Legislator Talks of a Falcon Stadium in South Cobb

If a deal for a new Falcons stadium falls through in Atlanta, Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan (D-Austell) said Saturday that she'd like to see it built in Cobb County as a cornerstone for redevelopment in the Six Flags corridor.

“Certainly as a state legislator I know how important this is to the state and to the economy," Morgan said at a town hall meeting Saturday, according to the Marietta Daily Journal, "and I will be participating fully in the discussions to try to figure out what is in the best interest of the state.”

Redeveloping the Six Flags corridor, 11 miles west of the Georgia Dome, is something Cobb County has been working on. Purchasing and demolishing run-down apartments on Six Flags Drive has been one of the priorities of the South Cobb Redevelopment Authority. The redevelopment board would then hold onto the property until a suitable developer comes along to take it over. 

A proposal being discussed now for a new stadium involves using between $200 million and $300 million of Atlanta hotel and motel tax revenue to fund the new arena, which is expected to cost up to $1 billion. The Falcons are expected to pick up what the taxes won't pay for. The legislature would have to approve the use of the tax money.

Morgan said the state is basically taking out a $300 million bond for the stadium, which it would pay back with hotel-motel tax money.

Hosting the Super Bowl, and the money it brings into the area, is one reason new Falcons stadium advocates give for the need to replace the 21-year old Georgia Dome. However, there is plenty of opposition to using any taxpayer money for the stadium.