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.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:19 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:19:10 GMT
A police officer, a deputy and a nurse are being called heroes for saving an elderly man's life.
A police officer, a deputy and a nurse are being called heroes for saving an elderly man's life. The man had a medical emergency and the three first-responders were in the right place at the right time.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:27 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:27:20 GMT
Georgia's right to life group is in a dispute with the national pro-lifers.
Georgia's right to life group is in a dispute with the national pro-lifers. The Georgia group has campaigned against a new far-reaching House bill on abortion because it says that the bill doesn't save enough lives.
