What should be done with Georgia Dome?
The future of the Georgia Dome — and whether the Atlanta Falcons continue to nest there — is up in the air, so to speak.
The Georgia World Congress Center Authority, the state organization that oversees the football arena, agreed Tuesday to pay the Kansas City architecture firm, Populous, $145,000 to propose a master plan for the Dome, reports AJC staffer Leon Stafford.
Dan Graveline, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center, said the Populous study would look at the merits of renovating the current Dome or building a new stadium.
The study will take into consideration building a new dome, an open-air arena or having a retractable roof, Stafford writes. It also will look at the cost of gutting the current building and starting over.
The decision could affect whether Falcons owner Arthur Blank decides to keep the team downtown or look to the burbs.
What do you think should happen to the Dome? How much public money should be spent?
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97 comments Add your comment
Steve From Dalton
October 28th, 2009
8:20 am
Why should the Falcons agree to a new stadium when they won’t get any suite revenue?
CarpetBagger
October 28th, 2009
8:39 am
The Roman Colosseum lasted over 400 years. The Georgia Dome less than twenty? I say “Shermanize” the whole area and do it right the first time. But that might be asking too much from southerners.
Ed
October 28th, 2009
10:03 am
I am sick of the taxpayers anywhere building stadiums for professional teams. Our tax dollars should be used for infrastucture work only. If the Falcons want a new stadium, let them build it.
Save Us Obama !
October 28th, 2009
10:15 am
The US Military needs to obliterate everything (breathing or otherwise) inside I-285 and have the US Army Corp of Engineers clear the rubble and start EVERYTHING from scratch.
The Dome is already outdated, and the “progressive” neighborhood around it is a hybrid cesspool/war zone.
Also, Georgia’s next great industry should be the EXPORT of rude, condescending, know-it-all, foul-mouthed, loud-talking yankees & carpetbaggers.
Burn in The Eternal Lake of Fire, New Yorkers !
Atlanta_Tiger_Fan
October 28th, 2009
11:05 am
New stadium with retractable roof!! Also get the bums out of Atlanta or a new facility won’t matter one bit for attracting people to it. If the city can’t stop the panhandlers, build the new stadium north of 285.
Just Groovy
October 28th, 2009
11:08 am
Let’s win a Super Bowl first and then talk about building a new facility. Let’s get real here!
Tomhere
October 28th, 2009
11:15 am
Let the Falcons pay for the new one.
How many NFL games have actually been played in the Dome?
Villa Rica DAWG
October 28th, 2009
11:17 am
I say they wait until around 2 am and bomb everything inside I-285. Then make it a huge lake for GA’s own water source.
zdawg8
October 28th, 2009
11:20 am
Build a new retractable roof stadium where the existing dome sits. It is in a good location because of the new college football hall of fame and various other tourist attractions. That way the stadium and the attractions help each other out as far as bringing people to the area.
brian
October 28th, 2009
11:20 am
how about we leave EVERYTHING exactly the way it is and try to spend money on salaries of players and the surrounding community. With all the problems in the economy, we shouldn’t be wasting money on frivoulous ventures (like the 145K we’ve spent to study the problem).
Andrew
October 28th, 2009
11:21 am
If you live in georgia an you have seen the dome inside an out this year they have already put ALOT of money into putting new seats in, changing the whole color layout of the dome all together, Why in the world would they want to build another one an spend all that money!??! It wouldnt hurt to clean up that area a little bit so fans would feel a little safer coming to games but other than that, Just leave it as it is!
clear it out- the streets and the dome
October 28th, 2009
11:22 am
If we could clean up the bums – then it would be worth it to update the stadium. Ever been to Tampa? A loser team but a sweet stadium in a nice part of town. It could happen!
- The eternal optimist, a.k.a Dreamweaver.
coachx
October 28th, 2009
11:22 am
As a Falcons season ticket holder I would be open to gutting the current building and starting over in about 5-8 years. I am not a fan of moving out to the burbs (even though I live out there).
I love the Dome’s current location and believe that the current eye soar (ghetto of Northside Drive) is under a revitilization. If developers see that a stadium will be there for the next 25-30 years then the area will see a major resurgence and the ol an vacant projects, that are for sale, will be redeveloped.
I would love to gut the current Dome and transition it into a retractable roof stadium
I believe that an outdoor, only stadium, would be awful for Atlanta. Georgians hate the cold and the Falcons games in Nov and Dec would be half empty.
The Chick Fila Bowl would have no chance of every joining the BCS without a Dome top.
