you are not being very smart I`m a Falcons fan for life but don`t disrupt mine.So elected officals turn over all revenue to the FALCONS we won`t need a new Dome.

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They don’t have to get revenue from the new stadium they can simply use the old one for that kind of stuff. Makes no sense and I don’t like it. People are homeless and things need fixed around here. I would much more like to see the police get a raise then let the spoiled athletes get their new stadium. Priorities here people, priorities. A stadium we do not need.

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Once again, the NFL bamboozles another city/state into replacing a very nice stadium just b/c it wants it. Unbelievable. Just freaking unbelievable.

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Aziz,

Its not $300 million of NEW hotel taxes they would be extending a tax that already exists for the GA Dome for a longer period of time.

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And for the economically illiterate who say that the $300 million is from a hotel tax so the taxpayers of the city of Atlanta aren’t really paying for it, if the new stadium wasn’t built and the tax was continued, that money would be available to benefit the taxpayers of Atlanta via increased services, funding of education, reduction of property taxes, etc.

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In year 31 of this stadium’s existence, the taxpayers will still be owed a little over $197 million dollars. That means the 30 years of rent payments from the Falcons will not repay the taxpayers HALF of what they were given.

I’m not a fan of raising taxes when politicians spend what they already receive so unwisely, but I’m especially appalled that we would institute a tax to pay for a private entity’s business venture. You know how we know it’s private? Because the Falcons will retain ALL revenue generated at the stadium, while only paying a measly $2.5 million + 2% per year in rent. This is a disgusting display of corporate welfare.

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I don’t care if it’s an extension of a current tax or if non-residents would be responsible for paying it. They want to use tax money (public money!) to subsidize Arthur Blank’s business when we have roads that are falling apart and kids who “can’t read real good.”

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Atlbirdawg,

You seem to believe that this hotel tax can only exist if the funds are used on the stadium. Is that correct?

If so, I have some oceanfront property in Arizona for sale. Thought you might be interested. Let me know.

Thanks.

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The Falcons are not the ONLY revenue source for the DOME!!! SEC Championship, Chic-fil-a Bowl, Kickoff classic, final fours, monster truck, concerts, ect, ect, ect. This money goes to pay for the dome/stadium as well. The Falcons are just the most significant fulltime tenent of the Dome. A new stadium will also be able to host these events which would contribute to paying it off. I wish I could find a tenent who would put up of 60% of the cost of a house and then agree to rent it from me for 30 years.

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I challenge anyone who supports this stadium idea to name anything good this does for the average Falcon fan. Location? Still hard to get to. Parking? As bad as always. Super Bowl? We won’t be able to get tickets. Cost? Worse part – Personal Seat Licenses plus cost of Season tickets. Nicer stadium? Just what the hell is wrong with the GA Dome anyway?

I bought my first season tickets in 2008 to support a team that was in shambles. Now that they have turned it around, this is the “reward” the loyal fans get? Looks like 2016 will be my last season.

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@ J Dunbar

Actually the Hotel tax can ONLY be used to pay the bonds that secured the GA Dome. As in any public bond offering the revenue source has to be explicitely defined and the revenue from that source can only be used for the defined purpose. The other SEC ( Securities & Exchange Commision) have a few rules regarding this.

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As I understand it folks, the city is building a multi model transit site near the north site so it would be a new Marta stop.

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The people on the board has got to be crazy as hell. The falcons are not a championship caliber football team. Sure they may go to the playoffs and get shut down in game one just like last year. They remind me of the braves so close and yet so far away. Fans are crazy for paying those ticket prices and for season tickets a fee tacked on. Oh and one more thing old authur blank is trying to be like snyder and old jerry jones trying to run with the big dogs. Oh the falcons make me sick

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I’m looking forward to having a MARTA stop nowhere near the new stadium, just like our situation at Turner Field. That way they can make more money from parking.

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I sure hope the stadium cost are worth it for the folks in Atlanta and Fulton counties. It sounds like they are staying away from trying to get some type of tax for the whole state, so I applaud this, although it is only a first proposal. Now, if the Falcons can just win a playoff game, perhaps that will sooth the feelings of a few skeptics. Not a great fan of Pro. sports, so as long as it doesn’t take money from my pocket, I say, go ahead with it.

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They haven’t even paid off the existing bond?!

Good grief.

