NFL team Atlanta Falcons will leave Georgia Dome for new stadium after 25 years.
After much negotiation between Falcons owner Arthur Blank and the City of Atlanta, the city have agreed to contribute $200m dollars towards the construction of their new stadium.
With plans to move into the new stadium for the 2017 season, work will begin soon on the new site, which will be just a stone’s throw from the current location.
The new stadium will have a grass field and a retractable roof, as opposed to the domed roof and artificial turf the Falcons currently play on. Since current QB Matt Ryan has played for the team from 2008, the Falcons have a home record of 34-6, which begs the question as to why they are leaving.
The atmosphere inside the dome gets incredibly loud when the crowd builds up the noise on game day, and can be a very hostile experience as the sound bounces off the giant roof. All that could well be lost if the team moves to an open stadium, killing the ambiance inside.
Atlanta are still growing their fan base, as from their formation in 1966 until 2010 they had never had consecutive winning seasons. This new complex should help draw fans to see the team then, particularly with its future estimated capacity of 80,000.
The Georgia Dome will be missed by the Falcons faithful as it has provided some superb memories and nail-biting finishes. However this new stadium will provide a better experience for the fans, help build the franchise as an organisation, and give the city a better chance of hosting a Super Bowl in future years.
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