Kudzu
October 28th, 2009
11:23 am
What is wrong with the current stadium? Nothing.
clear it out- the streets and the dome
October 28th, 2009
11:24 am
Kudzu- it’s terrible. And what’s with the magenta color?
joey
October 28th, 2009
11:24 am
Let the undefeated GEORGIA STATE FOOTBALL program use it, along with Tech. Continue to rent it out for events. Let the Falcons continue using it as well until THEY figure out what to do next.
Pretty much leave it as is until a better solution comes up, one that doesn’t overtax the citizens.
RUN OFF ALL THE BUMS from down town. Look at what GIULIANI did in NYC and model a program after that one.
LydiasDad
October 28th, 2009
11:25 am
Why change? It’s not that old. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s a great stadium. Other buildings can last for decades. Why do we need a new stadium after only a decade or two?
Juan Diego Raul Sanchez
October 28th, 2009
11:26 am
Nothing should be done at the expense of tax payers…if Arthur wants to move them to the burbs let him – it would be way safer than having to navigate the myriad of skinnies with their hands out…plus it won’t smell like pee
Jimbo Jones
October 28th, 2009
11:26 am
If Arthur Blank wants a new stadium let him have it. He can build it with his own money though. Nothing is wrong with the dome, stop trying to waste tax payer money on pointless sh!+.
A tax payer
October 28th, 2009
11:28 am
Keep the Dome and get a New Football team.
coachx
October 28th, 2009
11:29 am
Agree that the main problem are the high number of thugs and bums in down town Atlanta and not the building.
Carlos
October 28th, 2009
11:34 am
The Georgia was just renovated last year, they spent millions of dollars renovating the club level and luxury suites. They replaced all the seats. New 1080 i HD screens were placed. The Dome was reainted inside and out. It is a beautiful facility. There is nothing wrong with the Dome! Now they are talking about building a new dome, which could cost 1.3 billion dollars? In our current economy? Please get real! Stop being so wasteful!!! Realize that only 8 Falcons regular games are played each year..
Bob
October 28th, 2009
11:39 am
“Bums” and “thugs”…blah, blah, blah. You dumb rednecks need to see those “bums” and “thugs” otherwise your ego would only be as long as your trailer. Stay in the sticks and watch the game on TV.
Aloha Gator
October 28th, 2009
11:39 am
The Dome was a hunk of junk the day it opened. As a professional Sound and Lighting engineer who has worked dozens of events in that facility nothing would make me happier than to see it torn down and re-built correctly, hopefully somewhere else.
First, the roof is a tent-tarp JOKE.
Second, logistically the place is a nightmare. The dock is way too far from the field and there’s no good way to get stuff in. Even if the GWCC allows crews to drive their trucks inside it’s still a major pain.
Third, this is the south ya’all… We have a nice climate here. Not having a retractable roof is STUPID!
Fourth, the location stinks. Parking is almost impossible.
Fifth, the facility is run by government. Enough said.
Sixth, the installed sound and lighting and video is pathetic.
Seventh, the acoustics for concerts is beyond bad. If there was a retractable roof things would improve by lightyears.
Atlanta will NEVER see another Superbowl here until that facility is gone. The last time we hosted the Superbowl the NFL almost had to postpone the game because of concerns the roof would collapse on the crowd and field… Remember the ice storm? That would have been nice. Can you imagine canceling the Superbowl? How would the world have reacted?
Apparently some wingnuts think the Doraville GM site is not a good idea for a new stadium. Respectfully, they are wrong. It’s the perfect size. It’s located at Spaghetti Junction so getting there is easy from anywhere in GA. It’s close enough to MARTA. It would eliminate the hassle of trying to get into downtown on game day and it would get the GWCC creeps out of management.
Tear it down. Start over.
Yes, it’s expensive to have a retractable roof but that’s the price you gotta pay to be on top with the big dogs. That stadium in Dallas is damn near perfect. Copy that design. Build a winner not a guaranteed loser.
ATL livin' in NYC
October 28th, 2009
11:39 am
I think building a new dome with a retractable roof would be great but I dont know if it is really necessary. I understand people are concerned having to pay for it but just think of the opportunities that will come with a new dome. Atlanta is one of the possible locations to host the World Cup and it would bring $80 Million to the city (http://www.ajc.com/business/world-cup-could-bring-175332.html). The new Cowboys Stadium is hosting the NBA All Star Game this year. Just consider the opportunities…
ClemsonDude
October 28th, 2009
11:40 am
Clean up and revamp downtown Atlanta FIRST then maybe we can talk about a new dome. Atlanta MUST clamp down on crime and the low life thuds that walks the streets of this once great city. I really do not have a problem building a new dome but without taxpayers money!
Spike
October 28th, 2009
11:40 am
Let the rich pay for their own playgrounds. No public money…ever. Re-elect no one…ever.
coachx
October 28th, 2009
11:41 am
What is the world is wrong with the football team ?
