ajcsportstalk

By HA

November 7, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Bulldoze the dome and sell the team!!!!!!! Try agian in 20 more yrs.

By KD

November 7, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Unless you’re talking about the Packers, Bears or some other team with a historically loyal following, teams always get bad survey ratings whenever they are performing poorly on the field. That’s just a fact of life in the NFL.
If MV7 were here and the birds were off to their customary 6-2 or 5-3 start the survey would be very different.

By geekboy

November 7, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Well, it beats the pants off old Fulton County Stadium.

Compared to that experience, I’d give the Dome a 9.

By StillDefiant

November 7, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

100% agree, KD

By baloney

November 7, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Yes, it really is that bad.Not as much to do with the team as it does with th elocation and being indoors.I would really like for someone in chardge to step up and forget about political correctness and say why they should move to the suburbs. That reason of course would be that there is more money, less crime, (less MARTA=less desireable clientel)As it is now, I owuld wonder how many people actually pay with real money to see the Falcons. I’d guess that there is a large number of corporate types that give tickets away to the underprivelaged.Plus who wants to go to the armpit that is known as the gulch to tailgate?Good tailgating could be had outside of downtown.

By Darth Mike

November 7, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

no surprise there, the dome is bland and has no atmosphere. There is nothing “Georgia” about the dome that makes it appealing. It is just a big building with no soul.

By matt

November 7, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

The tailgating rating obviously skews the results. This is the South. We tailgate on Saturdays.

By HFE

November 7, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Even when the Falcons were good, the Dome and gameday experience there was bad.

By baloney

November 7, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

KD, what do yo umean if the Falcons were off to their customary 6-2 start? Like that has happened many times before.

By Mike

November 7, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

The Georgia Dome s*s. No other way to put it. The seats are too narrow, there is no legroom and the game is indoors. The stadium is hard to get to and there is little parking, most of which is over-priced.

Football is meant to be played outdoors. Period. There is little incentive to attend Falcons games as they are the worst franchise in NFL history and getting worse. Why spend my money here when there is great, competitive football just a short drive away in Athens, in a beautiful venue.

The best thing that could happen to Atlanta in this regard is to get rid of the Falcon franchise and start all over again later with a fresh attitude, new ideas, new players and new coaches. I believe the Falcons are far too gone for salvaging. Attitudes of the players stink. We need a fresh new start all the way around. Getting rid of the Dome would only be a start.

Yes, I’m down on everything Falcons-related. But as a fan since the 1960’s, I’ve given up. This team is and has been an embarrasement to the City.

By Ghost

November 7, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Didn’t we talk about this not too long ago?

Anyway, I’ve been a season ticket holder since ‘99 when I moved here. It’s not the greatest place to watch a game, but it’s not terrible either.

I tailgate for every game and we have canopies, grills, fish fryers, satellite TV and good drinks. Who can’t have fun with that?

If they were winning it’d be better, but hey, you gotta make the most of what you got!

By Steve Bartkowski

November 7, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

The Dome’s construction was driven by the 1996 Olympics and not the Falcons. Bringing southern professional football into a dome setting was a disaster from the start, but money talked along with luxury boxes.

Atlanta does not even get cold until Mid November or December, so fans are deprived of enjoying a nice warm or cool football climate due to the Olympic objectives.

I recall the 1980 playoff game with Dallas and how cold I was, but I loved the atmosphere and I loved the game. Drew Pearson and Danny White did is in, but oh well.

Bring the game back outside where it belongs in the South, by either installing a retractable roof on the current Dome or building a new outdoor facility.

The Georgia Dome is as boring as boring gets, because it has no character.

By Soryu

November 7, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Yes, but if they sold the team it’d probably end up in Las Vegas, and I wouldn’t wish that on that fine city—of course the way the Rebels play football at least the pro team and college team would have something in common—losing year after year.

By Vick's Pitts

November 7, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Who wants to go sit inside a Concrete block to watch football in the South. Worst venue ever. Let the Falcons play at Turner Field please.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 7, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

I don’t understand this. Is this some ploy to help Blank get a new stadium? Dullest game-day experience? What do you want? People in clown suits riding a rope down from the ceiling bringing fans their drinks? What, are there supposed to video game rooms, shoe-shine boys, and merry-go-rounds in there for the kids? How come no one even brought this up when # 7 was here? Oh, I know because the GAME, which you are there for in the 1st place, was not dull. Now that this team and their game is dull, its the stadiums fault? Get real. I don’t care if the game is in the parking lot as long AS WE WIN!! This team losing the way they are is what’s dull, not the stadium.

“Win, and the people will come…”

GO FALCONS!

By Ian

November 7, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

The experience, such as it is, comes as much from the Falcons’ poor performance as it does from uninspired marketing. This is a town of transplants, much as is the case in Washington, D.C. When people move there, they are caught up in the Redskins experience. There is nothing similar here. Promotions that would build loyalty or just buzz about going to the game never happen here. The whole game day experience in Atlanta is a cattle call. Pay your money, buy some concessions and get out. Other than the announcer calling them “your Atlanta Falcons”, there is no attempt at bonding with the fans. If I were Arthur Blank, I would take a look at the Dome during visits by the Steelers, yellow towels everywhere, or by some of the other teams and would the fire my marketing organization, if there is one.

