We learned about the Braves and Falcons in their stadium negotiations and about the local government officials who dedicated public money to build the new facilities.
Atlanta’s professional football and baseball teams both struck deals in 2013 to build new stadiums. The public is on the hook for about half a billion dollars between the stadiums, both of which are slated to open in 2017. Here are three things the bid for new stadiums revealed.
The "fan experience" is driving the need for new stadiums. Yes, a new stadium adds significantly to the value of a sports franchise. That might be the main reason pro sports teams want new buildings. A close second, though, might be the need to improve the "gameday experience." Both the Braves and Falcons say it's important for them to provide new amenities and attractions to keep the turnstiles humming. For many fans, high-definition TV makes watching sports at home a cheaper yet still satisfying alternative to sitting in the stands for many fans. The Braves desire for a mixed-use development around its new Cobb home is aimed at enticing Braves fans to come early, stay late and spend more money. The Falcons new stadium promises upscale amenities in seating and dining, giant video screens and other technology upgrades.
Prepare to pay more. Tickets, parking and other costs associated with attending Braves and Falcons games at the new stadium could be on the rise. Six Major League Baseball teams that have opened new stadiums since 2006 increased ticket prices by an average of 36 percent in the first season, while the six NFL teams that have moved into new stadiums since 2003 hiked prices by an average of 26 percent, according to annual surveys by the industry publication Team Marketing Report.
Right now, a family of four, buying four average-priced tickets, four hot dogs, two small beers and two small soft drinks and paying to park one car, would spend about $400 on a Falcons game and about $125 on a Braves game.
$500 million and counting? Cobb has promised to contribute $300 million towards the $672 million new Braves stadium. Atlanta has pledged $200 million in public money to the Falcons' $1.2 billion stadium. But the public might not be done paying. State tax credits for construction and other financial inducements might be available to the teams. And in the case of the Falcons stadium, additional public money is subject to be used for stadium maintenance.
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