Former Dome GM: There’s zero need for a new stadium
Khalil Johnson was the Georgia Dome’s general manager when it opened, so he’s a bit partial to the place. No longer affiliated with the Dome — he retired as the Georgia World Congress Center’s chief operating officer last summer — he remains one of the most respected men in his industry. And here’s what he thinks of the Falcons’ desire to build an open-air stadium where (or near) the Dome sits: Not much.
“I love football and I love the Falcons,” Johnson said. “If they need and desire a new stadium, let the owner build it himself. In this current situation, to use tax dollars isn’t viable.”
Also this: “They’re having discussions of whether [an open-air stadium would cost] less than half a billion or more than half a billion. At the same time we’re closing schools, we’ve got transportation issues and we need to figure out Grady [Hospital] … It’s not a sports question. It’s an economic issue. There are a lot more pressing needs.”
Arthur Blank bought the Falcons in 2002, a decade after the Dome opened, and has been persistent in his desire that the building be updated. Johnson worked to placate the owner but knew the day would come when Blank would want a new building.
Said Johnson, who now works out of Douglasville as a consultant regarding events and venues: “What’s the pressing need? More money for the ownership. I don’t know how that lines up with what the public wants … I just question whether the public needs to give more when most of the benefits will go to a private owner.”
About the Dome, Johnson said: “It may not be a great building but it’s a damn good building. And improvements can be made … The bones of Georgia Dome are good. Ask anybody in the business, and they’ll tell you that. It would make more economic sense to improve the Georgia Dome.”
The Falcons’ desire for an open-air stadium — one without a retractable roof, which team president Rich McKay told the AJC would be too expensive — would seem at odds with the Dome’s charter. The Falcons believe an open-air stadium would help Atlanta’s chances of playing host to games in soccer’s World Cup in 2018 or 2022, but the Dome has already staged two NCAA Final Fours and is ticketed for another in 2013.
And what of the ACC and SEC basketball tournaments, both of which have been played beneath the Dome’s roof? What of the SEC football championship and the Chick-fil-A Bowl, each held between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day?
“I don’t think the Falcons care much about basketball games,” Johnson said. As for college football: “The [SEC] tried [playing outdoors] in Birmingham. Didn’t work. Roy Kramer [then the SEC commissioner] came to us and said, ‘I want a stadium with a roof on it.’ And what was the name for the Peach Bowl before it moved indoors? ‘Weather-plagued.’ ”
Would it be possible to build an open-air stadium next to the Dome? Said Johnson: “It makes no sense to me. We know how tight that campus is — you’ve got the GWCC, Philips Arena, a fully functional arena and a park jammed into 220 acres.”
Johnson also questions whether the public would benefit from a new stadium. “People would have to be prepared for higher ticket prices, higher food and beverage prices, higher parking and PSLs [personal seat licenses, which confer the right to buy a ticket].”
Loading ...But wouldn’t much of the money for a new stadium come, as has been the case with the Dome, from a hotel tax? And doesn’t the hotel tax affect non-Atlantans?
“The Dome gets $20 million a year from the hotel tax,” Johnson said. “What would $20 million do for Atlanta schools or for health care? And the World Congress Center is sitting there aging with no significant resources. Wouldn’t it be sensible to put that money into the Congress Center, which has been the driver for the convention business in Atlanta?”
There’s also this: “The Dome is almost paid off, which means that [hotel tax] money could be put to other use. Why plant a tree, watch it grow and then, when it’s almost grown, cut it down because you see a tree you like better?”
Isn’t there a risk that if the Falcons don’t get what they want downtown, they’ll move? “If Doraville wants to build a stadium, let them take a shot at it,” Johnson said. “But I don’t think the dollars add up. There’s nowhere to move. People aren’t sitting around with half a billion dollars.”
Johnson’s closing argument: “If Atlanta can’t pay for a new stadium, who can? And is there really a need? Again, we’re down to the question of wants versus needs.”
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259 comments Add your comment
Mark Bradley
May 21st, 2010
11:30 am
I might as well admit it: I’ve always been a fan of the Dome. To me, it ushered Atlanta in the world of big-time sporting events. (I know there were big doings at the Omni, but there was never a Super Bowl.)
Gman
May 21st, 2010
11:31 am
So we go back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in 40 plus years and they demand a new stadium? Get serious
The old stadium was 30 years old when it was demolished – and it was sub-standard in ‘66.
Alphare
May 21st, 2010
11:31 am
Leland,
why aren’t you the sports writer instead of MB? you are funny too.