Mark
October 28th, 2009
11:42 am
I have to agree with you Ed. The city is strapped for cash but we are gonna take tax payers money to pay for a new dome. That’s ridiculous!!!
Joseph
October 28th, 2009
11:43 am
As a Falcons season ticket holder for several years, I say keep the Dome. It’s currently only 17 years old which is not old for a stadium at all. I love the recent changes (seats, video boards, etc) and think they should use the money to keep the Dome updated. Plus a new stadium would probably mean PSL’s for season ticket holders and I’m not a fan of PSL’s at all! It’s a great facility that hosts more than just Falcons games. It hosts college games, concerts, monster trucks, supercross, and many other events on a yearly basis.
Outside ATL...and glad of it
October 28th, 2009
11:46 am
If I remember correctly the dome was pushed through to help with the Olympic bid. Guess shortsightedness led to a crappy stadium. I also seem to remember that a large chunk of the revenue put towards building the stadium was raised by those not living in Atlanta but by raising taxes on hotel rates. Seems ridiculous that a less than 20 year old structure would need to be torn down, but I have been rolling my eyes at what goes on up there in the “heart” of Georgia for years. Tear it down, leave it up….who cares.
Big Daddy
October 28th, 2009
11:49 am
If the dome is good enough for the SEC Championship, Chick-Fil-A Bowl FKA the Peach Bowl, basketball tournaments and Superbowls, then it is good enough for the “sometimes we win” Falcons. The City of Birmingham, AL is constructing a dome. Maybe the Falcons should move there.
John
October 28th, 2009
11:53 am
I waited 15 minutes for the police to respond to a 911 call.What is more important paying a great salary to those who protect us or upgrading The Dome? Let’s get our priorities straight.
Dawg Foot
October 28th, 2009
11:53 am
The only way I would say keeping the DOME down town would be to clean up the CRIME down there. I am sick of the thugs and gangsters controlling the streets.
JAMES
October 28th, 2009
11:53 am
Henry I hope you weren’t expecting a serious reponse. How dissapointed you must be if you were. maybe you just wanted a good laugh. And if some of you are serious please seek psych help because your violent suggestions are serious brain flaws. And to the Yankee with the holy attitude remember where you came from they don’t like you either.
All I'm Saying Is...
October 28th, 2009
12:00 pm
We have the opportunity to develop a grandiose vision that would
a) incorporate the flexibility of a retractable roof (i.e. could have real grass if we wanted to),
b) enable the GWCC to stay competitive with other cities like Orlando & Chicago through a more effective facility as the core GWCC exhibition hall is out of expansion space due to it running up against the heavy rail line in the area,
c) expands the playing field size to more comfortably accommodate World Cup soccer giving us a chance to field an MSL team,
d) offers the pro football team an opportunity to grow its revenues (and remain competitive) by having more corporate suites,
and
e) include a smaller performance venue (jazz club type or Center Stage sized space) for local performing arts groups as well as touring artists who find Philips too huge and the Tabernacle not big or flexible enough.
If we think big, we could also expand the footprint to eliminate some of the blight in the surrounding Vine City community by redirecting Northside Drive in a creative manner and/or having the overall complex abut the Vine City MARTA stop as well. And we could replant numerous trees and do all of the above in an eco-friendly manner.
To make all this happen, I suggest we have the Falcons contribute 50% (in return they keep all the parking and suite revenue tied to their games), the state contributes 40% (they get to use the new facility as part of the GWCC complex the remainder of the year) and the city contributes 10% (local and convention folks spending time and money in town is a good thing).
COME ON ATLANTA, THINK BIG, DREAM A LITTLE, AND IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES!
Bob
October 28th, 2009
12:00 pm
Let our crack Dekalb county commissioners decide on what to do with it, they are always right, just look at Dekalb!
P Renee
October 28th, 2009
12:02 pm
You must first eliminate the racial inequality at the Georgia Dome.
P Renee
October 28th, 2009
12:02 pm
You must first eliminate the racial inequality at the Georgia Dome.
Ken
October 28th, 2009
12:03 pm
Get it out of downtown and the thugs! 80% of the people that go are from Buckhead and north of there anyway.
Shiri
October 28th, 2009
12:03 pm
Why don’t the Falcons move to Macon and be the, “Macon Mistakes” ..
