The Georgia Dome's demolition might be delayed for a while, but on Friday, city leaders and Falcons owner Arthur Blank are expected to unveil plans to turn much of the stadium site into green space after meets the wrecking ball.
Blank will join Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Home Depot Chairman and CEO Craig Menear and others at a an unveiling event on Friday at 12:30, according to an alert from Reed’s press office.
The Falcons have long considered turning the old dome site into premium parking and tailgating space. But last July in interviews with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Georgia World Congress Center officials announced that they wanted to property to be used as a park for most of the year and become a vital green space link between surrounding neighborhoods and downtown.
Related: GWCCA: ‘Remote chance’ Dome needed, but it ‘could be ready’
At the time, officials said they thought the property could be open to the public for events such as youth sports, community concerts and a farmers market is part of Blank's commitment to rejuvenate Westside neighborhoods.
Credit: Kent Johnson
Credit: Kent Johnson
Earlier this week, Steve Cannon, the CEO of AMB Group, the parent company of the Falcons, said construction issues with the roof of the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium would delay the opening of the Falcons' new home for a third time.
As a result, demolition of the Georgia Dome was delayed. The old dome was officially closed last month, and it will remain in place as an insurance policy, officials said, in case it is needed for football games scheduled for late August and beyond.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is now expected to open Aug. 26 for a Falcons preseason game.
The congress center plans to turn a portion of the old dome site into a luxury hotel. A Home Depot-backed fan experience is also in the works.
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