By David Lee

November 7, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Who doesn’t like to be bothered by all the bums and hustlers aka Playas that hang out around the DOME? I love that part of the game day experience - feeling threatened for my money and life. When they put up “DEFEND THE DOME” during the game, I think they should mean the outside with all the crime that happens. Rest assured Mr. Blank rides in and doesn’t see the CRIMINAL ELEMENT.

By Biff

November 7, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

There needs to be major improvements all the way around. The area around the Dome SUX… Tailgaiting would be more fun if they would clean up that dreadful area..

By H from Marietta

November 7, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

I can understand why SI said that we have a crappy game-day experience (once a season ticket holder).

1 - It’s the Georgia Dome, where Atlanta fall weather is wonderful, but we’re stuck indoors, while it’s anywhere from the mid forties to the low seventies, which is perfect weather for football.

2 - The Gulch, no matter what other fans say, is horrible. For one thing, fans are being gouged for parking, sometimes being over $50!

3 - The parking lots are spread out, not like KC or Lambeau, which separates the fans!

4 - The homeless people around the Dome and parking lots make for a less than safe environment, especially when they are begging for your beers!

5 - Concessions at the Dome are awful! No real selection on food. I’d rather have Jacksonville’s concessions = Outback, polish sausage dogs w/peppers & onions, etc.

I’ll give Blank credit where it’s due as he did spend good cash on Falcon’s Landing, but this doesn’t compare to the flaws of the Dome and concessions.

By AMB

November 7, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

You all suck.

By Diogenes

November 7, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Build a new, open-air stadium at the site of the old GM plant near the I-285/85 intsersection. THan, allow a developer to build a real entertainment district around the stadium. Voila, problem solved … though, wait a minute, look what’s happened to Atlantic Station … hmm, maybe skip the entertainment district. Don’t need the problem-causers wrecking the suburbs, too.

By C from Marietta

November 7, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

With the great fall weather we have in Georgia. It is lame to play football indoors. I am not saying the dome is not a nice place. However, we should be enjoying the great outdoors on Sundays. Domes are terrible to watching football.

By C from Marietta

November 7, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

With the great fall weather we have in Georgia. It is lame to play football indoors. I am not saying the dome is not a nice place. However, we should be enjoying the great outdoors on Sundays. Domes are a terrible place to watch football.

By gerri1mv7fan

November 7, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

ABLANK SHOULD HAVE TAKEN A STAND NO VICK NO SALE OUT .RAY LEWIS WON THE SUPER BOWL . I THINK THAT MV7 MAKES A DIFFERENT YOU THINK

By AMB

November 7, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

You all suck.

By TRAVIS

November 7, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Yes i agree 100%. Other stadiums give out great giveaways when you walk through the gate. Monday night against the dome the Atlanta Falcons gave out some damn Delta luggage tags!!! Are u serious!

By BRIDGETGAIL BURTON

November 7, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

REHIRE MICHAEL VICK BACK WITH RESTRICTIONS ON HIS CONTRACT

By Section 137

November 7, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

I’m not trying to pile on, but as a season ticket holder I find the experience at the Dome to be pretty dismal. First, there’s the Dome itself. Atlanta should have an outdoor stadium or retractable roof. Last week’s game would have been great in the sunshine. The video screens are way too small and poorly located. You seldom get highlights or updates from other games. The sound system is terrible, exspecially when it’s blasting bass-heavy rap music. And they giveaways are so lame. Season ticket holders should get much better swag. Please spare me another magnetic schedule. Even if the Birds were in first place, (which I wish they were) the Dome experience is not as good as it should be.

By David

November 7, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

The RANKin Smith family just about ruined my love for football. But I was resilent,…even got downright excited when Arthur Blank bought the team. At this point, there is no difference. The Stadium is horrible…and no a paint job wont change it, but good try. I never thought Id hear myself say this, but I agree with the post above. Demolish the stadium, sell the team, and put us out of our misery. Our franchise has been a total emabarrasment for most of its pathetic existence. The stadim has never given us a home field look. I disagree with the post about the record having anything to do with it. The stadium has always been a cold, concrete building that happens to house a football team. If the team were winning, at least we could argue that the franchise desserves a better place to call home. But sadly, it seems the two deserve each other. Lets face it, the only time the Falcons or their building are wanted, is at scheduling time around the league.

By wolverinegrad

November 7, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

To Baloney

You are Baloney…cheap processed meat that is not good to digest.

I know the south is still backwards and all but traveling on a metro doesnt change game day experience. big cities use the metro to get to and from ball games. Why in the world would or should ATL build a stadium in the suburbs. If Anything they should plan to build a stadium similiar to the New Dallas one with a retractable roof. But not in the suburbs. Its true its not much fan fare b/c fans cant really tailgate like they can in other venues b/c the parking area is small forcing fans to park elsewhere to go to the games. Fans need to be able to Park & Tailgate and Take the Metro. Its time to start thinking like a big city and thats no baloney.