Safe in the suburbs
October 28th, 2009
12:04 pm
They need 2 move the stadium near the mall of Georgia where is it safe. My family went 2 a flacons game a few years ago and I did not like the way the blacks looked at my wife and daughter. Move it to where they wont come and bother us and I wil buy tix for a game or 2
Summerhill, Peoplestown, Mechanicsville
October 28th, 2009
12:05 pm
I think they should move the Stadium next to Turner Field and run Marta directly between them. Having 2 stadiums in an area would allow businesses to stay open year round and help develop the surrounding area. The parking’s already there and the neighborhoods could use the help. You also have access to the busiest corridor of highways in the southeast.
the real Old Gold
October 28th, 2009
12:07 pm
Carpet Bagger… how’s the economy back home?
Mike
October 28th, 2009
12:07 pm
I do not see what is so wrong with the Georgia Dome. I’ve been to two NFL Stadiums in my day- The Georgia Dome and the Superdome. The Superdome seats are terrible, and too close together. The interior walk ways and concession areas in the Superdome are extremely unappealing.
The Georgia Dome has great seating, it has great home field advantage- its very noisy. I’m bothered by the fact that we feel so set on renovating or rebuilding.
If its bringing in 10x that hole of debt from the convention center, then what is the problem? Fans are not complaining about the Georgia Dome. It is a completely fine and useable facility…and attracts many prestigous events.
Steve From Dalton
October 28th, 2009
12:08 pm
All those folks complaining about the use of taxpayer dollars, the economic impact of JUST the Chick-fil-A Bowl generates $30-35 million for metro Atlanta. That does not count the many other events. What happens if the new stadium is out of the metro area?
KM
October 28th, 2009
12:20 pm
I am opposed to building a new stadium just to keep up with other cities and to say that this is the biggest, most advanced stadium as of today. For those of you that have responded and consistently go to events at the Georgia Dome, you can’t deny that it is a pretty good multi-purpose stadium. The Dome was not built just for the Falcons so the idea that it MUST have a retractable roof holds no weight in my opinion. The Dome is used throughout the year from 10 weekends for the Falcons games, baskestball, college football, high school football, monster trucks, motorbikes, etc.
And for the people complaining about the “thugs and bums”, what do you propose to do to get rid of those individuals? I know, build a stadium in Alpharetta but there is one small problem. Most stadiums are built in areas where land is cheap, and if it is built where land is cheap then it must also mean that it is a place where most people would prefer not to live.
Keep the Dome and stop WASTING money just to say that we have the newest, biggest, tallest stadium. That is until someone else comes along and out do us and then we start this process all over again.
Falconsforlife
October 28th, 2009
12:23 pm
Summerhill, thats not a bad idea if they run a rail stop there. Currently getting to Turner via Marta is a gigantic pain. Unfortunately I don’t see Marta, or the city, ponying up the cash to expand the rail to that area.
As much as I’d love the new Falcons stadium to be on the northside, keeping it in the area of the current dome would be fine. I don’t see how they’d gut it and build on site, but if that is possible it wouldn’t be a bad idea. They really need to crack down on the crime in the area though, and keeping the stadium and the Falcons where they are would go a long way to help that area keep moving forward.
Steve
October 28th, 2009
12:23 pm
I would be very happy if those outside the perimeter would stay out there. You need those same old tired cheaply built subdivisions, where all the houses look alike, horribly inefficient cul-de-sacs, big-box, ugly strip shopping centers, hulking SUV’s, stifling traffic homogeneous attitudes. Those of us who live inthe city, and enjoy it, will be just fine.
Personally, I like walking to the drug store and to Publix and to the museums (a museum in the suburbs-laughable). With the current housing market, those horribly overpriced, poorly constructed “homes” are all upside down in value anyway.
As far as the stadium goes, it’s fine; leave as it is.
Atlanta
October 28th, 2009
12:27 pm
Gotta love that some people who obviously don’t live inside 285 have no qualms about joking about BOMBING everything inside of 285, shame on you for thinking it’s funny to kill your fellow man.
JJ
October 28th, 2009
12:27 pm
Yeah? What’s wrong with it now? And I hate it when taxpayers foot the bill, while some guy makes millions? I hardly go there anyways. Maybe once a year. Maybe ask this question in 10 years, but right now it seems just fine.
Trix are for rabbits
October 28th, 2009
12:29 pm
Steve …. the Chick-fil-A Bowl, SEC Football Championship, First Robotics, rotating SEC/ACC basketball tournaments and all the other non-Falcons activities aren’t going anywhere. New Falcons field or not, those folks will return to downtown where there are hotels, an adjoining convention center for fanfest and entertainment for fans.
The idea of investing, say, $500 million in a completely renovated facility WITH redevelopment in and around the Dome is appealing.
If a new stadium is in order in say 2020 or 2025, the idea of locating it near Turner Field is great. It’s downtown. Lots of parking. Good accessibility. Adding a much needed Marta spur is brilliant. And, maybe that revitalization we were going to get in the Summerhill area will finally happen.
