ATLANTA
Atlanta has taken the first steps in a process to welcome a state-of-the-art stadium in the heart of its convention corridor, located next to the fourth largest convention center in the U.S., the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC).
The Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) and the Atlanta Falcons have announced the framework of a deal to build a new open-air stadium featuring a retractable roof. The new stadium will become part of the three-facility GWCCA campus, which currently includes the GWCC, Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Dome.
“Today’s announcement signifies an important first step to adding an iconic asset to our meetings portfolio, augmenting one of the world’s best convention, sports and entertainment complexes,” said William Pate, president and CEO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
In addition to serving as the home for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, the new stadium will also host another 80-90 events annually, including large citywide conventions and major sporting events.
“This is an investment that will pay dividends beyond the gridiron on Sunday” said Pate. “The retractable roof will provide flexibility for meetings that utilize large event facilities.”
The $1 billion stadium continues a new phase of development in the heart of Atlanta’s tourism district and convention corridor. Over the next 18 months, more than $250 million in hospitality product will open, including the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame, and the Atlanta Streetcar.
Now that an agreement is in place, the GWCCA and the Atlanta Falcons will begin to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The new stadium is scheduled for a 2017 opening.
Established in 1913, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, nonprofit organization created to favorably impact the Atlanta economy through conventions and tourism.