By TC

November 7, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Yes it is pretty dull. I call it Club Dome, when you could just walk around on any floor. Mingling and meeting people. Now its sit in your designated area and thats it! No life in the dome. Tailgating is better to me.

By San Antonio Falcon

November 7, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

I went to my last (2) games at the dome in 2000, of course I have moved out of state. All arenas probably do it, but what is with the loud annoying music between every play. The dome does stink, they should promote the game not the circus crap in between. Football should be played outdoors rain or shine. I enjoyed Fulton County Stadium a heck of alot better.

By The truth

November 7, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Man I am tired of all of the dumping on MV7. It was only dogs man. He did not kill anybody. Stop the blame of MV7. Mark my word, he will not do the time, and will be back in the NFL next year with the Dolphins..

By Sean Jaro

November 7, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Of course it sucks!!! Karma Kills!!!

By Paul

November 7, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Bring Vick back as soon as he’s released and all our problems will disappear

Bring Vick back!!!!!!!!!!!

By BuzzFactor

November 7, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Give me open air, more tailgating, and a less crime infested area.

By Randy G.

November 7, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Keep the Falcons. Keep the stadium Downtown, BUT…

Bulldoze the Dome!

It is so depressing to spend the morning tailgating only to have to go inside to watch football. I feel like I’m in Lenox Mall on a beautiful day.

By DwayneL

November 7, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

I agree, if it were played in an outdoor stadium like the college teams in the South it would be a much better experience. I personally can’t stand going to football games in a dome!

By rkquiet

November 7, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

I have not been to a Falcon’s game since they went to the dome. Football is an outdoor sport. And to watch a team as bad as the Falcons play not worht the money.

By DowntownDawg

November 7, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

I went to one game the year before when Vick played. They won, and it was still boring as can be. The dome gives you a cold sense about it. It’s not attractive, it’s not even set up very well. The seats suck, the prices are too high for what you get. Not to mention the people sucks. I went to a game last week vs. 49ers’. It sucked. They won too, and again, it still was a terrible experience. I live downtown, I’m used to panhandlers, but at the dome, it’s just unreal, and I can SEE the Dome from my condo, so it’s not like I”m far away from this crap.

The staff in the dome are terrible, the facility is terrible, the tailgating and the surroundings of the game are just depressing. But like many mentioned, it’s far worse when the team is terrible as well.

I had 4 tickets, lower level. They normally charge over $100 a ticket for these seats.. After going this last time, I would laugh at anyone who spent that on these seats. I’d rather take my money where I felt welcome and somewhere that had some spirit to it. I’ll take my money to the “hedges” in Athens, and I’ll assure you for $100 I can have a ball all through game and after game.

Plus the Dome is next to the ghetto, and excuse me, but I don’t believe anyone living off my paycheck in the west end needs to be attending the games via marta.

By ugafan

November 7, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

I will 2nd Matt, I tailgate on Saturdays in Athens not the Dome, and plus nobody hits me up for “spare change” in Athens, that is why I stopped tailgating at the Dome, every 2 min somebody had a sob story wanting money!

By Pitbull

November 7, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

The Dome is NOT depressing when UGA plays there. That place rocks. Is the Dome depressing when the Falcons play there? Technically no. The Falcons are depressing.

By getalife

November 7, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

it just goes to show that Elton John had it right all along, “Money Can’t Buy ya love”, hey Arthur, try stopping by a HD store, I heard, “You Can’t do it, We Can Help” All that money flushed down the toilet, next thing they’ll want is to build a new stadium. Again!

By Ed

November 7, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Ever been to a game at bank of America Stadium (Panthers)? Fans come late and leave early. Where did they rank?

By BS

November 7, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Bulldoze the Dome and move the statdium to a more attractive part of town. Same goes with Turner Field. Let’s move our venues close to nice areas and away from the crack houses and quit trying to appease those in South Atlanta….

By You gotta be Falcon kidding me!

November 7, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Those reports blow. I have been to Lambeau, Soldier Field (old and new), Giants, etc.

Plain and simple folks…I don’t get a rats %ss about ‘Gameday Experience’. It is the fans that count. Also, in the GA Dome there is a not a bad seat in the place. Better viewing then a lot of those listed above. Now granted those cities (except Detroit) are larger than Atlanta and the fans are more loyal too (Except again Detroit).

Now how can the Giants/Jets be different? They play in the same stadium??? And have the same marketing company that does their gameday events. Strange.

Now for us we need a winning team and what would be great with our weather is update the dome with a retractable roof. That would be AWESOME on the nice fall days we have.

Go Falcons!

By Fan

November 7, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

I just have one question: WHERE IS RICH McKAY? Is he still employed by the Falcons???