A couple of notes. The color scheme at the Dome has changed. It’s no longer magenta. The Falcons paid for the majority of the improvements (new paint job, Club level renovations) with a short term payback coming from increased club seat/suite revenues and a hike in cost of regular season tickets — the state did not pay for those improvements.
Safe in the suburbs
October 28th, 2009
12:30 pm
I like my shopping centers and movie theaters and clean schools and MY SUV. It’s safe and gas is cheap again. Don’t worry, I never go downtown with my family. It scares my wife. If Mr Blanks wants me 2 go to a game, he beter bring the game 2 me! No thugs where I live.
Betsy
October 28th, 2009
12:30 pm
Fix what needs to be fixed, enhance what needs to be enhanced, based on REAL need. Renovation is always cheaper than building from scratch. We tore down the baseball stadium and the Omni and replaced them with megabucks structures. I agree with those who say it isn’t time for the Dome to be replaced. Maybe in another 100 years. Quit tearing down. It’s just a big $$$$ boondoggle for somebody. We don’t want to pay for it.
DJ
October 28th, 2009
12:31 pm
Move all the games to Sanford Stadium .. outdoors on grass and better tailgating.
coachx
October 28th, 2009
12:33 pm
“c) expands the playing field size to more comfortably accommodate World Cup soccer giving us a chance to field an MSL team,”
That is a awful idea. It makes the seast farther away for American Football.
Build it for the best views for football and forget about soccer.
They can host 1 soccer game a year but the place is built for football and don’t forget it !
Ted
October 28th, 2009
12:36 pm
A retractable roof would be a vast improvement, although the Falcons should pay for it.
coachx
October 28th, 2009
12:38 pm
For the people who live in Atlanta and enjoy walking to a grocery store, museum, or drug store.
How safe do you honestly feel when doing that ? Are you married with kids or single ? Do you fee safe with your kids running around in the streets of down town Atlanta.
How do you feel about Atlanta insane property taxes that goes towards the corruption Atlanta is so known for.
Wake up and see reality !
I will be out here in the burbs where I can leave my front door open, have cheap property taxes, little to no government intrusion, no bums, and can let my kids ride their bikes all over town without any fear.
You tell me which is the better life ?
shadow 7071
October 28th, 2009
12:38 pm
Let’s see, unemployment in ATL has surged to 10.5% (and it could be greater) and at the top of the agenda this week is “What are going to do with our ball field?”. Can anyone in this town spell P-R-I-O-R-I-T-I-E-S? One would think that the number one priority would be figuring out how to get folks back to work. Now before the ardent Dome Defenders set in, yes I know that the Dome brings in revenue. But getting a couple hundred thousand people back to work also brings in revenue. More revenue than the Dome. My point is this, we’re in a major economic crisis and we’re worrying about where the football is going to play on Sunday.
Mom of 3
October 28th, 2009
12:38 pm
Wherever they build it, just make sure it is not served by Marta because thats where all the problems come from.
Chris
October 28th, 2009
12:40 pm
Leave the Dome alone for now and work on making it a better atmosphere. How about not having to tailgate in a 3rd party parking lot three blocks away? Do THAT first, then worry about the Dome and rebuilding it on the same spot later. That seems to make the most sense.
Or, if it would get Marta to Turner, build it near there.
Wanda
October 28th, 2009
12:43 pm
OMG! LEAVE IT LIKE IT IS. THEY WOULD PROBABLY END UP RAISING THE PRICES OF THE SEATS. THEY ARE ALREADY TO HIGH.
Summerhill, Peoplestown, Mechanicsville
October 28th, 2009
12:43 pm
Imagine a Marta spur that runs south to Turner Field, a NEW Falcon Stadium and the Beltline. Land is cheap, displacement is minimal, and you have easy access to I-20 and 75/85.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a game day experience with pubs and stores open year round? Georgia Avenue has the best available store fronts in the city and is waiting to be the next Highlands. The skyline views are incredible and with development will come the public safety everyone’s requesting.
