Four things we learned in Atlanta sports business this week:
1. The Falcons will seek to alleviate one of the biggest gripes of sports fans everywhere — overpriced stadium food — with a plan unveiled for their new downtown stadium. Falcons owner Arthur Blank and team president and CEO Rich McKay said prices on many popular food-and-beverage items will be reduced far below what sports fans are accustomed to paying. For example, hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks will be available for $2 — the latter with unlimited free refills — and nachos, peanuts and waffle fries for $3 when Mercedes-Benz Stadium opens in 2017. The "fan first menu" will be in effect for Falcons games, Atlanta United soccer games and all other events held in the stadium. Full story here, including a chart comparing the new stadium's food-and-beverage prices to the Georgia Dome's.
2. The reduced concession-stand prices drew national attention, including a segment on NBC Nightly News. "Hopefully other stadiums around the country are taking notice," anchor Lester Holt said. Full story here.
3. The Braves announced eight additions to the lineup for the mixed-use complex around SunTrust Park. The additions — all of which the Braves and retail partner Fuqua Development said "are set to be completed by opening day in 2017" — include Wahlburgers, a burger concept by chief Paul Wahlberg and his actor brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg; Kings Bowl, a retro bowling and entertainment facility; and PBR Bar & Grill, branded for the Professional Bull Riders Association. Full story here.
4. The NFL is set to decide if Atlanta will host the Super Bowl as soon as 2019. The 32 NFL team owners will vote Tuesday at their spring meeting in Charlotte, N.C., on the sites of the 2019, 2020 and 2021 Super Bowls. Five cities, including Atlanta, are bidding for the games, with no city allowed to land more than one of the three. Full story here.
About the Author