By M. McCurley

November 7, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

I was an Atlanta Falcons ticketholder, but when they started to fence in the lower level of the stadium…I decided not to renew. Blocking people off from the lower level really turned me off. There are certain places on the lower level that I liked to frequent. When they put up fences to keep people out who didn’t have lower level seating it made it seem like they didn’t care about everyone having a great game day experience. They would be lucky to get me back at a game anytime soon.

By #7

November 7, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

we have a culture different in Atlanta like no other team in the NFL. some like country, rock, hip hop and R&B. 56% of the season ticket holder were black as of last year. That will change some next year now that Vick is gone. The Football Team is the worst game day experiences now vick is gone. you have to win to get people to follow you. We have some of the NFL worst haters as fans and the worst sport media. Most City’s don’t have the vast culture different as Atlanta does! The Media in Atlanta white, The owner is a Jewish ,most season ticket holders are black most of the team is black and most of the state is white. There is only one thing that will make this work is to WIN that a cure ALL! Until then this is what you get a mess! Win Baby Win! Keep your head up Vick a lot of us are still with you but hateful media and Hater fans are not far behine!

By Jimmy Etheridge

November 7, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

There’s no guarantee that even if Vick were here that the Falcons’ record would be any better. It might be even worse.

By tim

November 7, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

I think the stadium is actually really good. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. The problem is bad parking and nowhere to really tailgate. That and the Falcons aren’t winning

By loafer

November 7, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

I agree. I am a Season Ticket holder and dread going to the games. The tailgatting and parking is the worst I’ve ever seen. It take 2 hours to leave my parking space in the gultch and make it home. The vast majority of that time is spent sitting in the gulch waiting for the line to move. Their is no police directing trafic to get things flowing.

When Blank took over we saw big things before during and after the game. Now it’s worse than when the Smith’s had it. Blank is now trying to buy the Braves and I’m sure that will head in the same direction.

Move the team out to the suburbs. The whole experience can be changed. Why this loyalty to downtown. It’s miserable for the fans.

And why the DOME. Football is meant to be played outside!!

And by the way, the falcons landing hasn’t changed since the smith’s. Blank did nothing with it.

By rkquiet

November 7, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

I have not been to a Falcon’s game since they went to the dome. Football is an outdoor sport. And to watch a team as bad as the Falcons play not worht the money.

By TSPEC

November 7, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Well the Dome is empty so it’s easy to point the finger! Look on the bright side, there are alot of pitbulls off the street and the world is a safer place.

Now Leonard Little of the St. Louis Rams plead GUILTY to a DUI and Vehicular Manslaughter charges, then got a 2nd DUI, but hey he’s still playing and didn’t miss a game!

I guess dogs are more important than people in the good ole U.S of A…

F the Dome and the Falcons!

By Rankin Smith

November 7, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Few remember that I held the state of Georgia hostage in the late eighties (before the olympic award I believe) for a new stadium. If my demands were not met I was going to move the team to Jacksonville. My boys in the legislature at the time came through but thought it prudent to build a “multi-purpose” indoor facility. If they had been a little more prudent and not buckled to my demands you would have had a new expansion team (instead of Jacksonville) and who knows what kind of stadium would have come with it. Plus you might not have been awarded the Olympics because the dome was not built for Olympics as most think. My friend Billy Payne used the fact that I was getting the dome as a drawing card for the Olympics. So blame it all on me. Rankin Smith….

By Keepin It Real

November 7, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

The Dome sux - The coach sux. Vick suxs for doing this to us! It’s all BAD. Now Blank isn’t making enough from ticket profits to proceed with the Dome renovations that he discussed last year. What happened??? Nobody saw this season being this HORRIBLE!!! This is suppose to be HOTLANTA!!!!

By Iceberg 33

November 7, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Not very good in my opinion. Parking is the worst in the NFL.

By Keepin It Real

November 7, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

The Dome sux - The coach sux. Most of the players sux. Vick suxs for doing this to us! It’s all BAD. Now Blank isn’t making enough from ticket profits to proceed with the Dome renovations that he discussed last year. What happened??? Nobody saw this season being this HORRIBLE!!! This is suppose to be HOTLANTA!!!!

By Keepin It Real

November 7, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

The Dome sux - The coach sux. Most of the players sux. Vick suxs for doing this to us! It’s all BAD. Now Blank isn’t making enough from ticket profits to proceed with the Dome renovations that he discussed last year. What happened??? Nobody saw this season being this HORRIBLE!!! This is suppose to be HOTLANTA!!!!

By Keepin It Real

November 7, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

The Dome sux - The coach sux. Most of the players sux. Vick suxs for doing this to us! It’s all BAD. Now Blank isn’t making enough from ticket profits to proceed with the Dome renovations that he discussed last year. What happened??? Nobody saw this season being this HORRIBLE!!! This is suppose to be HOTLANTA!!!! Now it’s just a HOT MESS!!!

By Villa Rica DAWG

November 7, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

I have been to Falcons games, Monster Trucks, and Dawgs games at the dome. The only one that sucks is the Falcons games. One problem is that the place is closed in and BORING when the Falcons are on the field. There is nothing else to look at except a dead crowd and your team getting the he!! beat out of them. The place isn’t alive, it’s dead…

Falcons suck… I can’t believe they traded Farve.

