5/6: New stadium calls for win-win
By AJC Editorial Board
Nowhere does the concept of public-private partnerships get more controversial or thornier than when it’s applied to create a financing package for new sports stadiums.
The Atlanta Falcons organization says it’s time to build a new arena, one that reflects the NFL’s current fashion regarding amenities — things such as how many suite seats are located where, or even how much of a roof, if any, should cover the turf.
Read the rest of what the editorial board has to say, along with commentary by Richard J. McKay (president and CEO of the Falcons) and Patrick Rishe (director of consulting firm).
Then tell us what you think.
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52 comments Add your comment
Jeff on on Outside
May 5th, 2012
8:06 am
Cutty,
It will be Atlanta that pays the taxes and supports the new stadium. They will convince themselve that the occupancy tax will be a no-pain way to fund the project as it falls on visitors. The folks in Valdosta don’t care. The pols in Atlanta have always driven these kinds of projects and will drive this one. All my republican friends think buying a new stadium for the Falcons is lunacy.
Common Sense
May 5th, 2012
8:05 am
Just as soon as they have won a Superbowl, we can start the discussion. Not a day sooner.
Until then, they should live within their means, like much of the rest of the Atlanta area is trying to do.
Eric
May 5th, 2012
7:36 am
Building a new stadium during a recession is a vulgar disregard for the civic needs of the Atlanta community. We can cut teachers, but it’s ok to build a playroom for millionaires? Come on people!
Cutty
May 5th, 2012
1:41 am
It’s a done deal. The Tea Party Republican-appointed GWCC board is in negotiations with the Falcons. No money for transportation, education, address water issues for Christ sakes. But the GWCC and republican General Assembly is ok with giving a private company hundreds of millions in taxpayers funds to build a stadium that will benefit one man.
By the end of this thread it will end up being Obama’s fault tho.
SAWB
May 4th, 2012
11:47 pm
Maybe they can play at Coolray field the G-Braves sure aren’t going to pay the bills.
captain jack
May 4th, 2012
11:36 pm
waste of taxpayers money.
I agree, let them take their ball and go home if the current stadium is not good enough.
Capt. jack
Dawgfan
May 4th, 2012
10:10 pm
If we as citizens of this metro area support ANY tax initiative to bankroll $700M for a stadium, all conservative Tea Party people will immediately illegitimize their entire ideology.
How we can sit here and fight taxes for transportation and entertain this idea is laughable.
yuzeyurbrane
May 4th, 2012
10:07 pm
Imagine if this were on the ballot like T-Splost?
Hillbilly D
May 4th, 2012
9:15 pm
There is no win-win, in my opinion. If Arthur wants to take his football and go home, let him.
Rafe Hollister
May 4th, 2012
8:52 pm
The only one who benefits from this stadium construction is Arthur Blank. If that is a good expenditure of tax payer money, sign me up.