Atlanta City Council members grilled Falcons team officials on Wednesday about a proposal that would involve using public funds for a new stadium.
Speaking for team owner Arthur Blank, Falcons President Rick McKay said that the club needs to play in a new stadium in 2017.
The Falcons are asking the Atlanta City Council to approve $200 million in public funding as part of a billion dollar deal.
The possible deal would require $200 million in public funds, while the Falcons would put in $800 million plus at least another $50 million to retire leftover debt on the Georgia Dome, which would be torn down.
McKay said that the team is offering the city a good deal by picking up the majority of the cost.
Felicia Moore, the chair of the council finance committee, asked McKay if he felt that the stadium was needed.
"You have to look at it as a need, only in one sense that we, we didn't see ourselves being in a position to execute an extension of our lease…in a renovated situation," McKay said.
Planners say that the Georgia Dome is need of renovations which could cost hundreds millions of dollars.
One council member brought up a comparison between the Falcons and Dallas Cowboys, who the council member said paid for that team's new billion-dollar "Jerry World" stadium with his own money. However, planners said that $325 million of that stadium was paid for with public funds – an action approved by voters.
McKay said that the team is committed to doing everything it can to keep the team in the downtown Atlanta area.
Team officials have previously said that if a deal cannot be reached, they will consider other areas outside the city. On Tuesday, FOX 5 reported that Doraville's mayor rejected the idea of the team moving into that community.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:45 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:45:14 GMT
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Monday, May 13 2013 7:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:19:20 GMT
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Monday, May 13 2013 10:01 AM EDT2013-05-13 14:01:16 GMT
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan.
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan and Coach Mike Smith!
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:45 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:45:30 GMT
Cody Chaffins' "Old School" blog is a place where he'll share some of his favorite treasures from the FOX 5 Sports archive.
Cody Chaffins' "Old School" blog is a place where he'll share some of his favorite treasures from the FOX 5 Sports archive. Every week, he will blow the dust off of 3/4'' and Beta tapes to uncover video that hasn't seen the light of day in decades. If you don't believe us, check out his first post!
It could have been the perfect matchup to cap an unforgettable game. LeBron James driving to the rim to face Roy Hibbert, one play to decide Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
It could have been the perfect matchup to cap an unforgettable game. LeBron James driving to the rim to face Roy Hibbert, one play to decide Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Tiger Woods says the "fried chicken" comment from Sergio Garcia was hurtful and inappropriate. Two weeks after they verbally sparred at The Players Championship, Woods say it's time to move on.
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Sergio Garcia apologized to Tiger Woods for saying he would serve fried chicken if they were to have dinner at the U.S. Open, an ugly addition to nearly two weeks of verbal...
A.J. Murray and Mott Hyde hit back-to-back homers in the top of the ninth inning to help reigning champion Georgia Tech beat Florida State 4-3 on Wednesday in pool play at the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.
A.J. Murray and Mott Hyde hit back-to-back homers in the top of the ninth inning to help reigning champion Georgia Tech beat Florida State 4-3 on Wednesday in pool play at the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.
Evan Gattis kept up an amazing rookie season with his first grand slam, B.J. Upton and Ramiro Pena also homered, and the Atlanta Braves finished off a sweep of the woeful Minnesota Twins 8-3 Wednesday.
Evan Gattis kept up an amazing rookie season with his first grand slam, B.J. Upton and Ramiro Pena also homered, and the Atlanta Braves finished off a sweep of the woeful Minnesota Twins 8-3 Wednesday.
Friday, May 24 2013 3:29 PM EDT2013-05-24 19:29:58 GMT
The National Park Service is ending unpaid leave for U.S. Park Police officers earlier than expected. National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said the furloughs will end on June 3, after just
The National Park Service is ending unpaid leave for U.S. Park Police officers earlier than expected. National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said the furloughs will end on June 3, after just
Friday, May 24 2013 2:46 PM EDT2013-05-24 18:46:22 GMT
A Bronx teacher says her language lesson was lost in translation when she was fired for calling a student "Negro" — though she claims she was simply using the Spanish word for the color "black".
A Bronx teacher says her language lesson was lost in translation when she was fired for calling a student "Negro" — though she claims she was simply using the Spanish word for the color "black".
Friday, May 24 2013 2:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 18:08:29 GMT
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:59 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:59:43 GMT
Five people were injured when a van jumped a curb in downtown Brooklyn on Friday.
Five people were injured when a van jumped a curb in downtown Brooklyn on Friday. The van rear-ended a Taxi and Limousine Commission vehicle at the corner of Church Ave. and Utica Ave. at about 7:45 a.m., said police. One of the pedestrians that was struck by the van was taken to Brookdale Hospital. Four other victims were taken to Kings County Hospital.
Delta Air Lines is opening a $1.4 billion terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, strengthening its hand in the battle for the lucrative New York travel market.
Delta Air Lines is opening a $1.4 billion terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, strengthening its hand in the battle for the lucrative New York travel market.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:25:15 GMT
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
Connecticut is making $5 million available immediately to cities and towns to help reimburse them for school safety and security upgrades following the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
Connecticut is making $5 million available immediately to cities and towns to help reimburse them for school safety and security upgrades following the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:50:33 GMT
County sheriffs have asked to join the federal lawsuit challenging New York's tough new gun restrictions, calling some provisions vague and impossible to enforce fairly.
County sheriffs have asked to join the federal lawsuit challenging New York's tough new gun restrictions, calling some provisions vague and impossible to enforce fairly.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:43 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:43:54 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