By rob

November 7, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Bulldoze the dome and sell the team!!!!!!! Try agian in 20 more yrs.

Hilarious

By Hater

November 7, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

The dome looks like an 80,000 seat Warehouse. You can’t even tell what team plays there from the outside.

By Eric

November 7, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Has anyone been paying attention to the weather lately??? Why would we put a dome on our stadium??? Football should be played outdoors, especially in the South. Let’s take some of our money back from Vick and invest in a retractable roof.

By ozzfest

November 7, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

You drink in the parking lot and ADP will ticket you. That means no tailgating, which means I will NEVER attend a Falcons game. Authur, kiss my a*, you pig.

By shout

November 7, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

David Lee - had to be the first ugly, racist pig to talk his trash. Go away boy, bet my Vick jersey that you don’t know how to play the game of football anyway. Stay off the blog and get ready for the CMA.

By Gooden

November 7, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Yes, I agree, it is bad! The concession stands are over priced and most of the time you have to walk a distance to get to one that’s open, due to the lack of attendence a lot of them are closed now. And the team is playing so bad that it is hard to stay and watch them play. If I had not purchased season tickets I simply would not go. I go because I hate not using the tickets. And not just that, I can’t even give the tickets away at this point. Needless to say I will not be purchasing season tickets next year. I regret paying so much for these tickets. The team is not worth the price of their tickets. I normally do not respond to Blog’s but it was necessary this time. I am so disappointed with our team and the hold experence, that it needed to be said. I truly miss the excitement that Vick brought to the game. I think Joey is scared he might get hurt most of the time. He reminds me of a deer with headlights shining in their eyes. You know, that fearful look were they don’t know what to do next. Run are just get ran over! It’s sad to see, no the truth is it’s embarrassing to see our team play bad.

By Villa Rica DAWG

November 7, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Paul:

You’re an idiot… Bring Vick back, are you kidding me?!?!

By CORY BEARDEN

November 7, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

THANK YOU STEVE BARTKOWKSI He hit the nail on the head. Paul, above, don’t even get started. you are way off.

First, moving to the suburbs IS a great idea. There is room to build a stadium/entertainment area and room to tailgate, something it seems everyone wants. And we can cut out the riff raff that rides MARTA and have a fun, safe tailgating experience.

Lastly, just to vent. Anyone who saw the Vick town hall meeting on ESPN knows what riff raff I am talking about. Bob Lee couldn’t finish a sentence without the crowd interrupting. They were disrespectful, and obviously didn’t want to hear anything negative about their hero Mike Vick. We got rid of Vick, or at least the courts did for us, now let’s get rid of his ignorant supporters and rally around a new QB (hopefully Dennis Dixon) in a new stadium in the North Atlanta suburbs since we’re the ones the advertisers are aiming at anyway and we’re the ones paying for tickets.
-PS - The best game at the DOME next year will be Clemson v. Alabama to start the season. Mark it down

By CORY BEARDEN

November 7, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

THANK YOU STEVE BARTKOWKSI He hit the nail on the head. Paul, above, don’t even get started. you are way off.

First, moving to the suburbs IS a great idea. There is room to build a stadium/entertainment area and room to tailgate, something it seems everyone wants. And we can cut out the riff raff that rides MARTA and have a fun, safe tailgating experience.

Lastly, just to vent. Anyone who saw the Vick town hall meeting on ESPN knows what riff raff I am talking about. Bob Lee couldn’t finish a sentence without the crowd interrupting. They were disrespectful, and obviously didn’t want to hear anything negative about their hero Mike Vick. We got rid of Vick, or at least the courts did for us, now let’s get rid of his ignorant supporters and rally around a new QB (hopefully Dennis Dixon) in a new stadium in the North Atlanta suburbs since we’re the ones the advertisers are aiming at anyway and we’re the ones paying for tickets.
-PS - The best game at the DOME next year will be Clemson v. Alabama to start the season. Mark it down

By Tyson

November 7, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

hmmmm I don’t recall having these discussions when MV was here. The dome? The dome was wonderful, exciting, sold out..it bleed red and black on game day. The only thing you Falcon fans talked about was how MV was not a “true” QB…and you needed a QB. I’ll say it again as I said it before. “If you get rid of MV, you get rid of the fans and the dome will be EMPTY!”… just like the old days. Now that the QB is gone, the fans are coming a part!

You Falcon “Fans” kill me!

By The Truth

November 7, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Needs to be built in an open area of the 15 county metro. A few suggestions would be west of town like Villa Rica, east like Covington, Social Circle, Madison, or south down 85 like Peachtree City or further south. Away from the main metro like the race track down in Hampton. I agree away from the downtown elements. For tailgating build enough paved parking that actually belong to the stadium. No gyspy lots. Last retractable roof.