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I am glad I do not live in the City of Atlanta.

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Did someone bring up graft and corruption in Gwinnett County and also question the ethics of Governor “Sweet Deal?” Surely you jest!!! There is no such thing as a Republican crook!

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I don’t understand how anyone looks at the price of Falcons tickets NOW and says they’re worth it, so it absolutely blows my mind that anyone would consider paying for a PSL. Once they put this other con in place, the overall price of attending games is going to go through the roof.

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“I wish I could find a tenent (sic) who would put up of 60% of the cost of a house and then agree to rent it from me for 30 years.”

Falcons annual rent payment: $2.5 million initially + 2% a year
Cost of facility: $1 billion

$2.5 million divided by $1 billion = .0025, 1/4 of 1%. In year 30, after 2% annual increases, the Falcons rent would still be less than 1/2 of 1% of the $1 billion projected cost to build the stadium, (and given the usual graft and incompetence we can probably count on several hundred million more in cost overruns).

So Atlbirdawg, can you explain how the payments by the Falcons equate to 60% of the cost of the facility as you’re claiming?

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@ DP

Because the Falcons are putting up $600 million plus all overruns 600/1000= .60%. Plus the proposed PSLs would generate another $200-$300 million.

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PSL = A return to blacked out home games

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@ DP

From the article that you obviously did not read…
•Falcons contribution: Other than the proceeds of the bonds backed by the hotel/motel tax, plus the seat-license sales, the Falcons “are responsible for funding the remainder of (the stadium’s) costs, including cost overruns” and must “provide reasonable evidence to GWCCA of a financing plan.” (Ballpark math: If the hotel-motel tax covers about $300 million and PSLs about $100 million, the Falcons would be responsible for about $600 million. The team could be eligible for up to $200 million in loans and grants from the NFL.)

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[...] The Georgia World Congress Center Authority has this morning approved terms for moving forward on a ne…. [...]

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A 30 year contract with a 15 year extension??? The Georgia Dome is only 20 years old. Why should we believe they will stay in a new Stadium for 30 or 45 years. 15 years from now they will again want a new stadium.

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I know Blank has shown an interest in a Major League Soccer franchise here. I have not seen any mention of that possibility in the recent stories about the stadium. Seattle included that into their push for a new stadu=ium years ago and as a result CenturyLink Field was built with soccer in mind and now that team leads the league in attendance.

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D Willis.u a idiot…..Ego u to if you think u better off now..Your tax will go up greatly Jan 1…and I’m not a tea bagger.

Fools spending for new Stadium in this economy.

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@ ???

Blank is interested in bringing a MLS Team here and has planned for that possibilty from the article..

The stadium will be designed to accommodate soccer. The proposed deal gives a high priority on the stadium’s booking calendar to Major League Soccer games if an MLS team “owned or controlled by the Falcons or its principals is established within 10 years” of the stadium’s opening.

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Are you kidding me. Why should Atlanta and Fulton County contribute $300 million from hotel tax? If the Falcons want a new stadium let them pay for it. Arthur Blank and his family foundation hold more than $1 billion of Home Depot stock. Sell it and pay for the stadium.

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Just win a Super Bowl!!!

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JOE ANTHONY…. when was the last time you stayed in a hotel downtown??? Did your company pay for it or you??? It’s a no- brainer…Do you want Football or not?? Do you want the ATL to be a big time city or a ghost town???

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Ok! So we are getting a New Stadium…That is not the biggest issue to me as the LOCATION is…

I got curious and just asked folks sitting around me a few games ago where they lived…
Row in front of us had 4 folks from Fulton Cty., 3 folks from Gwinnett Cty, 2 ladies from Clayton Cty., and 4 folks from Cobb Cty. Row behind us had 2 guys from Douglas Cty, 4 folks from Paulding Cty, 2 more from Gwinnett Cty, and 4 folks from Cobb Cty., next to us were 4 folks from Bartow Cty., (1st game for them so they may count or not for this discussion), and the folks on the other side of us were from DeKalb & Cobb Counties.

Is our section the norm? I don’t know but it is a mix of young / older / black / white…regular dressed and some who paint their faces and really get into the game. My point is we all seem to come from ALL OVER the metro region so to say any one spot is better than the other is not accurate. Is the current Dome location the best for everyone…NO because of the obvious problems with parking, and no good restaurant venues for before and after the game.