Rex
May 21st, 2010
11:33 am
Lost in all of this, I think, is also the fact that Mr. Blank has been discussing bringing a MLS team to Atlanta. Which he would definitley need an open-air or retractable roof stadium to do.
Mark Bradley
May 21st, 2010
11:35 am
There’s a nice new soccer stadium at Kennesaw State University — the reborn Atlanta Beat is playing there — that could be expanded for MLS purposes. Just sayin’.
Delbert D.
May 21st, 2010
11:37 am
Khalil Johnson has a financial interest in keeping the Dome alive.
Mr C, a 32 year ticket holder
May 21st, 2010
11:38 am
and then again …. are we trying to outdo the Dallas Cowboys and Jimmy Jones with his 80,000 seat stadium ? if so we first need to get the team to the point that the Cowboys are so we can attract long term ticket holders that do not mind paying top dollar for those seats and suites, We are not there yet, I love my Falcons and Mr Blanks ownership but I watch how fickle fans are here because of the up and down history of the Falcons, true play lately has been on a more consistent level and but it needs to get better before the Fans will remain stable and support the team in the way they deserve to be in in turn support a bigger better stadium many fans here are not true believers yet
Ticket holder
May 21st, 2010
11:38 am
Leave the DOME alone, just keep a little house cleaning going on.
moorman
May 21st, 2010
11:38 am
build it at sphagetti junction, the old general motors plant, perfect location. build a retractable roof stadium there or open air stadium and be finished with it.
Don!
May 21st, 2010
11:39 am
What’s needed the most is a long-term plan. Even if we wanted a new stadium, it would be 2016 before it opened — if we started now.
I know the economic situation now is not the same one Atlanta will face five years from now. I think the best plan is one that takes into account both the economic realities of today, along with a realistic assessment of where the entire Southeast is five years from now.
If we don’t build a new stadium, will we lose business? To whom, and why? Is the new stadium in Dallas going to take our business? Is it possible another location in the Southeast is working on a better plan for facilities than we are? Those are the questions we need to be asking.
I think the Falcons deserve a new stadium, but I think they also know that as much as they may deserve it, other commitments to the community have more pressing needs right now. However, that may not be the case down the road.
So, we need a plan.
A plan to address the needs of the community and the Falcons right now. That can address leasing and revenue and tax issues. A plan to address the situation a couple of years from now, when (hopefully) the economy is better. And finally, a plan for five-plus years from now, where we will benefit from the research and analysis of the situation today, and measure that against what the other major economic hubs in the Southeast have done over the same time period.
A failure to plan, is a plan to fail.
Later,
Don!
Delbert D.
May 21st, 2010
11:45 am
A skyline view spaghetti junction of from lovely Doraville. Wow. The town’s name would be a national joke.
jackets77
May 21st, 2010
11:46 am
Not first!
Brody
May 21st, 2010
11:50 am
The only advantage I can see for an open air stadium is the GHSA would hold state championship games in the towns where the high schools are located. This is much better than having the games in the Dome.
Vinny D
May 21st, 2010
11:52 am
Somebody else already said it but I will say it again. I would vote for Khalil for some sort of govt office. Sound economic policy is nonexistant in our country. The dome is fine, it ain’t broken! I rather see 10-20 years of the dome, save some $$$ and then if we feel the need, do a big fancy something. Not the time for that kinda stuff now.
Pi$$onaDAWG
May 21st, 2010
11:55 am
The best view of Downtown Atlanta is from the top of the Old Waste Management Landfil off Moreland Ave and I-285. There is pleanty of land, it smells like the Falcons play most years, and it has all the Methane Gas tailgaters could want to cook their food.
tom
May 21st, 2010
11:55 am
I agree and disagree. I think the Falcons should foot the bill for a new stadium not the taxpayers on a shared basis. The taxpayers get nothing in return.Open air is stupid. Guess they never want to host a SuperBowl. Atlanta is not weather friendly at Super Bowl time. Jerry Jones did it right. Also, I don’t like Jerry Jones. Also, I don’t know who paid for the Texas facility. So many uses and flexibility. I will sit home during cold/rain and watch the game on TV. Upgrading the Dome. I don’t know enough to guess. I agree the World Congress Center should get and upgrade. brings alot of dollars to the organization. Make Mr Blank take out his checkbook and let him do as he pleases.
yo mama
May 21st, 2010
11:56 am
cant make the dome with a retractible roof, because the electtronics inside are not made to be exposed to the weather and issues it brings. too expensive. fix the dome, blank.
joe
May 21st, 2010
11:56 am
Tell the Falcons to stick it. If Blank wants a new stadium let him use his own billions to build in–like in Gwinnett. The man has more money then he will ever need. Why must he have more??