By todd

November 7, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

The GA Dome is as sad excuse for a southern football experience as it gets . Whether it be a Faclons Game or the SEC championship - it just sucks. To have a football game in a dome below the Mason-Dixon line is just a travesty. Having the SEC championship game there just cheapens the whole conference. The GA Dome is just another part of the whole Atlanta fair-weather fan experience.

If you want a ‘real’ southern football experience, trip down to Jacksonville or Tampa.

By john

November 7, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

the dome is terrible. who plays indoor games in atlanta???

By Majstc1

November 7, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

I’m from Boston and went to the home opener and was thouroughly disappointed with the venue. The people are great, parking is bad, the air condition was on full blast and it felt like Arena football, not an outside game that I would’ve liked. I only ask that they cut a hole in the middle of the roof and bring in better concessions like the ones at Turner field.

By Keeping z real

November 7, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

We need to keep a dome don’t be a fool it is great in the winter and in the summer. I went to the Falcons game in Jacksonville I like to have burned up . The dome buy far is the best. Next Dome should be retractable that the way to go! This team needs to win First no matter where it is!! If you move the Dome move it to Herry county!

By knowitall

November 7, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

My biggest complaint about the stadium is the small seats. I only weigh 185lbs and I don’t have enough room. I can only imagine how uncomfortable those who are bigger than me must be.

By cory bearden

November 7, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

THANK YOU STEVE BARTKOWKSI He hit the nail on the head. Paul, above, don’t even get started. you are way off.

First, moving to the suburbs IS a great idea. There is room to build a stadium/entertainment area and room to tailgate, something it seems everyone wants. And we can cut out the riff raff that rides MARTA and have a fun, safe tailgating experience.

Lastly, just to vent. Anyone who saw the Vick town hall meeting on ESPN knows what riff raff I am talking about. Bob Lee couldn’t finish a sentence without the crowd interrupting. They were disrespectful, and obviously didn’t want to hear anything negative about their hero Mike Vick. We got rid of Vick, or at least the courts did for us, now let’s get rid of his ignorant supporters and rally around a new QB (hopefully Dennis Dixon) in a new stadium in the North Atlanta suburbs since we’re the ones the advertisers are aiming at anyway and we’re the ones paying for tickets.
-PS - The best game at the DOME next year will be Clemson v. Alabama to start the season. Mark it down

By jeff

November 7, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

What? the falcons play at the dome???? I thought it was just used for the SEC championship game and for the Peach Bowl….

Go Dawgs!!!

By Frustrated Falcons GIRL

November 7, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Yea I totally agree. When it comes down to entertaining the fan we get an “F” (and its not EFFORT). I don’t know what “they” can do to change the GAMEDAY experience, but it has sucked since the early 90’s and probably before than, but that is the farthest I can remember.

Maybe if they start winning more games and GET VICK BACK than our overall GAMEDAY EXCITEMENT will come back. Don’t You Think?

By Koach Killa

November 7, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

I see Keepin It Real Stupid still can’t figure out how to post.

Move the Falcons to LA. Get rid of this cursed franchise. Start over in 2 years.

By Villa Rica DAWG

November 7, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Isn’t ADP a security company. Tell them to kiss your a$$…

By Don KeBallz

November 7, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Darrin is correct, Winning is what this city needs! Bring McNabb or draft McFadden and watch the place go nuts again. We tailgate, go to the falcons landing, and have fun in the dome regardless of the weather which could not be done at a outdoor venue. The ticket prices will have to be lower though! Mr. Blank increase them every year Vick was here and now that he is gone renewals will drop by scores if the prices stay the same.

By Atlanta Pearl Girl

November 7, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Falcons?????

Who are they? Are they baseball, soccor or football ?? :::he he he::::

Atlanta Pearl Girl

By tim

November 7, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

atlanta.look to athens to see what to do. plenty of parking for $20 or less. open stadium with a great atmosphere. good tailgating areas outside as well as bars to grab a beer and watch other games. And MOST OF ALL….a GOOD team

By Mel in Midtown

November 7, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

I had the misfortune to attend the recent MNF game vs. Giants at the Dome. My son-in-law is a season ticket holder in section 324.

Arriving at the Dome after work (we figured that we would go a bit early, grab a hot dog at the Dome for dinner, etc…) I had one of the worst major league sporting experiences in my life.

The first concession stand we visited was OUT OF HOT DOGS. This at 7:45PM for a Monday night game. (Didn’t anyone in the Dome of Falcons management ghink that concession sales might be a bit higher for a Monday nigt game - people coming from work, etc.?)

We go to the next concession area - they are out of hot dogs too! We settle for a burger…well, they called it burger. It was the worst excuse for a hamburger that I’ve ever seen. The meat patty was wafer thin and the bun was stuck to the meat so that it was impossible to remove the top of the bun to add condiments. The bun was very stale. The person working the cash register agreed that it was a terrible burger. She replaced it with one slightly better.

Two of us ordered soft drinks. Both were lacking in carbonation. They were flat! We complained about it and were told that “…that’s what it is…”

Then to top it off (or not, actually) both the mustard and catsup dispensers in the condiment area were inoperable.

