Falcons prefer new open-air stadium, downtown (Atlanta, Savannah: high school, cost, vs.)

[noah]

Perhaps the artificial turf is better these days but many careers have been ruined and shortened on turf. And who cares what the players think, a majority of them won't be on the team once the new stadium opens. Its the owners, fans and the city that have a vested interest.

Originally Posted by Bulldawgfan

Just a tad bit misleading. I did not see one quote from an actual Falcon. The Georgia Dome is considered one of the fastest fields out there, the backs and wide outs live to show their speed... I bet they do not want to play on grass. The big guys in the trenches probably do not care much, but I am gonna guess they like the no mud field they are playing on right now.

So, when this article says "the Falcons", what it really means is the folks in the front office. Those white shirted execs who want to have more luxury type seating (at a big money price). And they would like for the city to foot a chunk of the bill for a stadium that is not really needed. They toss around numbers that are staggering and have no intentions of footing the entire bill. I say build it, but do not ask me for one red cent.

[ATLHRLGUY]

Interesting article, but I'm still confused why the Falcons' brass aren't jumping on the retractable roof stadium idea. That would give them open air games and make the SEC and Chick-Fil-A happy as well. Rich McKay says that it would be too costly to have that type of stadium; I don't believe that. The falcons, according to the article are looking in the 360-512M range, well reliant stadium(retractable roof and home to the Houston Texans) was built for 350M albeit 2002 prices-even if you were to adjust for inflation it would still be a little less than 500M. You don't have to have the cowboys or colts huge stadiums and spend that type of money to win a superbowl bid.

[Atlantasfinest]

Originally Posted by ATLHRLGUY

Interesting article, but I'm still confused why the Falcons' brass aren't jumping on the retractable roof stadium idea. That would give them open air games and make the SEC and Chick-Fil-A happy as well. Rich McKay says that it would be too costly to have that type of stadium; I don't believe that. The falcons, according to the article are looking in the 360-512M range, well reliant stadium(retractable roof and home to the Houston Texans) was built for 350M albeit 2002 prices-even if you were to adjust for inflation it would still be a little less than 500M. You don't have to have the cowboys or colts huge stadiums and spend that type of money to win a superbowl bid.

Is it possible to make the current stadium (Georgia Dome) in enough time to not affect convention business and other large scale events?

[noah]

I am surprised by all the talk of we need a retractable roof or indoor stadium for football. I believe Seattle's Safeco field was the first baseball stadium with a retractable roof but even there they play football in open air (major college and pro).

If any field in Atlanta needed it for the comfort of the fans it would be the Braves here but they seem to be fine with open air and people still go to the games. An open air field will not cause fans to stay home. With our winters it will most likely cause more to go.

[brownhornet]

How about just a new team

[tonygeorgia]

We need a retractable roof for the HS graduations, battle of the bands, truck shows, etc, etc

[matt8325]

Originally Posted by noah

I am surprised by all the talk of we need a retractable roof or indoor stadium for football. I believe Seattle's Safeco field was the first baseball stadium with a retractable roof but even there they play football in open air (major college and pro).

If any field in Atlanta needed it for the comfort of the fans it would be the Braves here but they seem to be fine with open air and people still go to the games. An open air field will not cause fans to stay home. With our winters it will most likely cause more to go.

Football is mostly a fall sport, not a winter sport and the weather is perfect in the fall in Atlanta. If the Packers can play outdoors in their harsh climate, surely the Falcons can as well.

[matt8325]

Originally Posted by ATLHRLGUY

Interesting article, but I'm still confused why the Falcons' brass aren't jumping on the retractable roof stadium idea. That would give them open air games and make the SEC and Chick-Fil-A happy as well. Rich McKay says that it would be too costly to have that type of stadium; I don't believe that. The falcons, according to the article are looking in the 360-512M range, well reliant stadium(retractable roof and home to the Houston Texans) was built for 350M albeit 2002 prices-even if you were to adjust for inflation it would still be a little less than 500M. You don't have to have the cowboys or colts huge stadiums and spend that type of money to win a superbowl bid.

I don't see why the Chick-Fil-A Bowl would want to play indoors. The Cotton Bowl in Dallas is played outdoors and they always have a good attendance. There are other bowls played north of Atlanta with colder climates that are played outdoors.

[YBF]

Originally Posted by flyonpa

As long as I dont have to pay for it they can have it open/closed ... underground....

I was thinking the same thing. I heard on the radio today that even if they get this open-air stadium that they will still need to keep the dome for superbowls, basketball games, and several other things that are not open-air. So they would have the dome and this new place. I think its a waste of time and money. But thats just me

[Iconographer]

Originally Posted by DTL3000

Screw the Falcons. Until they bring this city a Super Bowl trophy they can go play on the downtown connector for all I care. Is anybody else still burned up about the Saints winning a Super Bowl before the Falcons? And all those people still walking around in Vick jerseys...

*snap*