BOL Round Table

Looks like Georgia tax payers will be on the hook for 750 million. As Algonquin J Calhoun would say: "The Falcons are the gypor and the city is the gypee".

The Georgia dome is just 20 years old, that's nuts.

Looks like it's only $300M....with the rest of the $1B bill being paid by the Falcons & NFL>

That is insane. The ga dome isn't that old. All that will do is raise prices and waste tax dollars that could be put to better uses.

When they built the new arena in Orlando, they said it was to generate additional revenue. Well, beers went up $2.50, as well as all concessions, and tickets skyrocketed. If you jack up the prices, you generate more revenue. Why did they spend the money in the first place.

My understanding is that most of that 300 million is coming from the hotel tax which is really a tax on people visiting Atlanta. I have no problem with a new facility being built. The Georgia Dome is an eyesore, it looks much older than it actually is.

I too don't really see that big of a need when comparing the Ga Dome to somewhere like the Superdome (thought Ga. was nicer). Would be pretty interesting to see more on the economics involved. Kind of reminds me of what went down with the Barclay's Center, even if it's not really a similar situation.

the House that Julio Built. :)

You can thank Jerry Jones for this. JerryWorld set a new standard that all facilities will want to live up to from now on.

The GA Dome is a fantastic venue and after the most recent renovation is just fine for football, basketball, etc. But the concourses and club level aren't to the standard of some of the newer places like JerryWorld or even Reliant Stadium in Houston.

In short, the SuperDome and GA Dome are "adequate" but in such a super-competitive environment, they won't be "fine" much longer. The key to making $$$ is luxury seating. The endzone club level at the GA Dome leaves much to be desired. Not much room, the restaurants are cramped, etc.

You also have to consider things like Super Bowls, the new NCAA playoffs/title game, NCAA basketball tournaments, etc. Beyond just primary tenant use. These events will be bid out and will go to the highest bidder with the nicest stadium.

The worst organization to dump on taxpayers is the Miami Marlins...They built a new stadium on tax payer money then they trade all the name players to save cash...They will be lucky to get 1000 fans to home games

I can vouch for part A. If it wasn't for the Dome, Atlanta would never get the Final Four and Atlanta is one of the best hosts. The surrounding area takes time to develop and I'd say was on its way, but not so sure about that anymore now.