hrw
October 28th, 2009
12:44 pm
The Georgia Dome…what should be done? First, this economy has taken a toll on consumer spending; realizing that people are not paying for all of the exspensive things. Georgia might be consider for high schools colleges or big cities events. Problems with homelessness, beggars etc., this might bring in some type of city fundings. Ticket prices, food, seating has taken a deep toll on people attending and mostly, everything is located right next to one and other. Parking has been a nightmare and crimes has also been another problem why people don’t want to come to the Dome. Consumers are not willing to pay big prices anymore for things that the city needs to taking care of. The Dome can be rented for future concerts and other activities that takes a bigger place. Face it, the long haul about finance being paid by the consumer is not there anymore, and there is not a reason to come to the Dome when you can stay home and watch the games on TV, Big Sreens that is. Unless something give with the big prices for food, tickets, etc., there will be no need to have a new Dome or even considering it. No more bleeding the consumer for what you think that you can have big income to pay for whatever planning you are preplanning. The city and consumer spending is just not there any longer. I have seen the Texas new Dome….it is a sight to see and people get their money worth because Texas draws in its fans ensuring they are charged a decent price for food, parking and tickets. Plus, whatever the fans get in Texas….everything there is big! Fans enjoy going to see the Dallas Cowboys. The money they pay is worth it! Georgia Dome only give less for the bucks that it fans spend…enough is enough. To plan a new Dome, you have know how to draw your fans in and not starve or bleed them to death. Making changes in how business is conducted among the fans make’s the outlook of a new Dome exciting. Right now..I don’t think many fans or people really cares.
RFK Dreaming
October 28th, 2009
12:45 pm
Refurbish the current stadium and add a retractable roof!! I have always thought it was a shame for the Falcons to play inside on a beautiful Atlanta Fall day!
siskel_god
October 28th, 2009
12:46 pm
Let the Falcons build a new one on their own dollars? Why would they do that, the city makes so much money off the Falcons not to mention the local businesses, and Marta. So why would the Falcons build a stadium on thier own dime when the city is going to benefit as much or more than they do? Los Angeles just decided to build a new stadium with no team, they are convinced they can persuade a team to pack up and move, now what incentive does the state and city have to build a stadium without a football team? Money, HELLO!
CarpetBagger
October 28th, 2009
12:50 pm
The real question that needs to be “axed” is not what should be done to the Georgia Dome… but what should be done about Georgia schools? The passion, knowledge and outcry for UGA-Tech football, Falcons and Braves is nowhere when discussing the horrible school systems. This is misguided at best.
Delta (the airline not the unit)… I’m ready, but please don’t overfly LaGuardia while you are arguing, on the laptop, or snoozing!
Chief Wiggum
October 28th, 2009
1:02 pm
A new stadium would be GREAT as long as Arthur Blank is paying for it. There is absolutely no need to spend public money in a new stadium, considering the existing one is less than 20 years old, and the current state of the economy.
Agree with those who say the location is bad, as long as the bad neighborhoods are adjacent to the existing dome. Some of the commenters whine about our OTP rednecks, but the reality is what it is…you want strangers to come to this town, and creating that kind of hostile environment isn’t gonna cut it.
I also never understood the reason for a dome. Charlotte has a heck of a nice stadium. Cooler climate than ours, but you don’t hear them whining that they needed a closed roof. If…IF…a new stadium is built (with Arthur’s money), it should be either an open stadium, or a retractable roof. If Arthur wants to pay extra for the roof, that’s his business and money.
Jucee
October 28th, 2009
1:09 pm
Change the color on the outside; take the food prices down..HIRE PEOPLE WHO NEED TO WORK…
FalconsFan
October 28th, 2009
1:09 pm
The AJC is doing a terrible disservice to this entire story. Most of the people making comments here don’t realize the contractual issues the Falcons/Blank have with the GWCC, they don’t realize how long it actually takes to plan and build a new stadium and the biggest issue is they don’t realize how much money a new stadium or renovating the Georgia Dome would really bring the Atlanta area.
This isn’t a inside the Perimeter vs. Everyone else issue, the income the Dome currently brings impacts a large portion of the surrounding Atlanta area.
Also, being a Falcons season ticket holder and Atlanta resident I truly don’t understand some of the complaints many of you seem to have with parking and this supposed lack of safety around the Georgia Dome. I have never had a problem with parking, in fact I am usually on 75/85 within in 15-20 minutes after the game ends. If you think that’s going to happen with a new stadium with its own parking your greatly mistaken. Also having the flexibility to pay anywhere from $10-$30 to park is great, in a fully owned parking lot everyone is stuck paying the same amount.
I’m all for a new stadium, I think something funded 80-20 or 70-30 (the higher number by the Falcons) and the balance paid by investors and taxes payers makes sense. I’m also in favor in keeping it inside the Perimeter, the Redskins built FedEx field on the beltway and it’s a nightmare to get to, something NEAR 285 would be great but keeping it OFF of 285 is key, just from a logistical/traffic issue.
FalconsFan
October 28th, 2009
1:10 pm
Jucee,
Do yourself a favor and educate yourself on what the Georgia Dome currently looks like.
William Franklin
October 28th, 2009
1:11 pm
I say just take the canvas off the top of the dome, plant grass and let the Falcon’s play football outside, where football should be played. If anyone is interested I will supply the knife to cut the canvas and a bag of grass seed. That should save the state $145,000.
