Q: The Falcons will leave the Georgia Dome and move into their new stadium next season. I know it hasn’t been around long, but can you tell us more about the Georgia Dome and some of its history?
A: Here's a little-known fact: I shivered through the Falcons' final game at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on Dec. 15, 1991.
Those Jerry Glanville-coached Falcons defeated the Seattle Seahawks that brisk day as Deion Sanders scored and quarterback Chris Miller threw two touchdown passes.
That victory capped a magical year at the old stadium as the Braves nearly won the World Series and the Falcons reached the playoffs, a rare event in those days.
But I remember, about halfway through that final game bundled in my layers, wondering what it would be like to watch the Falcons in the warmth of the Georgia Dome, which would open the next year.
I’ve been fortunate to witness many events there, from Falcons games to SEC Championships, and from Final Fours to the high school playoffs.
There have been numerous Chick-fil-A bowls and even a Sugar Bowl in 2006, homeless after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Superdome.
I’ve always enjoyed its accessibility (either driving or MARTA), its sightlines — especially compared to its round predecessor — and, most definitely, that roof, which has kept so many of us warm and dry through the years.
The Georgia World Congress Center Authority says it’s the “only facility in the world to host the Olympics, Super Bowl and Final Four.” They include:
- Super Bowls XXVIII (1994) and XXXIV (2000)
- 1996 Olympics (basketball and gymnastics)
- Men's Final Four (2002, '07 and '13)
- Women's Final Four (2003)
Numerous other tournaments, events — from Billy Graham in 1994 to WrestleMania XXVII in 2011 — and concerts have rocked the joint, including The Rolling Stones, U2, NSYNC, Taylor Swift and Beyonce.
Paul McCartney played there in 1993, nearly 28 years after The Beatles thrilled their fans at the brand-new Atlanta Stadium (the hyphen and Fulton County would be added later) on an August night in 1965.
Several events are scheduled for the first part of 2017 before the Georgia Dome closes, but the Falcons play their last regular-season game there on the first day of the new year.
It’ll be a short move to their next home.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is right next door.
About the Author