Just because our team is called the ATLANTA FALCONS does not mean it has to be located right in downtown! While it would be a bit longer drive for us I for one like the idea of putting it over near the old GM plant. You still have MARTA rail access and plenty of parking is available and a huge selection of restaurants is nearby.

I am not as keen on a Gwinnett location simply from the standpoint of no MARTA rail availability. Now putting it somewhere up the 400 corridor would also be OK since the rail line now runs that way for access, also you have the restaurants and sports bars in that direction also.

The real BOTTOM LINE is it DOES NOT have to be built in the middle of a depressed area in downtown like the DOME is. That may not be the “politically correct” thing to say but it is reality and the facts.

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@ DP

THE GAWCC would retain ownership of the property will the Falcons would run it, from the article…

Who would own the stadium?

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority, a state agency

From my understanding from other reports on this subject is that the Falcons would only be entitled to revenue generated from Falcons games, not other contracted events. These events like SEC Champ, Chickfila, ect are under contract well past 2017 with the GAWCC not the Atlanta Falcons. THe GAWCC would be dumb to hand over these rights to the Falcons. This article is not very clear on that subject however, that would be a great question to ask GAWCCA.

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5 YEAR SEASON TICKET HOLDER… While I agree on the venue location. The new stadium will have restaurants and an “area” friendlier to fans as they understand just like the Braves that the surrounding area has to be a destination area for fans.

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ATLBIRDAWG… you are correct the Ga World Congress Center would get the revenues from all outside activities. Not a bad deal from a 1/3rd of the cost…

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About location…

I think Blank would rather be outside of Atlanta as well, he could build what he wants with parking for less. I think Gillette Stadium would be a likely model, with mix use facilities, Mall, Foodcourt, hotel, movie theater, Team museum, ect. Blank would own his stadium and all revenue and then sell the naming rights for a sizable amount. This is a hard push by the city to keep the Falcons downtown, not Blank looking for a handout.

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OK, so taxpayers will pay $300M up front. Yes it’s mostly visitors funding the hotel / motel tax, but it’s still revenue that can be used anywhere on attracting tourist which frankly the Ga. Dome does NOT do. At least not in substantial amounts compared to it’s cost.

A 30yr lease at $2.5M with a 2% annual increase will net $101M over 30 years.

Falcons can opt for a 15yr. extension? Forget about that, it’ll never happen. They have a 20yr. old building that is ‘obsolete’ now. Think they’ll still want a ‘obsolete’ 30 yr. old one? I guarantee they’ll be wanting a new stadium at 30yrs.

The GWCC will own the building and be able to lease it out for other events, but I don’t see this being a huge revenue. If the Falcon’s are paying $2.5m for 10 games, I doubt any other event will generate any substantial income.

So in the end we’ll have recouped $100M of $300M, and after 30 yrs. have an old, obsolete building probably no one will want to buy. After all, if they’re going to demolish the Ga. Dome which will cost millions to destroy a perfectly good stadium, I have no doubt the new stadium will suffer the same fate. And during that time the Falcon’s have kept every penny made on game days. Yea, this is good for the city & state…

I love the Falcon’s and really enjoy going to every game. But it’ll be a cold day in hell when I pay a PSL for the ‘right’ to then pay for tickets. I guess I’ll enjoy the last 4 years of my season ticket and game day experiences, then use the PSL fee to buy a new top of the line TV and start a new game day experience in my home – with extra money in my pocket.

The greed of the NFL will kill Americas Sport. Just ask baseball……

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@woodrow: How can things that bring in tax revenue not cost the tax payers? All tax revenues come from a tax payer.

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@ Flying High

Your missing one important fact. The Falcons are covering over $600 million of the stadium’s cost. Other events will not get a rate of $2.5 million/10 because they haven’t contributed to the costs.

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(reprinted without permission)

Cowboys Stadium: Originally estimated to cost $650 million, the stadium’s current construction cost was $1.15 billion, 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 (Arlington’s Sales Tax is 8%), 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, and Jones covered any cost overruns.

Also, the NFL provided the Cowboys with an additional $150 million loan, as per their policy for facilitating financing for the construction of new stadiums.

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Please, select the site that’s north of the current location. Has anyone not learned that south of downtown is horrible? If the people responsible for building the Olympic Stadium/Turner Field had a clue, they would realize that the majority of the fans live in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. Make it difficult for them to get to the stadium and they want show up.