Fred
October 28th, 2009
1:13 pm
Atlanta to do list.
1. Spend countless amount of taxpayer money for a new facilty for sports franchise.
Atlanta Ignore List.
1. Crime
2 Unemployment
3. Traffic
4. Sewer
5. Clean Air
FalconsFan
October 28th, 2009
1:14 pm
Those worried about MLS/World Cup games, keep in mind RFK in D.C. is one of the best places in the US to watch a soccer game, it was built for baseball and football. Accommodating a soccer field isn’t that hard and or necessary when building a new stadium, soccer can find a way to be played in any condition.
FalconsFan
October 28th, 2009
1:17 pm
William,
It’s not as simple as removing the roof, the roof is part of the overall structure.
Fred,
1. Money is spent on fighting crime.
2. Building a new stadium CREATES jobs.
3. Traffic, what would you suggest spending money on?
4. Sewer, I live in Atlanta and I’ve never had an issue I don’t know anyone that has.
5. Clean air, the city of Atlanta has fine air, much better than most cities.
A Hope
October 28th, 2009
1:17 pm
Build a new outdoor stadium without question.
"The Dipper"
October 28th, 2009
1:18 pm
I am a long-time Falcons season-ticket owner. ZDawg8 got it right. However, the taxpayer is bearing enough right now and the present Dome has just been refurbished! 10 years from now would be a good time to implement the rebuilding… right where it is now… downtown!
Has anyone looked around recently? Downtown is coming back; more people are moving back into the city; and, in 10 years time, I believe we will see that downtown is the “only” place for top-flight entertainment in Atlanta! Have complaints about the city? Do your part to correct them! Use the strength of the ballot box and your volunteerism! We have a great city to save and 4 great sports teams to support!
Bill
October 28th, 2009
1:24 pm
We’ve got many other pressing issues right now, the dome is fine as it is. The only consistent complaint is the surrounding area – which I think does have some merit. The fact is however that with all of the new attractions that have opened and are slated to open downtown adjacent to the aquarium and world of coke, it’s quite likely the entire downtown area – dome and philips included – will continue to improve. Leave the dome as it is and let’s work on dealing with the crime citywide.
tim
October 28th, 2009
1:24 pm
There is nothing wrong with the dome, and Arthur Blank needs to stop telling us what WE need, cuz he really means what HE wants.
FalconsFan
October 28th, 2009
1:28 pm
Tim,
I don’t ever recall Blank saying anything about what WE need, as someone who attends events like the State of the Franchise (about the Falcons) when he refers to WE he is talking about Falcons fans and the franchise itself, he’s more than willing to pay for the cost of improvements to the Dome (already has shelled out hundreds of thousands) and he is willing to front the cost of a new stadium. Again, get your facts straight before criticizing anyone.
BUZZFAN63
October 28th, 2009
1:29 pm
Sell the stadium to Arthur Blank… Have the state take half the money and give the other half to the city of Atlanta. The state can use the money to shore up their coffers, due to the economic turndown, so they won’t have to raise our taxes!! The city of Atlanta can use part of the money to balance their books and use the rest to buy up all the blighted property on Northside and surrounding areas. After they buy up the property… build parking decks and buy shuttle buses, to carry conventioneers, fans, tourists, etc… to the Georgia Dome, Georgia Aquarium, Centenial Park, Turner Field, etc… at a reasonable rate!!! Then use the revenue from the parking decks & shuttles to pay for more policemen to keep the surrounding area free of crime and more firefighters to protect the taxpayers of Atlanta!!! SOUNDS SIMPLE DOESN”T IT!!!! Then the Falcons & Arthur Blank can do whatever improvements they want to the dome and keep all profits from the luxury boxes, concerts, NCAA basketball games, NCAA football games, etc… to finance those improvements and pay salaries to bring the elite football players to town. AGAIN… SOUND SIMPLE DOESN”T IT!!!!
Number1fan
October 28th, 2009
1:32 pm
Retractable Roof,
Andrew
October 28th, 2009
1:48 pm
Everyone is talking about what the dome an host, Whens the last time the dome has held a concert? Its all about Phillips Arena now. Its where all the BIG concerts are at now, The only the non sport wise that the dome has is the monster trucks, some battle of the bands, an a few other things. It would be nice to have a retractable roof but where do you think that money is coming from? If they replace the roof then they are going to have to change alot more things inside an outside of the dome its going to be at least 5m!
Andrew
October 28th, 2009
1:54 pm
Excuse me, What was I thinking theres no way that it would only be 5m! At least 10-15 million to do all of that!