JSS
May 21st, 2010
11:57 am
@ Mark Bradley…
Next time you ever get to Los Angeles, go down to Carson and take a look at the oddly enough “Home Depot Center.” It is where the LA Galaxy plays. After that, then make that statement about the KSU venue… I really like the Kennesaw site but it is like comparing Emirates Stadium to Bazemore Field in terms of the quality of the MLS venues now.
Elmo
May 21st, 2010
11:58 am
Let Blank Build It.
Ask Jerry about his Deal. ( Hee Hee)
Pi$$onaDAWG
May 21st, 2010
12:00 pm
When we can hold school classes in a multi-multi-multi-million dollar football stadium I say build it. We need more football players & a new stadium like we need more uneducated rapists, muggers, and drug dealers. My kid can’t read or write, but we can spend time together at a football game in the rain. I love the south where FOOTBALL is GOD.
Mark Bradley
May 21st, 2010
12:01 pm
I’ve been to the Home Depot Center in Carson, JSS. Really and truly.
Jack in Macon
May 21st, 2010
12:09 pm
Who but a few give a damn about the World Cup? We don’t need to spend tax-payer money for a new dome…. Period!!!!!
Voice of Reason
May 21st, 2010
12:09 pm
I think everyone will agree that is a football fan – Arthur Blank did all fans here a favor when he purchased the Falcons. For that we should be grateful. However, the Falcons are a business, a large corporation, and how many large corporations want the taxpayers essentially to pay for their plants and warehouses? You are right, they haven’t asked because they would be laughed at.
Professional football is BIG business or Mr. Blank would not have paid 545 million or so for the team. While obviously being a very good businessman, he hasn’t been the philanthropist his former partner has with his money. Why then, should the public be a philanthropist for him?
I love the “new” Falcons, and what is happening there. This is due to ownership, management and coaching, all a product of ownership. Thank you Arthur Blank for this.
We live in an area with a fair engineering school. Why can’t some of these “brains” come up with a new roof, retractable, for the Dome at much less expense. This facility offers the city and area too much to replace it with an open air stadium and lose many of these events. It also serves as an overflow facility for conventions, a terrific revenue source for the city.
My conclusion, for what it’s worth, is if the Dome can’t be opened with a retractable roof, another means for an open air stadium should be found. I want to end by saying, thank you Mr. Blank for buying the Falcons, but please understand that these times are tough and other priorities are in place. You are too smart to think otherwise. But it is worth a try though.
JSS
May 21st, 2010
12:11 pm
@ Boorman
For the 9 millionth time, Doraville has axed any plans to build a stadium on the old GM site. That site is goin to be a mixed use green development. The company favored by Doraville is New Broad Street. Here’s what did in Florida: http://www.baldwinparkfl.com/web/
Why doesn’t anyone mention the old Ford plant site? Oh yeah, it is on the Southside, silly me!
FALCONS SORRY
May 21st, 2010
12:13 pm
AUTHUR BLANK! YOU SORRY CHEAP SKATE! YOU CAN BUILD YOUR OWN NEW STADUM YOU CROOK! YOU HAVE DONE STOLED ENOUGH MONEY FROM THIS TOWN! YOU DESERVE TO BE IN JAIL OR IN THE POOR HOUSE OR WORSE! YOU RIP OFF TOO MANY PEOPLE AS IT IS WHEN YOU RUN HOME DEPOT AND SOLD PEOPLE CHEAP WOOD AND BROKE HAMMER AND LADDER THAT DONT WORK GOOD AND NOW YOU WANT EVER BODY TO CHIP IN AN BUILD YOU TWO STADUMS THAT YOU DONT EVE LIKE AND WILL WANT YOU ANOTHER ONE IN A FEW YEAR! YOU SHOWED HOW MUCH YOU CARE ABOUT THIS TOWN WHEN YOU STOLE THE PEOPLE QUARTER BACK AWAY FROM THEM AND REPLACE IT WITH THE NO COUNT COWERD MATTY CRYIN RYAN HOPELESS! IF YOU WANT TO FOOL SOME MORE PEOPLE IN TO GIVING YOU MORE FREE MONEY BLANK WHY DONT YOU GO TO ARKANSAS AND BE WITH PETRINO AND LET THEM HAVE YOUR SORRY TEAM! NO BODY WANTS TO FLUSH NO MORE OF THEIR MONEY AWAY ON YOU BLANK! GO FIND YOU A TOLET AND FLUSH THIS TEAM YOU STOCK UP WITH NOTHING BUT #2 AWAY BLANK BECAUSE THAT ALL YOU AND THE SORRY PLAYER YOU GET NOW ON THE CHEAP ARE GOOD FOR! GO FALCONS GO AND TAKE THAT CROOK HATER OF AN OWNER YOU GOT WITH YOU TOO! ARKANSAS FALCONS! YEE HAW!