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Thanks Atlbirdawg. Very shortsighted of the State and city of Atlanta imo. And I think when you get down to it, most residents feel the same way.

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It’s already too expensive and, more importantly, a fn hassle and unenjoyable day long event to get the family to the dome. Luckily I don’t live where Marta runs, so I can’t just jump on the train (but I don’t get home invasions once a week). So it’s a full day to catch a game. Throw in no restaurants to enjoy before and after so I’m left bring my grill to eat. I’m not saying move to the burbs, but cleanup the area to make it enjoyable to spend a day. Otherwise I’ll enjoy my season tix in the recliner in section HDTV.

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if you need a new stadium, man up and build it. but keep tax money out of it.

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It’s simply called keeping up with the Joneses… In this case, Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones. One billionaire (Blank) not to be outdone by another (Jones). The rest of us are just along for the ride!! The Falcons getting a SuperBowl ring might at least help the sentiment. SMH…

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Here is a thought. Instead of cramming this in how about the GWCC plan this out a bit. The dome is only 20 years old. Instead of 300,000,000 up front why dont they set aside 50 million over the next six years and begin construction later in the decade and have a new stadium by 2020.

Im sure our roads and schools could find many uses for an additional $250 million.

They want a 30 year lease on a new stadium anyway. We can get ten more years out of the dome, and they can actually take their time and do this project responsibly.

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Atlbirdawg: My point exactly. Just move it to the burbs, get naming rights — and come what may.
I get it that that won’t happen, too.
You know, Roger Goodell’s name has barely been mentioned in this blog, if at all. His master plan is to have almost every team get a new, start-of-the-art venue to pump up the revenue. It is going to happen one way or the other.
I agree with you that PSL’s will fail miserably here. I’d have to believe Blank is not so short-sighted as to not realize that already, but who knows?

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By the way, the only reason we’re having this discussion is because the taxpayers are the ones who will be funding a private venture only Arthur Bland and a few rich business owners will profit from, not you and me. If this is such a great deal and such a huge benefit, why can’t Bland get funding for the billion…he’s worth billions. He gets to keep the profits and he won’t be sending them to you and me but he wants taxpayers to subsidize his business. With all the TV money involved, this should be a no brainer, either it’s economically viable for Blank and his associates or its not and my guess is it’s not because he wants out approval for all the infrastructure costs associated with building a new stadium. If Blank can show us that 90% of stadiums result in a net net benefit for the taxpayer, then do it. lol

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Looking forward to MARTA not going to 2 of our 3 major stadiums. That is going to be awesome. That’s the way most major cities would do it.

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You gotta love the morons who come on here and try to tell people that tax money isn’t being spent on this nonsense instead of transporation, education, etc.

“It’s a hotel tax!” No crap Sherlocks. It’s also money that could be spent anywhere.

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Lala land falcons fans
December 10th, 2012
1:08 pm

Note to all fans wanting the stadium moved: They are the ATLANTA Falcons!! This sort of indicates they are located in ATLANTA…not the Doraville falcons of the Falcons of east cobb. Plus then all the suburbanites would G-d forbid have to allow Marta to run up into their pretty, well kept “hoods” and you know that means us poor folk can get on the trains and rob your house and get back on marta with your flat screen tvs. hahahaha Silly people. anyway, GO FALCONS! DIRTY BIRDS BABY!

– - – - – - – - -

So it was you who broke in my house.

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Any politician supporting this stupid idea does so at their peril. Won’t cost the taxpayers? HA the new roads, entrances, sidewalks are FREE ? The cost of demolishing the Georgia Dome (already has been refurbished)and paying off the balance owed -who is going to pick up that tab- Blank?

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The people that say this is a waste have no clue about economics. If you want Atlanta to keep attracting Super Bowls, Final Fours, to get a BCS Bowl game, and to attract an MLS franchise to the city, you need a new stadium. It’d necessary for the Falcons to remain competitive as well. A new state-of-the-art stadium would have an untold economic impact on the city. It’s necessary for Atlanta to remain relevant.