I swear that this was the very last Falcon’s game that I’ll ever attend.

By sherman

November 7, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Yeah, lets all pitch in some more tax dollars so we can have an outdoor stadium. I’d rather the Falcons move somewhere else. Take the Hawks and Thrashers, too.

By loafer

November 7, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

I hear we’re gettuing new plastic seats in the dome. WHAT FOR?? unless you have more room and padded seats, the current seats are fine. Fix the Parking!!

By loafer

November 7, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

I hear we’re gettuing new plastic seats in the dome. WHAT FOR?? unless you have more room and padded seats, the current seats are fine. Fix the Parking!!

By Lane Tucker

November 7, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Why go to a Falcons game, give me one good reason to go. I can give a whole bunch of rreasons not to go

By allabout7

November 7, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

There are 7 ways to make the Dome better:

It’s amazing how people forget that before 7, the Dome only had about 30,000 people there AND the team was only seen on TV when they played on the road.

By Nolan School

November 7, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Dome sucks. No experience within the experience. Marginal food, tickets co$t more than team is worth, crappy sight-lines…and the most dismal team in all my years of driving to the ATL. Makes me homesick for Preston Ridlehuber, Billy Lotheride, Harmon Wages, William Andrews and the ramshackle Fulton County Stadium.

BOring, Boring, Boring and a total of five (5) hours wasted in traffic to see an team which obviously does not want to be there.

Never coming back.

By Thrash

November 7, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Great neighborhood over there. We domed a dump and now have a dump for a dome. Build an outdoor stadium for the Falcons and Georgia Tech to share.

By Moore football

November 7, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

A few suggestions to people

Go Falcons

By Conga

November 7, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Maybe if the Falcons offered us a product that was worthwhile, it would help and why is there not an open air stadium for the Falcons to play in. I don’t understand why we do not have an open air stadium where the Falcons play, yet cities like Green Bay, Pittsburgh, and Boston play in the elements and get a lot more frigid than Atlanta?

By James

November 7, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

The only reason anyone ever got their money’s worth out of a trip to the dome was to watch mike. White people still blamed him for the team’s shortcomings. Now that he’s gone everyone realizes just how bad every aspect of the team is. You haters from the suburbs don’t deserve quality professional football.

By Aaaron

November 7, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

The last game I attended was a Raider game a few years ago. Two young thuggish types were sitting in front of me and gave me a threatening look when I asked them politely to sit down.

Who needs it. Now I have an HD tv and watch other teams play at home on NFL sunday ticket. I am tired of the thugs on the field and in the stands and support teams that do not have many of them.

I really appreciate the efforts of the commissioner to clean up the league. It is long overdue.

By Aaron

November 7, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

The last game I attended was a Raider game a few years ago. Two young thuggish types were sitting in front of me and gave me a threatening look when I asked them politely to sit down.

Who needs it. Now I have an HD tv and watch other teams play at home on NFL sunday ticket. I am tired of the thugs on the field and in the stands and support teams that do not have many of them.

I really appreciate the efforts of the commissioner to clean up the league. It is long overdue.

By johndawg

November 7, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

I remember when going to the game WAS the experience!

By UGABOI

November 7, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank needs to bring Vick back or sell the team!!! Cause no one will attend the games without a superstar at quarterback.. The Dome actually is a great venue and will continue to get better.. But winning takes care of all this drama.. Who cares what others are saying.. they are probably the ones not showing up. Just win Falcons!!!!

By p

November 7, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

who cares the falcons so yesterday!!!

By TheItalianDawg

November 7, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

y’all,I think we are the worse fans ever, we dont have unity, we crack by the tiniest problem, and we complain a lot. just support the team, the coach, and Im sure thing will go much better, we are just a QB away from contending for the NFC.

By FalconsFan

November 7, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

I agree - the Dome is the worst - hip hop blaring during the game breaks, awful sound system, everything artificial. Why on earth would Atlanta need a dome anyway? Play outside and get back to real football!

By Michael N.

November 7, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

The Dome s*cks because there aren’t enough spots to tailgate and Atlanta’s football team should not in any way, shape or form be playing indoors. Also, the new logo and uniforms are awful. Go back to the Red helmets with red uniforms and old plain Falcon logo. The old logo was plain but better. Can anyone answer as to why the Falcons never wear throwback uniforms just once during the season like most teams do?

By ss

November 7, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

YES - it is really depressing at the dome. It’s dark in the middle of the day and much quieter than other domes. I vote they tear the roof off! Atlanta doesn’t need a dome!

By Hotlanta

November 7, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

I for one disagree with the sentiment of moving the Falcons to the burbs. I totally agree the downtown experience is somewhat frightful and the dome sucks bad, but this is the “ATLANTA FALCONS”, not the “Alpharetta Falcons”.