Shirley
October 28th, 2009
3:34 pm
Poster known as “Atlanta” @ 12:27 pm
The thugz and panhandlers “patroling” downtown Atlanta are N O T “my fellow man.”
I say bomb them ALL and be done with it !!!!!!
Frankly, I could use a good laugh myself.
MF Intown
October 28th, 2009
4:41 pm
The Georgia Dome and the Georgia World Congress Center are sitting on top of where our long planned multimodal passenger terminal should be situated. If Atlanta is going to participate in a national network of high speed intercity rail and regional commuter rail, we have to have that station at the heart of the network.
So, why does all this master planning by the GWCC Authority COMPLETELY fail to take this need into account? The station concourses should be the centerpiece of whatever they do next, regardless of where exhibit halls and stadiums may wind up in their campus.
jeff
October 28th, 2009
5:39 pm
KEEP THE DOME! IT IS PERFECTLY FINE!!!! if they do end up doing renovations then the priority should be redoing the roof. thats the ONLY thing that seems to be getting old at the dome.
jeff
October 28th, 2009
5:42 pm
bomb everything inside 285? ever been to buckhead or midtown? far far nicer than the suburbs yall haters live in.
ATL
October 28th, 2009
6:23 pm
Lemme see– Wife, Kids… Love the city and living intown and feel perfectly safe–
as for the suburbs the unrelenting sameness, ugliness– its lack of walkability, horrid traffic, total unsustainabability and ridiculous short sided politics– well my main reaction is somewhere between horror and repulsion… but I guess the real truth is unless we learn to work together for a set of common METRO goals both of us will loose the battle to the rural no-nothings that seem to dominate this state’s politics…
ATL
October 28th, 2009
6:27 pm
As for the Stadium Question– I have been here long enough to remember Falcon’s games in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium… unless you enjoy being cold and wet (ie- miserable)… We better wish for a new retractable roof stadium or another dome preferably built on the bones of the recently renovated and still quite nice Ga Dome…
Safe in the suburbs
October 29th, 2009
8:32 am
Honestly, there are 2 many queers downtown. I dont want 2 have 2 explain to my son what a queer is and most of all I dont want him turning in 2 a queer or getting aids from the bathrooms at the dome
Andrew
October 29th, 2009
11:13 am
Well “Safe in the suburbs” The word “queer” might get you shot in downtown, Believe me you arnt doing your kids any good anyway as a dad if you “teach” them those words, Or they hear you say it. Your kids are gonna get their A$$ kicked if they go around saying that as well.
Bono
October 29th, 2009
11:38 am
Last concert at the Dome …. how ’bout U2 a couple of weeks ago?
Safe in the suburbs
October 29th, 2009
11:38 am
HAHAHAHA….As if some queer can beat me up. Besides, I have God on my side.
dave
October 31st, 2009
9:48 am
If it was (were?) possible, if they do anything, I’d like to see them put a retractable roof on the Dome, like Vancouver is doing at B.C. Place. Building a new stadium is just not feasible in today’s economy, and the Dome is used for things other than the Falcons and college football. As for the ITP/OTP question, land is going to be expensive wherever you go, and if you build it too far out, nobody will go. If there is a new stadium built, knock down the dome and build it there, and let the Falcons play at Tech or something. GSU could play at Hallford or Adams or even Grady) until a new place is built. Ditto for a MLS franchise, if we get one (and if Red Bull can play at Giants Stadium, Atlanta MLS could certainly play at the Dome, and get a better crowd).
ITP is the place to be!
November 2nd, 2009
3:29 am
Wow the uncultured bias of the south comes out again. Grow up children! This team is called the “Atlanta Falcons” not the “45 mins north of Atlanta Falcons.” If you can’t handle the city or even ITP don’t come into it; we’re fine without you! I’ll take the culture of Decatur, Midtown, and L5P to the same boring corporate mumbo jumbo seen in the suburbs.
All that aside a new stadium would be nice. Not necessary at this time but I’m glad to see they are looking forward. Actually a new stadium would help Atlanta make a good push for a World Cup match to be played here. But more importantly we need to be responsible.
Danny
December 20th, 2009
10:47 am
The Dome never should have been built to begin with. We do not need a dome in Atlanta and don’t give me this sissy crap about how we don’t like bad weather. Who does?!! Football was meant to be played outdoors and true football fans will come see their teams play regardless of the elements. Weather doesn’t ever seem to bother the University of Georgia fans. I personally prefer pro sports but I don’t know why the Hawks, Falcons, and to a degree even the Braves don’t just leave Atlanta. We don’t act like a big time sports city and I have never understood that.
The Falcons have never been consistent winners and I contend the humidity early in the season, etc could actually make us MORE COMPETITIVE. We need an open air stadium that seats around 80,000.