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 2:05 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:05:37 GMT
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.Spartacus, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, was found dead in his handler's patrol car. Authorities later
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:52:32 GMT
After bonding out on a 15-count criminal indictment, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis denied any wrongdoing, saying "I've done nothing wrong."
After bonding out on a 15-count criminal indictment, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis denied any wrongdoing, saying "I've done nothing wrong. I would never, ever, ever do anything to violate the public trust."
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:29 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:29:16 GMT
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
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