Georgia Dome repair costs debated by Atlanta officials

While there is little doubt that Atlanta's Georgia Dome is in need of some upgrades and repairs, the overall cost of that work is being argued by the city's officials, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Two studies have been completed in recent years to give the city an estimate of what it would need to spend. Some want to do what is necessary to the dome to keep the Falcons as a tenant, while others are arguing the money would be better spent towards a new facility altogether.

Mayor Kasim Reed cites the cost of necessary work on the Georgia Dome to be in the area of $350 million. He is on the side of those that want to construct a new facility that would keep the Falcons happy. As the AJC indicates, Reed and his supporters argue that the city would spend more money on a remodel of the Georgia Dome than it would contribute towards a new construction.

A study completed in 2010 said an overhaul of the existing structure would cost $401 million. Another in 2011 cited a number of $115 million just for basic repairs and updates.

Having the mayor on the side of a new stadium is obviously good news for the Falcons, who have stated their desire to move into a state-of-the-art facility. However, many in the public are skeptical of the deal and the team and city government would need to do plenty of convincing to make that deal work. The city is attached to the Georgia Dome, and would likely rather see it stick around.