Falcons moving closer to new, open-air stadium

[nero THE zero]

http://www.ajc.com/business/falcons-...en-848736.html

The Atlanta Falcons moved a step closer toward a possible new home field Tuesday, after the Georgia World Congress Center Authority signaled it is ready to move into detailed talks on the matter.

The Authority agreed to enter into a “memorandum of understanding” with the Falcons on plans for a potential $700 million open-air stadium downtown.

Both parties emphasized the memorandum does not constitute a done deal, but rather allows them to begin negotiations over details of the project, including financing.

But the Falcons have made it clear that they want a new open-air stadium, rejecting alternatives such as expanding the Georgia Dome, adding a retractable roof to the facility or building a new dome with a retractable roof.

A new stadium could open as soon as 2017, officials said, and would be built on a site just over a half-mile north of the Georgia Dome.

“We appreciate the Authority’s diligence in working through this process in a thorough and thoughtful manner,” the Falcons said in a statement. “We continue to have open dialogue with the Authority on a range of topics and options, with the shared goal of working toward an agreement that is in the best interests of the community, our fans and all other stakeholders involved. At this point, no decisions have been made; therefore, we will have no further public comment at this time.”

Tuesday’s action was the first time the GWCCA committed to actively plan for the Falcons’ future, not just study stadium alternatives.

The next step, officials said, will be for Falcons and GWCCA leaders firm up plans for the facility, iron out revenue sharing, work out how much the state and the Falcons will pay toward construction and determine lease terms.

Also in the mix could be naming rights for the facility, the field and the scoreboard.

Pretty interesting that there is such a substantial push for a new stadium already in Atlanta. The Georgia Dome isn't even 20 years old yet. What's even more interesting is the emphasis on an open-air stadium.

Given the shift toward retractable roofs over the past decade, it is curious, if not admirable that Atlanta is demanding an open-air stadium.

[Dutchrudder]

Originally Posted by nero THE zero

http://www.ajc.com/business/falcons-...en-848736.html


Pretty interesting that there is such a substantial push for a new stadium already in Atlanta. The Georgia Dome isn't even 20 years old yet. What's even more interesting is the emphasis on an open-air stadium.

Given the shift toward retractable roofs over the past decade, it is curious, if not admirable that Atlanta is demanding an open-air stadium.

It is odd to me that they don't want a roof of some sort. It certainly would increase their chances of hosting the Super Bowl.

[Showtime100]

Atlanta is nuts if they give the Falcons another stadium. Moreover, like any other market other teams will see what the Jones' just got even though their digs are under 20 years old and a perfectly good facility.

Owners left and right will hold cities hostage with their rundown "dirty 15-year-old eyesores."

LP Field is all of 12 years old and time is now ticking. Plus Bud has a sinkhole card to play and he ain't getting any younger.

[El Tejano]

This is where Bob showed he knew more IMO. He combined it with The Rodeo and concerts and now when he wants a new stadium, Reliant will still be able to operate.

[TexanSam]

Originally Posted by Showtime100

Atlanta is nuts if they give the Falcons another stadium. Moreover, like any other market other teams will see what the Jones' just got even though their digs are under 20 years old and a perfectly good facility.

Owners left and right will hold cities hostage with their rundown "dirty 15-year-old eyesores."

LP Field is all of 12 years old and time is now ticking. Plus Bud has a sinkhole card to play and he ain't getting any younger.

I agree. McNair might be calling for a new football stadium for the Texans in 2015 if this passes through...

[Norg]

How about Bob just Tear down the astrodome since its a curse and build something there

[Texan4Ever]

Didn't the Falcons purpose building a stadium inside a cave?

[gwallaia]

Remember Fulton County Stadium. Steve Bartkwoski and the old Falcon's logo.

[GuerillaBlack]

Originally Posted by El Tejano

This is where Bob showed he knew more IMO. He combined it with The Rodeo and concerts and now when he wants a new stadium, Reliant will still be able to operate.

Doubt it. Things like the Rodeo and concerts will just migrate over to the new digs, as always.

[Hookem Horns]

Originally Posted by TexanSam

I agree. McNair might be calling for a new football stadium for the Texans in 2015 if this passes through...

How about he just concentrate on the Texans making the playoffs before 2015?

[Double Barrel]

Originally Posted by El Tejano

This is where Bob showed he knew more IMO. He combined it with The Rodeo and concerts and now when he wants a new stadium, Reliant will still be able to operate.

I think my head would explode in rage if McNair tried to lobby for a new stadium before Reliant is 20 years old.

I would certainly become active in a grassroots effort to tell him what to do with that proposal.

Although, honestly, I'd be surprised if he tried it.

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by gwallaia

Remember Fulton County Stadium. Steve Bartkwoski and the old Falcon's logo.

Attended many baseball games there.

[IDEXAN]

Don't get ATL thinking about a domeless stadium - they have colder winters than North Texas with more snow and ice. Bad idea.

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by IDEXAN

Don't get ATL thinking about a domeless stadium - they have colder winters than North Texas with more snow and ice. Bad idea.

No they don't. Their weather is essentially identical to Dallas'. It's pretty rare for them to get snow.