ATLANTA - New Falcons Stadium (65,000) - Page 9

will101 · April 27th, 2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GunnerJacket

It's a business decision, not an architectural one.

I would actually submit that it's neither. It wouldn't be that hard to modify the Dome to add luxury suites, and cut the capacity to 63-68,000. Some wider concourses, a few bells and whistles, even have a couple of fancy scoreboards 'floating' over the end zones, and you would have one of the top stadiums in the country.

But Blank wants new, he wants the taxpayers to pay for it, and he doesn't care how many schools get closed to do it. No matter how they spin it, that doesn't qualify as a business decision.

Labtec · April 27th, 2012, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJG

That's what I was refering to.

Georgia dome is perfectly fine but cannot compete with other NFL teams in revenue. Not enough luxury suites, advertising space, etc. That's why the Atlanta Falcons are pushing hard for a new stadium, Business decision.

BoulderGrad · April 28th, 2012, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labtec

Georgia dome is perfectly fine but cannot compete with other NFL teams in revenue. Not enough luxury suites, advertising space, etc. That's why the Atlanta Falcons are pushing hard for a new stadium, Business decision.

So the city of atlanta should pony over $300mil because the NFL's business model is broken?

Welkin · April 28th, 2012, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaiderATO

So do most Atlantans. An online poll showed 95% of participants didn't want any tax $ going to it.

It won't happen unless they pay for it themselves.

That is what everyone thought in Minnesota, but look how that one is turning out. They will argue about funding and do their little dance for a couple of years but eventually the Falcons will hire lobbyists who will grease the right palms and get the whole thing called a "jobs program". All the parties involved will sign off on the deal once they get their slice of the pie and the taxpayers will get screwed. The State of Georgia and City of Atlanta will just be another in a long line to build free stadiums for billionaires that are too cheap to build their own. If that doesn't work, Goodell will just go to Atlanta, do a pouty dance and threaten to move the franchise if they don't build exactly what the NFL wants (like what he did in Minnesota this week). This is a done deal. The taxpayers just don't realize it yet. The only thing they don't know, is how badly they are going to get screwed.

krnboy1009 · April 28th, 2012, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJG

Why not just go with a renovation if you need it THAT bad? It was built in '92... that's not that old and it doesn't have to be major.

If a 37 year old Superdome can get a renovation, they can too.

If a 40 year old Arrowhead can get a renovation, they can too.

If a 55 year old Lambeau can CONSTANTLY renovate, they can too.

Soldier Field was built in the 20's, and it's still in use.

Sun Life and Ralph Wilson are also older than the Georgia Dome and they at least have plans on renovating. Why get a brand new stadium that will no doubt cost more?

Soldier field is essentially a new stadium. They only kept the exterior and rebuilt the entire thing.

JJG · April 28th, 2012, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labtec

Georgia dome is perfectly fine but cannot compete with other NFL teams in revenue. Not enough luxury suites, advertising space, etc. That's why the Atlanta Falcons are pushing hard for a new stadium, Business decision.

Well apprently it's not 'perfectly' fine since it is a 20 year old building that the owner wants to now replace.

Again, if you REALLY feel that the Georgia Dome is outdated, then UPGRADE. RENOVATE. Don't needlessly spend (at the least) $700 Million on a brand new stadium.

Quote:

Soldier field is essentially a new stadium. They only kept the exterior and rebuilt the entire thing.

It's the same with TCU's stadium, only they're not keeping the exterior. They're keeping the lower bowl.
The point of me including Soldier Field is because even though you have new seats and suites and lights and all, but it's STILL the same site and in this stadium's case, at least some of the same exterior. So it's as much a new stadium as it is the same stadium, in my eyes.

will101 · April 28th, 2012, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labtec

Georgia dome is perfectly fine but cannot compete with other NFL teams in revenue. Not enough luxury suites, advertising space, etc. That's why the Atlanta Falcons are pushing hard for a new stadium, Business decision.

