Georgia Dome – historical stadium description

Built at a cost of $214 million, the Georgia Dome became the largest enclosed sports facility in the world when it opened. It owed its closure to its membrane-covered, unusually shaped roof. With a capacity of 72,250 spectators, the stadium measured 82.5m high, 227.3m long and 185m wide.

In 2006, plans were announced for the renovation of the venue, which was expected to cost $300 million. The renovation plan was divided into two phases. In 2007, the luxury lodges were rebuilt and eight new super lodges were built. A year later, the color scheme inside the stadium was changed. The original colors were replaced with the Falcons club colors. In 2009, a new sound system was installed in the stadium and a new screen was erected. During the works, the colors outside the facility were also changed.

In addition to American football games, the Georgia Dome has hosted basketball games, football games and wrestling competitions.  In 1996, the arena also hosted athletes competing in the Summer Olympics. At that time, the arena was divided into two sections. In one, the basketball players competed. The other hosted artistic gymnastics competitions, as well as the final match of the handball players.

Between 2014 and 2017, a brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium was built right next to the Georgia Dome, which opened on August 26, 2017. Shortly thereafter, on the morning of November 20, 2017, a controlled blow-up of the Georgia Dome took place.