get that knife out of the toaster
May 21st, 2010
12:13 pm
Retractable roof stadiums are tacky, expensive, and vulgar. They are a poor excuse for a true open air stadium.
JIm
May 21st, 2010
12:18 pm
Wonder how long before we hear`If we can`t get a new stadium in Ga we will have to move`?
JSS
May 21st, 2010
12:18 pm
@ Mark Bradley
So with that fact, do really think with the constraints on land up at KSU (especially with Brandsmart across the street) to expand it to a 25,000 seat venue?
@ Jack in Macon
Try talking when Macon finally finishes building the rec center at Durr’s Lake or makes Forest Hill Road safe to drive on!
Brusierbrody
May 21st, 2010
12:20 pm
Jerry Jones started talking about a new stadium for the cowboys in 1994, it was completed in 2009. Following the same standard the new Falcons stadium would be completed in 2025, making the Ga Dome 33 years old. So get your panties out of a wad, it is not like they are going to start building the thing tomorrow. If they ever plan on building a new stadium you have to start having conversations like this now.
james connah
May 21st, 2010
12:23 pm
Policians don’t seem to be able to negotiate with business-types very well. Blank holds few cards. A new stadium is unnecessary and should only be built with very minimal taxpayer assistance. I am talking mainly about concessions, not bonds. If something is that desirable it won’t need the taxpayers. The market will taske care of it.
aztec
May 21st, 2010
12:26 pm
we are having the same problem in san diego, the owner is demanding a new stadium, but tax payers wont let it happen unless a major earthquake its and rattles everyone’s brain
Angus
May 21st, 2010
12:33 pm
JIm – Wonder how long before we hear`If we can`t get a new stadium in Ga we will have to move`?”
It’s already been said – very adroitly, I must say.
“We have to pay attention to other sites in the event that we are unable to reach a deal with the authority that’s satisfactory to them and that’s satisfactory to us,” – Rich McKay
Good point, Bruiserbrody, but “now” is 2nd only to circa 1930 in bad timing.
MARIO
May 21st, 2010
12:36 pm
I say stay at the dome…like it was said before there is no need for a new stadium……
Casey
May 21st, 2010
12:37 pm
If the Falcons build the stadium themselves with no taxpayer money, the the city and state get 0% of the revenue from the stadium. Also, the city will have absolutely no say in how or where the stadium is built. This means it will not be built downtown and the city of Atlanta will get no revenue from the Falcons whatsoever for the next 30 years. If you think that is going to help the city’s economic situation, you are an moron.
Gator CHOMP Champ
May 21st, 2010
12:38 pm
All the Falcons need is a SB champ and all this ridiculous talk will go away…but that’s the problem, this team can’t win a SB. Simple math: D is pathetic, Matt Ryan won’t be Drew Brees or Tom Brady (taboo to say it, but it’s reality), and no WRs outside of Roddy.
Don’t build a new one without making it a retractable roof stadium or I won’t be able to watch the Gators win the SEC locally every year please.
Cody
May 21st, 2010
12:44 pm
As a season ticket holder, I agee..there really is no need for a new stadium right now, especially since the Dome just was given a face lift. Now as for it being payed for by us the tax payers…people are forgetting the whole point of why legislature extended the hotel-motel tax…so between that and the Falcons making contributions…thats how they would pay for it as they’ve stated. Also, a big reason why they prefer open air is due to the PSL issue, if you keep the cost at $500 million (that is tops) and under…it shouldnt require PSL’s. If you choose to build a retractable roof…the cost will skyrocket..the cost of one of those roofs is da.mn near the figure I said above. Throw all of the current modern day technology into it….and your pushing a billion (possibly over) right there. I agree with the other season ticket holders..hell will freeze over before I do PSL’s…and the rest of the owners are also realizing this (check out what the Jets and Giants are going through), thats why I think PSL’s are about to die anyway. I’ll take an increase in ticket prices….fine, heck im used to dealing with that (as much as it does suck). Just do whatever you gotta do to avoid going the PSL route….because that would be a complete disaster all way around
Mark Bradley
May 21st, 2010
12:46 pm
Last I checked, Khalil Johnson has never been involved in politics. He started at the World Congress Center on the loading dock and worked his way up to being COO.