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Note to all fans wanting the stadium moved: They are the ATLANTA Falcons!! This sort of indicates they are located in ATLANTA…not the Doraville falcons or the Falcons of east cobb. Plus then all the suburbanites would G-d forbid have to allow Marta to run up into their pretty, well kept “hoods” and you know that means us poor folk can get on the trains and rob your house and get back on marta with your flat screen tvs. hahahaha Silly people. anyway, GO FALCONS! DIRTY BIRDS BABY

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How can this go forward!!! The PEOPLE who this city and state SERVE are teling you overwelmingly NO!!!

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Wow, simple math shows that with the 300 million tax dollars, and the terrible rent and only 2% increase per year, the tax payers are on the line for about half of the stadium cost over that 30 years. Inflation and opportunity costs, do you math yourself.

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It is all about the money

“. The Falcons would be responsible for all of the stadium’s operating expenses and would retain all revenue.”

REVENUE-The most important part of the story.

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Don’t forget that we would get a Superbowl out of this. That would bring milliions to the city.

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WOW….another stadium, built for billionaire team owners to be played in by millionaire athletes to be paid for by taxpayers….dont fault the team owners, they know better than to fund 100% of the project, they just happen to be smarter than the public officials they are dealing with…

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Is Arthur Blank an American? Check his birth records cuz he sheer acts and talks laake he is from one of them thar communist/Hitlerist countries… like France! Me and my skinhead buddies who are mad about the election because a foreener was reelected are going to have to burn some crosses err somthin’ to show how annoyed we is at another foreener ownin’ a piece of somthin’ purely American. Shows us your birth sertifikate , Mr. Blank!

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Dear [Arthur Blank] and [NFL]:

Please explain why a new dome is required before ATL will be awarded another Super Bowl? New Orleans is hosting (again) in 2013, yet their dome is MUCH older. Please explain.

I’ll hang-up and listen now…

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a new stadium allows the city and state to remain competitive …. We already have these events. There has been no threat to leave due to facilities….. SEC commish has just said facliities were excellent….

” A new stadium in Atlanta is important to the Falcons for a number of reasons:

“League competative game day experience for our fans” ??? BS!!! It is already fine for our fans. It is full every Sunday… We are happy thank you much.

” it will help the team remain competitive on the field over a long period of time.” What does this have to do with it!!! Our players will try harder with a new field??? Please expain!!!

“it puts into place a long-term solution following the expiration of our lease at the Georgia Dome”. Now you are really calling us stupid!!! Here’s your solution… RENEW YOUR LEASE IN THE GA DOME!! It’s not that hard unless your making a threat!!!

“public funding for the remaining one-third of the stadium construction costs will be covered by the existing hotel-motel tax, which is largely paid by visitors, not local residents.” …. Just like a government thinker and you expect us to not understand…. How bout that $$$ goes to schools, fighting crime, infrastructure, roads, ….. f’in idiots we are not!!! Are you that dumb?

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GSU ALUM….. Explain why this is not YOUR TAXES paying for the stadium???

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Thats like a city or county getting a grant for some frivialous project and thinking it got somethig for free. Not our monet… not costing you anything!!! WELL what happens when a school needs replacing or a road or bridge replaced.. Be nice if we could sock away those hotel tax $$$ to give us some relief….

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“Just like a government thinker?” lol You mean, just like a businessman thinker…. reap the rewards and tag the consumer and other locals…

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Near the bottom in education, no we should not spend one dime on a new stadium. Invest in our future, invest in schools – pay our teachers more.

NO WAY the taxpayers should pay for this. NO WAY…

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Right! Thir not laake us god-fearin’ folk who just can’t stand anyone with a different outlook on laafe…

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We will still have a 12th man with the roof open, the Seahawks play in an outdoor stadium and they have one of he loudest crowds in the NFL. The public money used is collected from hotel/motel tax in Fulton County only. Enough of the crying about the public money should not be used, the state will own this, the Falcons will lease it. Don’t stay in a hotel in Fulton County and you won’t have to help pay for it. I personly enjoy staying in a nice hotel downtown when the Falcons play night games and I have known that since 1990 or so that I have been helping to pay off the dome. Congrats to the Falcons and GWCCA, well done.

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You mean.. how else will Arthur keep lining his pockets?

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And the part bout adding more jobs? All those construction jobs will go to Mexicans N E way.

Again the govt. handing out to people who need it least.

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Its not our $$$. We’ll give you some tax payer $$$…. Build it!!!

