Rise Up!

Official Review by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Special Correspondent

At the end of 2012, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, operators of the state owned Georgia Dome, announced plans to build a new retractable roof stadium which would replace the Georgia Dome, and be the new home for the Atlanta Falcons. As an outsider, this seems to be a curious announcement. The Georgia Dome is a mere 20 years old, and fresh off of a massive $300 million renovation. Coupled with the current situation of economic hardship in many areas of the United States, a new football stadium does not necessarily seem to be a top priority.

The Dome is currently home to the Atlanta Falcons, Georgia State Panthers, and the Chick-fil-A Bowl among other major events. The Falcons have been around since 1965 and under the ownership of Home Depot co-founder, Arthur Blank since 2002. During their tenure, the Falcons have had a lack of significant success, making one Super Bowl appearance in 1998. Otherwise, the Falcons have amassed 5 Division championships, including the most recent 2012 NFC South championship.

The current ad campaign for the Falcons asks fans to "Rise Up!" This idea resonates, as Atlanta fans who have been maligned as some of the most apathetic in the country, do not really know what they have. Were Atlanta fans to truly Rise Up, they would realize that they could create one of the greatest fan atmospheres, and distinct home-field advantages in the entire NFL.

Food & Beverage    3

Concession offerings at the Georgia Dome will not blow you away, but they will not disappoint either. As a fan, you will find something that you can enjoy if you look. All of the favorites are available including hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, and burgers. Some more intriguing items, include the Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q stand, and the loaded hot dogs.

I went with the loaded tater tots, which were original (they are loaded with chilli, cheese, sour cream and jalapeños) and satisfying. There are numerous alcoholic beverage options, with Miller products being the most prominent beer available. Being in Atlanta, Coca-Cola products are what you will find as far as soda goes.

This review for concessions may only be partially complete as the 100 level is completely cut off from all patrons who do not hold a 100 level ticket. If the Georgia Dome is like many other venues, the lower level also holds the best concessions. Either way this is a turn-off for fans in the upper levels.

Atmosphere    3

The first impression of the Georgia Dome is that it is an average sized venue. If you are approaching from Philips Arena or along Andrew Young International Blvd, it looks as expected, until you realize that you are not walking along ground level, and are on a significantly large platform. Once you approach to the point where you can look down, or approach from Northside Dr., you will be overcome by the sheer massiveness of the Georgia Dome.

The Georgia Dome has that deceptive hugeness, much like Madison Square Garden. The exterior is not unappealing, decorated in Falcons black and red, with large windows in the four corners of the building. The cable-supported, teflon/fibreglass roof gives it a distinct look, which is unique to the Georgia Dome. Inside, a number of catwalks has a Tropicana Field feel to it.

The pre-game festivities begin in the Georgia International Plaza, adjacent to the dome. The pre-game party put on by the Falcons and other sponsors offers fans the ability to participate in a variety of activities that are not uncommon to many other pre-game events across the country. Named Falcon's Landing, the pre-game party is mildly interesting, but nothing to be upset about if you miss it. Many fans of the Falcons participate in their own pre-game tailgating rituals, which are enabled by the presence of numerous, large parking facilities.

Once inside the Georgia Dome, the more frugal fans are immediately turned off by a second set of security checks, barring fans who are not holding 100 level tickets from entering the 100 level concourse. The inability to take pictures near the field, or peruse the 100 level food options is not a welcome sight for those who want to be able to afford both their Falcons ticket, and their mortgage.

The seating bowl inside the dome offers great sightlines. In a ring around the field, hung from the roof, are the 5 banners commemorating Falcon division championships. They also feature 8 banners honouring players in their "Ring of Honour" including Steve Bartowski, Deion Sanders, William Andrews, Jeff Van Note, Jessie Tuggle, Mike Kenn, Claude Humphrey, and the first ever Falcon, Tommy Nobis. Above each endzone is a large videoboard, which the Falcons use as expected.

The game production is decent. The Falcon cheerleaders do as you expect them to. The mascot, Freddie the Falcon does as you expect. The Falcons Drumline is pretty cool, and play at highlighted spots throughout the game. The entrance is decent as well, with players coming through the tunnel and smoke. However, the advantages that the Falcons have under the roof with lighting, are not really utilized for a better entrance.

Neighborhood    5

Downtown Atlanta offers a ton of things to do. It is most definitely a tourist destination. The Georgia Dome is located up the road from Philips Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks. The arena is right beside the CNN Center, which houses the worldwide news network as well as a huge food court, which is a great spot for a pre-game meal. The Inside CNN Studio Tour is well worth the time. The CNN Center is attached to the famous Omni Hotel as well.

Just across the road is Centennial Olympic Park, which is a nice green space with monuments commemorating the 1996 Olympic Games. Just north of the park you will find the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. Both are great tourist attractions as well. Across the way from the World of Coke is the Imagine It Children's Museum.

Just outside of the downtown area is Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves. As you can see, if you are headed to Atlanta for a Falcons game, you need to budget much more time than is necessary just to see the game. As far as other spots to eat, try either McCormick and Schmicks or Legal Seafood. Both are on the pricier side, but offer great seafood. Don't forget, Atlanta staple Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays!

Fans    3

It is fair to say that Atlanta has not proven to be one of the great sports markets. The Falcons normally average between 68,000 and 70,000 per game. They tend to be in the middle of the pack as far as total attendance, and percentage of capacity in the NFL. On game day, fans are fairly intelligent, but are not always loud or quiet at the right time. On a couple of occasions when the Falcons went for it on a fourth down the crowd got louder, which doesn't help the offense out.

Often, however, Atlanta fans are laid back and relaxed. What is disappointing, however, is that the dome could give the Falcons a huge home field advantage. If Falcon fans were really up and excited on defense, then the roof, keeping the sound in, would make it really tough for the opposing offense. Say what you will about the Metrodome, the fans make the atmosphere just by being indescribably loud in that indoor stadium.

Access    4

Located close to I-75/I-85 and I-20, the Georgia Dome is really easy to get to for a downtown stadium. There is tons of parking for a downtown location as well. There are a few garages, and surface lots. There are also lots of parking in what seems to be under Georgia International Plaza.

Getting in and out of the Dome is pretty easy. The concourses are wide enough. The washrooms, however, are a bit of a problem. They are very small, although numerous. Choose your washroom time carefully!

Return on Investment    4

Face value for my upper level ticket was just $41, which is a really good price for an NFL ticket. The parking can range from $20, which is to be expected, to as high as $60, which is no bargain. Concession prices are decent. Overall, for your investment, you receive a good afternoon of NFL football at one of the better prices in the league.

Extras    3

An extra point goes to the entrance video for the Falcons "Rise Up" starring Samuel L. Jackson.

An extra point for the original Falcons touchdown song.

An extra point for Falcons coach Mike Smith, who played most of his starters in a week 17 game where the Falcons had already clinched their spot in the playoffs.

Final Thoughts

A trip to see the Falcons will not necessarily blow you away, but it is a good experience, and one that is worthwhile. It is curious why it is believed that a new stadium is necessary, especially in this economic climate. If the fans of the Falcons, and Atlanta fans could just crank it up a bit, the Georgia Dome would be one of the great places to catch a game. It will be interesting to see if Falcon fans actually do Rise Up!