Falcons look to build new retractable-roof stadium
In a change of course, the Atlanta Falcons Thursday announced it would be abandoning its pursuit of an open-air stadium, in favor of one with a retractable roof.
The latest joint study by the Falcons and Georgia World Congress Center recommends building a stadium for both indoor and outdoor events. When the new stadium is completed – tentatively in 2017 – the Georgia Dome would then be demolished.
Falcons president Rich McKay says the Falcons are pursuing the stadium in order to offer fans the type of amenities and premium seating found in other new stadiums.
“What we’re trying to do is create a solution that goes into the long-term – ensures the viability not just of the Falcons but of all the major events that Atlanta holds now and we hope to attract even more in a new stadium.”
Published reports put the cost of the stadium at about $950 million.
McKay expects the project to be partially funded by the hotel tax, the original funding source for the Georgia Dome. That tax was extended by lawmakers a few years ago to 2050.
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