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[...] Courtesy of AJC – Original article - http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/12/10/non-binding-terms-approved-for-new-falcons-stad… [...]

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all of yall are stupid for approving this deal. this is a prime example of a rich man(Authur Blank) wanting to become richer. he didnt have all the money himself so he covinced the city this new stadium would bring in more revenue for residents of atlanta. so now atlanta residents will have to pay more in taxes for this new stadium while all the money goes to Blank’s pocket.

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Do this to attract a Super Bowl is terrible idea. I remember the last Super Bowl at the GA Dome. No one was complaining about the facilities. They were complaining about the weather (it was unusually cold that year) and the lack of things to do in that area. Officials from the NFL were saying never again. Building a new stadium will not fix the issues that cost ATL subsequent Super Bowls.

The Super Dome is like two or three blocks away from the French Quarter. It’s maybe a 10 minute walk to Harrah’s with all kinds of shopping and dining along the way. To recreate that experience, you’d have to put the facility in Buckhead… and legalize gambling… and it would still require massive amounts of infrastucture development to support the increased traffic from cars and pedestrians.

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Looks like Arthur gets himself a nice little Hanukkah gift partially paid for with public funds. He really should be ashamed to even be asking for a handout.

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This is just bad timing….after yesterday’s loss….

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Gwinnett Mom: Really?? hahaha Wow…

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Any intent to put any part of the cost burden for a new stadium on the taxpayer is criminal. I thought there was a revolution coming about in this country and people actually posture to pay for sports arenas with tax dollars. That’s like cutting the American tax rate for the top earners and then starting a ten year war fought with boatloads of taxpayer (borrowed) cash. So the new stadium crowd has been bitten by a mosquito that bit George W. Bush and John Baaayyyynnneerrr. Get a doctor and or get a life. Have the NFL float the boat on this one and let the players pony up for the new cage. No TAXES FOR A STADIUM.

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Blank trying to keep up with the Jones’ on ATL tax dollars….

Well ATL can keep up with the Dallas’ …. we are broke, corrupt, dirty, and nothing to attract SB patrons downtown… Cant hold a candle to Dallas and and new stadium is not going to fix it.

Absolute BS about a new stadium needs to be built to award a superbowl. Have the SB in Macon Ga or Junau Alaska… It will fill up. But Atlanta is not attractive.

The SB should actually be like all other provessional sports… Rotate between the league or to the team with the best record. This would make it really for the fans. Now its for the corprate sponsors only.

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As well, the existing traffic kludge and the ever increasing thuggery and general danger to life in and around the existing stadium area is NOT GOING TO BE MADE BETTER BY A NEW STADIUM. The GWCCA members must have a plan for one huge payday if they can snow this one through!!!!

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Hey, if the Falcons want a new stadium, let the Falcons buy it. I need a new home, hey Arthur can you build me a new home. What a joke, we are about to have all out taxes go up and you want to raise more state taxes for some stupid stadium. I have never been to a Falcons game and could care less if they ever play again.

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NOT ON MY BACK AS A TAXPAYER…!!!!! 50% + OF POLITICIANS ARE CORRUPT!

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Why build it at all, I don’t watch football, and couldn’t care if they ever played again!

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Excuse my ignorance but, isn’t a hotel/motel tax a charge on visitors to the area (in this case Atlanta & Fulton County)? That is then used to promote tourism? So how are the taxpayers in Atlanta affected by this?

With the amount of events the Dome currently hosts and with the proposed additional events I could understand building a new stadium with a retractable roof. As a Falcons fan, I understand fans anger at the lack of production in the playoffs. Of course I’m sure Arthur Blank and the Falcons know that multiple Superbowl trophies/appearances will be expected in this new stadium.

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Yes, all citizens of Atlanta and the area should have to help pay for it if they are that naive and gullible. I will never pay a dime on it as I don’t live in Ga and will never attend a game in it or stay in a motel there. Do not plan to set foot in Atlanta ever again. If they were some decent pro teams in ATL, then they might deserve it, but there’s not. The Braves do the same thing every year, and the Falcons will blow it in their first playoff game. The “jinx” even grabbed the DAWGS this year. They should know better than to play in Atlanta. Losersville does not deserve a “winner’s palace” unless the fans pay for it. If you don’t stand up and knock it down, you deserve to have it socked to you!

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It’s not an income tax, property tax, luxury tax or anything else GA citizens will pay for… folks visiting will pay for it.

