Have an Opinion?

Below in italic are excerpts from the AJC. In bold are a couple of my views.



The GWCCA, a state agency that oversees operations of the Georgia Dome, the Falcons' current home, on Tuesday directed staff to pursue a "memorandum of understanding" as a next step between the agency and the team on stadium plans.

The agency said a new stadium could cost $700 million and be constructed on Ivan Allen Boulevard between Northside Drive and Marietta Street. The state projects that it could raise between $350 million and $400 million if it goes to the bond market in 2013 or 2014. The remaining cost would be paid by the Falcons.

Regardless of the bond market, the fans are going to pay handsomely for this venture.

Dallas' new Cowboys Stadium cost $1.2 billion, while the New Meadowlands Stadium for the New York Giants and the New York Jets topped out at $1.6 billion.

To pay for the behemoth fields, the teams raised ticket prices, increased parking fees and designed luxury suites to sell for top dollar.

Clayton County and every other county school district is faced with education problems . . . children and teachers and other parties play heavily into this. Having problems with finances, and how is that the State of Georgia can raise between $350 and $400 million for Arthur Blank's new palace . . . . Children don't count? Asking the kids to spend an extra two hours in class, bet that really helps with overall conduct.


Students in Clayton County Public Schools could have a shorter school year but spend more time in class next year under a cost-cutting measure presented by the school superintendent this week.

Superintendent Edmond Heatley says the school district may have to trim 37 days from the school year and make the school day two hours longer to help offset a $49 million deficit anticipated over the next two years.

Another point or two . . . how many of us have witnessed a new road project, bridge building or stadium project stay within the dollar figure guidelines. I am an old fart and not sure that I have EVER seen that come to pass. Sure hope Falcon fans see this for what it is.

Shows what money can do. The powerful have lobbyists, while the folks that carry the burden of payment are not represented. Some believe lobbying is a beautiful thing . . . ask Arthur Blank.


Go Fans!!

TOTALLY get your point Buc and it obviously will cost the fans a ton more money.

The State of Georgia wouldn't be issuing the bonds for their stadium though. And the State, counties and cities in the state will continue to issue municipal bonds for school funding....that won't change and a stadium new issue shouldn't hurt school fundings (at least very little).

If they do issue bonds for the stadium, I certainly wouldn't buy any of them in the economic environment we are in right now. They would probably have a lower rating than what I would purchase.

WHY can't people just be satisfied with what they have.......the Falcon's stadium is fine. It won't be a case of "build it and they will come"......quite the contrary.

wlayton, excellent post. This type of conversation should be right in your wheelhouse.

I was really disappointed when Sanford Stadium was re-assembled, doing away with the view of the tracks. My Grandfather as I have said before on this board ran the coal burning Gainesville Midland Engine along thos storied tracks. I, like others understand economics, (somewhat) just a traditionlist at heart.

One example that comes to my mind is Soldier Field in Chicago. Incredible franchise history and they have yet to build a new stadium. Their followers can be found anywhere the Bears play, and the stadium is filled, regardless of how good or bad the team is. I think there is a lesson to be learned by the FANS. Damn all of the hogwash. Drives me nuts. UGA expanded, they/we did not have to build a new stadium. Dawgs outdraw the Falcons and other pro teams big time. Check the numbers when UGA/BOISE STATE engage.

BUMP.......and that's really cool about your grandfather.

If they use tax money on a new stadium that would guarantee I never spend a penny there or on the team again.

kentdaddy wrote:

If they use tax money on a new stadium that would guarantee I never spend a penny there or on the team again.

If they go on with the idea of a new stadium, they won't use tax money (there isn't any and they wouldn't have enough cahoona's to tax the public). It will be a combo of a new issue of municipal bonds (which I wouldn't consider to buy) and the owner's money.



Steve........fix this format....PLEASE.