EDITOR'S NOTE: In the video report associated with this story, we state that the proposed new stadium would be paid for in part by an increase in the hotel-motel tax. In fact, that money would come from an extension of the current hotel-motel tax. The tax rate would remain the same.
Fans attending the Chick-Fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome on Monday sounded off about a $1 billion proposal to build a new stadium. The Atlanta Falcons would pay about 70 percent of the $1 billion price tag for the new stadium, while the remaining $300 million would come from a hotel-motel tax.
Most LSU and Clemson fans that FOX 5's George Franco talked to said they wouldn't mind continuing to pay a hotel and motel tax if it meant a better venue for them.
"That's part of traveling. You're gonna pay more and if you want it, that's what you're going to have to pay," said LSU fan Travis Mims.
Other fans were hesitant for the change.
"Leave it as it is. I've been coming to the Dome since it was built for everything – sporting events, just anything that happens here and I just think it's a great staple to Atlanta," said Dayna Crumbley.
Some have criticized the plan as a waste of tax payer dollars.
Another criticism is a stadium would pile on licensing fees for Falcons season ticket holders.
Some believe it might propel the Chick-Fil-A Bowl – now a showdown between ACC and SEC teams -- into a national playoff system.
"If it was part of the playoff system, it would bring in even more. So I think it could bring in a lot of dollars," said Chad Keller, a Carrollton resident.
The Georgia state legislature must take up the plan and approve it before it takes effect. The Falcons hope to have the new stadium in time for the 2017 season.
Saturday, May 18 2013 4:53 PM EDT2013-05-18 20:53:02 GMT
Security will be tight and traffic will be messy around the Morehouse College campus on Sunday. President Barack Obama will address graduates at the college's commencement ceremony.
Security will be tight and traffic will be messy around the Morehouse College campus on Sunday. President Barack Obama will address graduates at the college's commencement ceremony.
Saturday, May 18 2013 3:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 19:44:49 GMT
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
State officials are reminding drivers the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign is set to begin and could translate to fines for drivers and passengers who aren't wearing seatbelts.
State officials are reminding drivers the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign is set to begin and could translate to fines for drivers and passengers who aren't wearing seatbelts.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:59 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:59:14 GMT
Who wants to a millionaire? How about 600 times over?
Who wants to a millionaire? How about 600 times over? The already gigantic Powerball jackpot for this Saturday night's drawing has risen again, hitting $600 million at noon on Friday—which is the highest in the history of the game.
By PAUL NEWBERRY AP National Writer The son of the U.S. national swim team director is reporting that Michael Phelps is planning a comeback for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
By PAUL NEWBERRY AP National Writer Is Michael Phelps planning a comeback?
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."
Justin Upton gave Atlanta the lead with a sixth-inning grand slam and the Braves finally unveiled their full-strength lineup, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5 on Friday night.
Justin Upton gave Atlanta the lead with a sixth-inning grand slam and the Braves finally unveiled their full-strength lineup, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-5 on Friday night.
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Ken Venturi, who overcame dehydration to win the 1964 U.S. Open and spent 35 years in the booth for CBS Sports, died Friday afternoon. He was 82.
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Ken Venturi, who overcame dehydration to win the 1964 U.S. Open and spent 35 years in the booth for CBS Sports, died Friday afternoon. He was 82.
Dick Trickle, a former NASCAR driver whose larger-than-life personality and penchant for fun won him legions of fans despite a lack of success beyond the nation's small tracks, died Thursday of an apparent...
There is that lasting image of Dick Trickle in the Winston 500 lighting up a cigarette while driving his stock car with his knees during a caution lap.
