Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Getting a new stadium deal approved is no easy task. All you have to do is take one look back at all the troubles the Minnesota Vikings went through to finally get their new stadium deal approved. The Atlanta Falcons are in nowhere near the same situation as the Vikings in their quest for a new home, but there is a bit of a holdup in the planning.
The Falcons want to build their new home in a location south of the Georgia Dome, as opposed to a site just north of the current location. The problem? The land the south site is currently occupying is owned by two historic churches, and they want big money to give up their spot. What kind of big money? One of the churches has already turned down a $13.5 million offer from the city, and reportedly asked for $24.5 million.
With another major church to also buy out, the city could be looking at a hefty bill that would put them over budget in the new stadium deal. (The south location is preferred because of its close proximity to hotels and the airport.)
We’ll see how all of this pans out, but if the churches aren’t willing to budge on their demands, the team will be forced to chose the north site. August 1st is the deadline for the two sides to come to an agreement, and at this point, it looks they’ve got a long way to go until a deal can be reached.
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