Did you even read my previous post? Everything that you mention can be remedied in the existing structure for 10% of the cost of a new place.

rantanamo · April 28th, 2012, 04:31 PM

Why were these threads merged? The open air stadium idea is dead, and the retractable roof idea is an entirely new stadium idea?

will101 · April 28th, 2012, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rantanamo

Why were these threads merged? The open air stadium idea is dead, and the retractable roof idea is an entirely new stadium idea?

There will be at most one new stadium for the Falcons, therefore all different ideas and proposals go into one thread. These forums would become too cluttered if every different variation got a new thread.

Plus, the claim that the open air stadium idea is dead is nothing more than an opinion on your part. The only way it can be proven to be anything more than that, would be for construction to start on a non-open air stadium.

RaiderATO · April 30th, 2012, 05:47 PM

I don't see how anything short of a new stadium will keep Blank happy. At the Dome (and any GWCC owned site) he doesn't control the parking revenue, he doesn't control the concession revenue, he doesn't control the structure itself.

If he wants to truly make money he needs to pony it up and fund a new stadium. He's not going to get what he wants out of Atlanta without muting the fan support. He's done a good job so far of not saying "I'm gonna move the team unless...". As soon as he says that, he loses respect from the fans, IMO.

KingmanIII · May 1st, 2012, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labtec

Georgia dome is perfectly fine but cannot compete with other NFL teams in revenue. Not enough luxury suites, advertising space, etc. That's why the Atlanta Falcons are pushing hard for a new stadium, Business decision.

Georgia Dome was built with nearly 200 suites, now down to about 170 after some were converted into event suites. The premium seating areas, concourses, concessions, and bathrooms were all recently renovated. Blank just wants a lease more competitive with other owners.

Topher51 · May 1st, 2012, 04:06 AM

I am not in favor of tearing down the dome, but as I understand it, Mr. Blank wants two big things. An open air stadium and more open space for concourses and clubs. As was previously mentioned, going from a controlled environment to an open environment is a big change. Drainage and weatherproofing the whole stadium would be a huge expense for something with almost no aesthetic impact. As for creating more open space, the dome is a reinforced concrete structure. You can't just cut out columns and reinforce the beams like you can steel. Again, a huge expense.

KingmanIII · May 1st, 2012, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koolio

The Georgia Dome is kinda ugly. I hope this plan goes through. For nearly $1 billion, they can build a truly world class stadium with a retractable roof that everyone in Atlanta can be proud of.

Yeah...

Welkin · May 1st, 2012, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingmanIII

Yeah...

The question is does everyone in Atlanta want to chip in some of their own money just so some really rich billionaire can make even more money for himself. If you really feel that way, just mail the man some money. It is a lot better than paying higher taxes every year for the next 30 years. Seriously, Falcon fans just take your checkbook out and mail this poor man some money. You will feel better knowing that you helped him out. By the way, the NFL has 19 billionaires (more than MLB, NBA and NHL combined). Lord knows these people need your money and any subsidies they can get.

rantanamo · May 1st, 2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will101

There will be at most one new stadium for the Falcons, therefore all different ideas and proposals go into one thread. These forums would become too cluttered if every different variation got a new thread.

Plus, the claim that the open air stadium idea is dead is nothing more than an opinion on your part. The only way it can be proven to be anything more than that, would be for construction to start on a non-open air stadium.

Quote:

In talks Wednesday with state officials, the team said it was no longer pursuing a new $700 million open-air stadium, instead proposing the construction of a $947.7 million, state-of-the-art stadium.

different stadium

GunnerJacket · May 1st, 2012, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topher51

I am not in favor of tearing down the dome, but as I understand it, Mr. Blank wants two big things. An open air stadium and more open space for concourses and clubs...

I truly believe the "open air venue" claim is purely a McGuffin for Mr. Blank to con the most financial aid possible. Insisting on an open venue makes the brand new stadium options appear more cost effective compared to major renovations of the Dome, and thus the Falcons won't have to worry about minor renovation options even if those yield higher rates of return.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welkin

The question is does everyone in Atlanta want to chip in some of their own money just so some really rich billionaire can make even more money for himself.

