Atlanta Falcons' Nest: Is a New Stadium The Answer?

While we are still a few weeks away from the start of training camp, I thought it would be a good time to discuss an issue that, while not exactly on the forefront of Atlanta Falcons fans everywhere, may be an even bigger issue down the line. 

Word out of Flowery Branch is that owner Arthur Blank along with the rest of Falcons leadership is looking to leave the Georgia Dome and build their own open air stadium in downtown Atlanta. The current lease expires in 2020 and Blank would like to have his own home for his franchise.

The Georgia Dome, which has been home to the Atlanta Falcons since 1992, has hosted Super Bowls, NCAA Men's Basketball Championship games, and is where they the SEC Football Championship game is held, not to mention a host of other events that take place there. 

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, the operators of the dome, aren't keen to the idea of Atlanta leaving the dome. They have been in talks with the Falcons brass about the possibility of renovating the dome so it would have a retractable roof.

Now I know what you're asking, "C'mon JR, give us some fantasy stats or at least some progress about 'Spoon signing on the dotted line." 

That will come in time, however this is a major issue that needs to be addressed, because there are reasons behind developing the new stadium that will excite fans.

First and what I believe to be the most important reason, it shows that this organization is serious about establishing themselves as one of the NFL's premier powers. They have seen the revenue that has come into Dallas as a result of their billion-dollar monument as well as the success that came with the Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks when they moved into their respective homes.

As a longtime Falcons fan since I can remember back in 1982, it is refreshing to see the ownership move from the days of Rankin Smith, in which there was no direction and playoff appearances were few in between.

Since Blank has taken over the franchise he has put his own imprint on the vision of his franchise, and despite some miscalculations that were no fault of his own (Michael Vick and Bobby Petrino for example) he has continued to be an owner that players want to play for and there is a clear-cut purpose in what he is doing. 

A new stadium will give not only the city of Atlanta a chance to host another Super Bowl (and perhaps a World Cup) but also will allow fans to have a true tailgate experience that most NFL teams get to enjoy.

The Falcons want to develop their own identity, and this is the first step in doing so.  Although the majority of players who are there now will be either retired or in the twilight of their career, this franchise and a new stadium will be a place where others will enjoy being a part of going forward.  This is why Atlanta needs a new nest to house their franchise.