By DAN KARELL
With Orlando City’s stadium deal approved and ready to begin, there’s a real possibility that Atlanta could join Orlando as the next cities with Major League Soccer expansion teams.
In an interview with WSB-TV in Atlanta, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank revealed new designs of his proposed $1 billion retractable-roof stadium that will replace the Georgia Dome, including configurations to the stadium when soccer games are held. The photos released show a look similar to BC Place in Vancouver, with partitions that would cover the middle and upper bowls of the stadium from view.
Blank has reportedly been speaking with MLS Commissioner Don Garber about bringing an MLS team to Atlanta, and with Garber’s expectation of a new stadium in every expansion city, Blank seems more than happy to accommodate MLS in his football stadium designs.
Though ground hasn’t broken yet on the proposed stadium, the team has a site in place and they purchased the last private-owned plot of land on the property, clearing the way for work to begin sometime next year.
The stadium is expected currently to be ready by 2017.
What do you think of these developments? Do you like the designs? Do you see an MLS team thriving in Atlanta?
Share your thoughts below.