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Here’s the deal: when Atlanta Public Schools improve enough to bring the state rankings out of the bottom 10 in the nation, the democrats running the city get a new stadium.

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Don’t you think that if the Falcons appear in 2 Super Bowls (not necessarily win them) over the next (3) years, they will be considered a marquee national team.

The Falcons have to “assume control” of their games and not just hold on by their fingernails both offense and defense. We are not there yet. We have a way to go before the unvestment of this magnitude is warranted..

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You may think it’s just out of towners visiting hotels who will pay for it, but who is guaranteeing the bonds? Also, if GA could raise taxes on hotel rooms without affecting their occupancy rates, then why haven’t they done it already? They claim they need the money. Are these those rare taxes that increase business? I didn’t think they existed.

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This is NUTS. Id hate to be on the hook for this.

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Anyone saying this is a bad thing has lost their mind. The dome is a complete Dump! The old games in fulton county were so much because it was outside. And dont complain about the cold. Did you see Green Bay last night. Looked so much fun

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Well, like it or not, Goodell has already said,”no stadium, no Super Bowl”. And if you say who cares, well the revenue, and recognition from a Super Bowl will prove once again very lucrative for the city. It is far too nice in Atlanta in the fall for a dome, as well as way too hot in the summer for an outside stadium. And what is the talk of losing the 12th man? Look at Seattle….’nuff said!

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The country is aleady in the Toilet Bowl with it’s trillion dollar deficits and people want to guarantee a billion dollars to build a dome that might have a super bowl every other decade or so???? How many of you can afford a thousand dollar ticket to go to it anyway?? This is only for the elite (the rich)… We peons have to watch it on tv anyway… Atlanta keeps pricing themselves out of the market and they will end up like the city of Detroit.. This is another example of the tail wagging the dog.. Another expensive toy that is only for the 2% that 98% of us will end up paying for through higher taxes that could be better used for infrastructure that is sorely needed……

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-said no one ever…

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How about build a team worthy of winning a championship FIRST then comeback to the people with the idea about a new staduim. At the rate these bums are going the season will be over in the 1st rd of playoffs!

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The Georgia Dome was financed by Georgia taxpayers to the tune of $214 million dollars when it was finished in 1992.. How much of this has been repaid to the state?? If the post on here that says the Falcons pay 2.5 million a year in rent.. Is there a balance sheet showing where Georgia taxpayers from Tybee Light to Rabun Gap stand on their investment??? Is there another private business in the state that is subsidized by taxpayer money?? Tear down the Dome?? That is the same mentality that tore down Atlanta Stadium and made a parking lot out of it.. They spent more to tear it down than they did to build it……

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[...] From Other Great Blogs issue #1 By NFC South Daily Editor, on December 10th, 2012 Non-binding terms approved for new Falcons stadium deal – blogs.ajc.com 12/10/2012 The Georgia World Congress Center Authority board Monday morning [...]

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Yall see dem pats out dare now dats a real playoff team.

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I understand Arthur wants to show off with his other rich friends, but why oh why tear down the Dome?

The Roman Coliseum stands for two millennia but the Dome can’t last two score?

Absurd. It could be used by Georgia State football, Monster truck and Motor Cross shows, hippie concerts, whatever.

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petition online to show your concern regarding the new stadium:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/510/299/990/georgia-dont-squander-taxpayer-dollars-on-new-falcons-stadium/

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The people of Gwinnett got screwed the same way with the Braves AAA Stadium. People of Atlanta if you allow it to happen you deserve it so bend over and take it like a man

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With this kind of money we could buy a super Bowl first. The hell with the stadium.

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[...] [1] Non-binding terms approved for new Falcons stadium deal … [2] New Stadium Approved ~ Today News Gazette [3] New Atlanta football stadium approved [4] New [...]

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Total waste of money. If they kept the old Fulton County Stadium and renovated it for a 100 million, the crybaby Falcons could have a wonderful open air stadium. Twenty years from now they will be crying that they need a dome- for what? No superbowl champions, no new stadium. Ga Tech will gladly rent them their open air stadium. And why tear down a money making excellent 25 year old domed stadium- for what?

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Good. We need a new stadium. Finally.

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the falcoons are sorry anyway a new stadium wont help them win honestly i hope they go over cost n bankrupt blank

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