By August 1, Atlanta must pick a specific site for the Falcons’ new football stadium. As explained by NBC 11, the options have narrowed to two.
One possible location requires the city and a local church to bridge a $9 million gap regarding the value of the property to be vacated. And despite the suggestion that the stadium will be reconfigured in a way that merely abuts the church property, the other choice entails a different location, farther from the nearest commuter rail line.
While the “south” site (which requires a deal with the church) is logistically better than the “north” site, Mayor Kasim Reed says he’s fine with either one.
“The thing about the stadium is, either solution is fine. The stadium is going to be built,” Reed said.
If a deal isn’t struck with Friendship Baptist Church by August 1, the “north” site becomes the default location. But the city doesn’t plan to put the squeeze on the church in order to acquire the “south” site.
“There isn’t going to be any pressure applied to get this deal done,” Reed said. “We’re either going to do it under favorable terms, on the south site where people leave feeling like it’s a win-win, or we’ll go to the north site.”
Ultimately, the question becomes whether enough cash can be compiled to allow the building that resembles a change purse to be built in the desired spot.