Casey
May 21st, 2010
12:46 pm
All of you idiots who say there is no need for a new stadium, either:
1. Have never been to a football game outdoors.
2. Have never been to a football game at indoors.
3. Have never been to a football game.
or
4. You are just stupid.
Hindu Elvis Pimp
May 21st, 2010
12:48 pm
I want a new car…..My current one is not paid off yet, but I got to have a new flashy car to keep up with the rest of my iPhone toting yuppie friends!
Hindu Elvis Pimp
May 21st, 2010
12:49 pm
The preceding is an illustration of want vs need.
doodoobailey
May 21st, 2010
12:51 pm
World Cup???? What sport do they play in that game??? Does any Atlanta native care to host this event?
Great point on the Dome being paid for, use the hotel tax for education and marketing back for the GWCC; If the Falcons want to get into a staring contest about it, let them build a new stadium themselves, and Blank will figure out real quick how much we care about UGA and GT football when he charges me $24 for a tall boy.
CajunStorm
May 21st, 2010
12:54 pm
As a SUPERBOWL CHAMPION NEW ORLEANS SAINTS fan I only have this to say “Are the Falcon’s just dumb or just stupid?”
Look the GA Dome is a beautiful arena! Still! Remodel a bit and buy the dang properties around the Dome to create better tailgating opportunity. That’s it! verytime I go to the GA Dome I’m JEALOUS!! The Superdome has great history and mystique but it can’t hold the Ga Dome’s bath water. (Even though it held Katrina’s P pretty well) There is not a bad seat in the place. Doraville Old GM location? Please! The only thing that will perform there are the Falcon’s. Keep improving the GA Dome, Re-Do your lease and SHUT UP for the next 20 years….AND BE VERY JEALOUS of DEM Saints SB Rings!!
PMC
May 21st, 2010
12:54 pm
Remember the Builders Square Alamo Bowl?
Sonny Clusters
May 21st, 2010
12:55 pm
We was thinking all these people calling other people stupid and maroons and idiots belong on the baseball blog with DOP or whatever his name is. Mark is a more refined blog host and attracts a better crowd of bloggers. That snake story leland told was a good example of the quality of blogging that goes on here. When we started to blog we was hesitant but when we found Mark’s blog we knew we was in our element. Speaking of being in our element . . . we was thinking how good a parfait would go about now. Off to Dairy Queen.
Shady
May 21st, 2010
12:56 pm
Is this guy Johnson a f-ing retard too? He thinks healthcare and education deserve more of our money? Are you f-ing kidding me?
Cody
May 21st, 2010
12:57 pm
Casey I will admit, I’ve seen them play like only a few times at Atlanta-Fulton County, being 22…I was little at the time. Thats why a big part of me wants to see them outdoors…because again i’ve never really had that opportunity. That being said…the Dome has spoiled me….I admit that as well…on the real hot gamedays, it’s nice to go in and cool off…on the frigid gamedays…it’s nice to warm up. I know that makes me sound like a big azz pansie to some of you….but it’s just were i’ve watched them my whole life. I wouldn’t be opposed to going outdoors again though, heck it’d be a mostly new experience for me and the sport was meant to be played outdoors..that coming from someone who’s played the game.
Brusierbrody
May 21st, 2010
12:57 pm
Angus maybe they are starting the talks this early because of the economy. Blank is not a idiot, he know what is going on in Georgia and the rest of the country. I also believe they want a retractable roof, this is all part of the negotiations. I think if this was 199 , 2000 they would be asking for the moon and asking for it yesterday. Just like them saying they might move out of downtown. I do not believe them but they have to pretend they will do it if they have to.
Dan
May 21st, 2010
12:57 pm
Casey – if you are claiming building a new stadium with signifuicant taxpapyer dollars is definitely going to have a positive economic impact on the City of Atlanta’s long term economic situation there is a question which posts here are being made by morons.
If you want to read something on the alleged benefits of public financing by someone who actually has some knwoledge of the subject matter you might want to check these links
http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/questions-for-sports-economist-andrew-zimbalist/
http://www.cppa.utah.edu/publications/finance_tax/Sports_Stadiums.pdf
Mark Bradley
May 21st, 2010
1:00 pm
Mr. Refined. That’s ol’ MB to a T — not.