The problem is that credible financial studies demonstrate the value of the Dome to the City and the GWCC, which combined is one of the largest convention spaces going. Investing some money even into a new retractable roof stadium would be sound if it keeps delivering so much business to this convention-oriented city. Models would probably show the City could easily support a $100M investment, done right, but we'll see. Blank and company know the City can ill afford to lose the Dome right now, and that's why they're playing hard ball.

vitaming · May 2nd, 2012, 12:18 AM

There was some sense to a new building when they were talking about Doraville, but if it's going to be the same central location that equally inconvenient for everyone, just refurbish the Dome. Do a BC Place and convert it to open air. Oh well if it means losing out on Final Fours, one Super Bowl makes more money than five of them. Even if it's freezing like it was in Dallas this year.

Jericho-79 · May 2nd, 2012, 12:35 AM

Any new stadium for the Falcons would be just for pure vanity.

At least that's what Atlantans over at City Data have said.

will101 · May 2nd, 2012, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rantanamo

different stadium

Are you claiming that the Falcons will have two stadiums, or are you simply not grasping my point?

GaForce · May 2nd, 2012, 06:52 AM

When i started this thread, it was after the Falcons expressed plans to build an open air stadium, however the thread is a general place to discuss any new stadium plans the Falcons have until a deal is reached and shovels are into the ground. If you look at the Vikings New Stadium thread, there are i believe 3 or 4 different sites discussed there. Same thing here.

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April 28th, 2012, 04:31 PM	#168
rantanamo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,868 Likes (Received): 6	Why were these threads merged? The open air stadium idea is dead, and the retractable roof idea is an entirely new stadium idea?

April 30th, 2012, 05:47 PM	#170
RaiderATO Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: ATL Posts: 378 Likes (Received): 1	I don't see how anything short of a new stadium will keep Blank happy. At the Dome (and any GWCC owned site) he doesn't control the parking revenue, he doesn't control the concession revenue, he doesn't control the structure itself. If he wants to truly make money he needs to pony it up and fund a new stadium. He's not going to get what he wants out of Atlanta without muting the fan support. He's done a good job so far of not saying "I'm gonna move the team unless...". As soon as he says that, he loses respect from the fans, IMO.

May 1st, 2012, 04:06 AM	#172
Topher51 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: TN, DC, Pittsburgh Posts: 321 Likes (Received): 8	I am not in favor of tearing down the dome, but as I understand it, Mr. Blank wants two big things. An open air stadium and more open space for concourses and clubs. As was previously mentioned, going from a controlled environment to an open environment is a big change. Drainage and weatherproofing the whole stadium would be a huge expense for something with almost no aesthetic impact. As for creating more open space, the dome is a reinforced concrete structure. You can't just cut out columns and reinforce the beams like you can steel. Again, a huge expense.

May 2nd, 2012, 12:18 AM	#177
vitaming with a capital G Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 216 Likes (Received): 4	There was some sense to a new building when they were talking about Doraville, but if it's going to be the same central location that equally inconvenient for everyone, just refurbish the Dome. Do a BC Place and convert it to open air. Oh well if it means losing out on Final Fours, one Super Bowl makes more money than five of them. Even if it's freezing like it was in Dallas this year.

May 2nd, 2012, 12:35 AM	#178
Jericho-79 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 687 Likes (Received): 0	Any new stadium for the Falcons would be just for pure vanity. At least that's what Atlantans over at City Data have said.

May 2nd, 2012, 06:52 AM	#180
GaForce Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 96 Likes (Received): 0	When i started this thread, it was after the Falcons expressed plans to build an open air stadium, however the thread is a general place to discuss any new stadium plans the Falcons have until a deal is reached and shovels are into the ground. If you look at the Vikings New Stadium thread, there are i believe 3 or 4 different sites discussed there. Same thing here.