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!
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.
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.