What I would like to see is people like Bernie Marcus, Arthur Blank, and the others that have made bazillions off of this city and its people put some effort into working with the narrow-minded city government to pump some cash into improving the city center. Start with Marta. Man that is simply the most disgusting transportation in the world. Destroy the entire Marta now and start over. For those of you who never venture inside the perimeter, a rebirth is happening downtown, albeit a painfully slow rebirth, but there are new condos, new retail areas appearing. Imagine if Blank, Marcus, Turner and other deep pockets bought up all this barren property and developed it into a REAL CITY. A good transportation system, a viable entertainment district and a new(or remodled)football stadium would do wonders for the whole region. Atlanta at some point will be a thriving downtown city, imagine how cool that would be. Just building a new stadium in the burbs would be short-sighted.

By Ham

November 7, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Why do we have a indoor stadium anyway?

By Football Guy

November 7, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Let’s see. The dome sucks, the team sucks, the coaching sucks, parking sucks, prices suck. Hey, I’ve got an idea, lets buy millions of dollars worth of paint and make it black and red inside the dome. Brings to mind the old expression, you can put gold foil on a turd, but it’s still a turd.

By JB

November 7, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

If they played in a open stadium on say a 400 acre park setting in gwinnett county near the jackson county line with plenty of cheap parking with 3 or 4 major roads going in and out and put in a 30 acre lake, landscaped for picnic’s and such, you could sell 75,000 seats, even with a so so team. Most people i know will not put their families in that environment down there. Not worth the risk.

By GBB

November 7, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

I rarely comment on blogs, but this time I must. I have been a loyal Falcon Fan for more years than I care to mention and a seasons ticket holder for more than 10 yrs. The GA Dome indeed leaves MUCH to be desired, as does the loyalty of Atlanta fans. I agree, the bums and thugs who hang around the Dome make it “difficult” to feel excited about coming into the city on a Sunday morning to experience a good old fashioned tailgate. The gulch is horrible and what is up with that awful area around the old railrod tracks. I am terrified to venture up in that part of tailgate area. I think we should build a new football stadium, be it in town or in the suburbs (unfortunately the thugs will follow); revamp the football team (which may take a miracle); and hire a design team to survey the fans and address some of our desires for entertainment. I know we don’t put the kind of money into these ventures that the corporations do, but without a solid fan base, there will be NO Successful Atlanta Football Team.

By ATLIEN

November 7, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Why the negativity? you people should loosen up and have fun! what a bunch of kill joys that have nothing to do but blog negative things about atlanta or anything for that matter. If you don’t like the dome then don’t ruin our time there. PEACE!!

By Not Afraid of Black People

November 7, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

In the real world outside of talk radio, dismissing people who criticize you as “politically correct” doesn’t make you not a racist. The sprawling suburbs are the worst thing about Atlanta - you want the football stadium out there too just because you have too much disdain for a couple homeless guys to be able to enjoy the football game you’re able to attend? The transparent white flight mentality is pathetic and kinda wussy as well.

As for the tailgating, it does indeed suck. However, as mentioned above, this is the South and if you’re a hardcore tailgater you should be doing that on Saturday anyway. Having a dome instead of an outdoor stadium enables Atlanta to get Super Bowls, Final Fours, and conference championship games in both sports - so it’s not like there’s no point to it. True fans should take adavantage and try to create as loud an environment as possible in there. However, it seems that many “fans” in (somewhat nearby?) Atlanta aren’t good for anything except b***.

-White Not Scared of Blacks (or going to the actual cities that support pro sports) in the ATL

By Dan

November 7, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

So much ignorance, so little time…panhandlers and homeless people make you fear for your safety and life? MARTA, i.e. public transportation, only serves to bring in the “riff raff”? Move the stadium to a “nice” part of town, as if those in their gated subdivisions would want a stadium nearby? You embarass yourself with your comments. If you can’t accept the fact that Atlanta is a major metropolitan area, stay on the farm.

By John

November 7, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Yes the Dome is a big ugly box, that is a given. It was painted colors that blend with our skyline and thankfully minimizes the big barn. Can you imagine when this eyesore is painted red and black ? It will stand out like a sore thumb, Atlanta’s biggest sore thumb This makes me sick that public money to build this facility will be further disfigured like a halloween haunted house. How can this make the game experience any better ?

By Don KeBallz

November 7, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Forgive MV7 and bring him back when he can play!

By Jenny

November 7, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Look at Red Sox fans. If they had given up on their team, where would they be? The falcons just need a strong fan base and support, not criticism since they are going through a rough few years. The coaches are terrible. Look at all the talent we have on the team! Let’s utilize that talent and get some good coaching. Don’t give up. Good things come to those who wait. It takes time to build a good team. It takes years to build a great team.

By steve-o

November 7, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

I’m originially from Wisconsin, and I’ll tell you why Lambeau is a sports shrine…because it hosted many NFL Champion Packer teams. I’ve been to games there. Before the renovation, you freeze your arse off sitting on metal bleachers (which still comprise the seats in the stadium) inside of a green and gold metal structure—-and you love it!!! The fans are great, the tailgating is awesome, and the history of the team is unparalleled.

The problem with Falcons fans is that