Atlanta City Council members grilled Falcons team officials on Wednesday about a proposal that would involve using public funds for a new stadium.
Speaking for team owner Arthur Blank, Falcons President Rick McKay said that the club needs to play in a new stadium in 2017.
The Falcons are asking the Atlanta City Council to approve $200 million in public funding as part of a billion dollar deal.
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.
McKay said that the team is offering the city a good deal by picking up the majority of the cost.
Felicia Moore, the chair of the council finance committee, asked McKay if he felt that the stadium was needed.
"You have to look at it as a need, only in one sense that we, we didn't see ourselves being in a position to execute an extension of our lease…in a renovated situation," McKay said.
Planners say that the Georgia Dome is need of renovations which could cost hundreds millions of dollars.
One council member brought up a comparison between the Falcons and Dallas Cowboys, who the council member said paid for that team's new billion-dollar "Jerry World" stadium with his own money. However, planners said that $325 million of that stadium was paid for with public funds – an action approved by voters.
McKay said that the team is committed to doing everything it can to keep the team in the downtown Atlanta area.
Team officials have previously said that if a deal cannot be reached, they will consider other areas outside the city. On Tuesday, FOX 5 reported that Doraville's mayor rejected the idea of the team moving into that community.
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!
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Golf's governing bodies approved a new rule Tuesday that outlaws the putting stroke used by four of the last six major champions, going against two major golf...
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Golf's two governing bodies outlawed the anchored putting stroke used by four of the last six major champions, approving a new rule that starts in 2016 and urging the PGA...
Georgia baseball coach David Perno has resigned after a 12-year tenure that included three trips to the College World Series but fell on hard times in recent seasons.
Georgia baseball coach David Perno has resigned after a 12-year tenure that included three trips to the College World Series but fell on hard times in recent seasons.
Julio Teheran pitched 8 1-3 strong innings, Dan Uggla hit a three-run homer and the Atlanta Braves won their fourth straight game with a 5-1 victory over the struggling Minnesota Twins on Monday.
Julio Teheran pitched 8 1-3 strong innings, Dan Uggla hit a three-run homer and the Atlanta Braves won their fourth straight game with a 5-1 victory over the struggling Minnesota Twins on Monday.
It's 'IN YOUR FACE' Time, and K-Rod's got something he's been wanting to get off his chest! This week, he's telling you exactly why the SEC sticks together.
It's 'IN YOUR FACE' Time, and K-Rod's got something he's been wanting to get off his chest! This week, he's telling you exactly why the SEC sticks together-- because they're just better than everybody else.
Ramiro Pena had a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in a four-run eighth inning, Jordan Schafer drove in two runs and the Atlanta Braves rallied against the Los Angeles Dodgers' beleaguered bullpen for a 5-2 victory on...
Ramiro Pena had a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in a four-run eighth inning, Jordan Schafer drove in two runs and the Atlanta Braves rallied against the Los Angeles Dodgers' beleaguered bullpen for a 5-2 victory on a...
