Atlanta Falcons executives are warning city officials that the football team will look to move out of downtown if a deal for a new stadium is not struck.
Residents packed a hearing at Atlanta City Hall on Wednesday to discuss the proposed billion-dollar stadium.
Speaking for team owner Arthur Blank, Falcons President Rick McKay said that the club intends to play in a new stadium in 2017. McKay said that the team is offering the city a good deal by picking up the majority of the cost.
"We would have no choice but to consider pursuing another option elsewhere in metro Atlanta. That would be our option. We don't -- please let don't anybody say, ‘Oh, that's a threat, oh, that's not right.' That's just the reality of what we have to do as our lease is going to end," McKay said.
McCay later told reporters that if the deal isn't set "then clearly we will look in the metropolitan area and see where an opportunity may exist."
He said that the Falcons have not yet looked at any specific sites yet in the metro area. He said that commitment is to the downtown site for now.
McKay said that the team is offering the city a good deal by picking up the majority of the cost.
The possible deal would require $200 million in public funds, while the Falcons would put in $800 million plus at least another $50 million to retire leftover debt on the Georgia Dome, which would be torn down.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed's administration, which backs the deal, lined up a host of civic proponents who, for more than two hours, explained why the new stadium would be a good choice.
"There has been lots of discussion about use of public funds. The only taxes that have ever been discussed to fund a new stadium or this transaction have been hotel-motel taxes, which are charged to visitors," Atlanta Chief Operation Officer Duriya Farooqui said.
Many of those in attendance at the public hearing called for more inclusion so nearby communities like Vine City, Castleberry Hill and others will see more money and jobs as a result.
"So we would like to be included in this process, have the opportunity to bring our team to the table," said Atlanta resident Rodney Mullin.
Other said that the stadium affects their quality of living.
"That stadium will mean that our doors will rattle, our foundations may be moved, construction may shut our roads. We will continue to face the tailgating and non-compliance issues that we face today on gypsy lots," said Robin Gagnon, a downtown resident.
City Hall says they're going to have a number of public forums again, but those dates have not been determined yet.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:45 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:45:14 GMT
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Monday, May 13 2013 7:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:19:20 GMT
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Monday, May 13 2013 10:01 AM EDT2013-05-13 14:01:16 GMT
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan.
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan and Coach Mike Smith!
Evan Gattis and Andrelton Simmons hit consecutive homers off Kenley Jansen in the eighth inning, and the Atlanta Braves rallied to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 on Saturday night.
Evan Gattis and Andrelton Simmons hit consecutive homers off Kenley Jansen in the eighth inning, and the Atlanta Braves rallied to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 on Saturday night.
The Atlanta Braves have placed left-hander Eric O'Flaherty on the 15-day disabled list with a left elbow strain and called up right-hander Cory Rasmus from Triple-A Gwinnett.
Braves general manager Frank Wren says left-hander Eric O'Flaherty has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.
Right from the start, a horse trained by one not so over-the-hill Hall of Famer and ridden by another took control of the Preakness. The result: a huge upset and the end of any hopes for a Triple Crown attempt at the Belmont...
By PAUL NEWBERRY AP National Writer The son of the U.S. national swim team director is reporting that Michael Phelps is planning a comeback for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
By PAUL NEWBERRY AP National Writer Is Michael Phelps planning a comeback?
Friday, May 17 2013 11:45 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:45:14 GMT
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Justin Upton gave Atlanta the lead with a sixth-inning grand slam and the Braves finally unveiled their full-strength lineup, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5 on Friday night.
Justin Upton gave Atlanta the lead with a sixth-inning grand slam and the Braves finally unveiled their full-strength lineup, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5 on Friday night.
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Ken Venturi, who overcame dehydration to win the 1964 U.S. Open and spent 35 years in the booth for CBS Sports, died Friday afternoon. He was 82.
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Ken Venturi, who overcame dehydration to win the 1964 U.S. Open and spent 35 years in the booth for CBS Sports, died Friday afternoon. He was 82.
