EDITOR'S NOTE: In the video report associated with this story, we state that the proposed new stadium would be paid for in part by an increase in the hotel-motel tax. In fact, that money would come from an extension of the current hotel-motel tax. The tax rate would remain the same.
Fans attending the Chick-Fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome on Monday sounded off about a $1 billion proposal to build a new stadium. The Atlanta Falcons would pay about 70 percent of the $1 billion price tag for the new stadium, while the remaining $300 million would come from a hotel-motel tax.
Most LSU and Clemson fans that FOX 5's George Franco talked to said they wouldn't mind continuing to pay a hotel and motel tax if it meant a better venue for them.
"That's part of traveling. You're gonna pay more and if you want it, that's what you're going to have to pay," said LSU fan Travis Mims.
Other fans were hesitant for the change.
"Leave it as it is. I've been coming to the Dome since it was built for everything – sporting events, just anything that happens here and I just think it's a great staple to Atlanta," said Dayna Crumbley.
Some have criticized the plan as a waste of tax payer dollars.
Another criticism is a stadium would pile on licensing fees for Falcons season ticket holders.
Some believe it might propel the Chick-Fil-A Bowl – now a showdown between ACC and SEC teams -- into a national playoff system.
"If it was part of the playoff system, it would bring in even more. So I think it could bring in a lot of dollars," said Chad Keller, a Carrollton resident.
The Georgia state legislature must take up the plan and approve it before it takes effect. The Falcons hope to have the new stadium in time for the 2017 season.
Friday, May 24 2013 2:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 18:08:48 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:18 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:18:36 GMT
A judge has sentenced Michael Parson to the maximum of 35 years in jail for the attempted murder of his wife. On Thursday, Parson was convicted of shooting his wife, Adina, eight times in 2012.
A judge has sentenced Michael Parson to the maximum of 35 years in jail for the attempted murder of his wife. During an emotional sentencing hearing on Friday morning, Parson's mother told the court she still doesn't believe he is the shooter.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:17 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:17:11 GMT
Families of city workers are back at Atlanta City Hall this morning for a second day of protests. They're demanding bigger pay raises for police, firefighters and other first responders.
Families of city workers returned to Atlanta City Hall for a second day of protests on Friday. They say they know the city faces budget issues, but they're demanding bigger pay raises for police, firefighters and other first responders.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:10 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:10:59 GMT
More than a dozen people were hurt Friday morning when an Atlanta airport hotel shuttle bus crashed into a tractor-trailer not far from the airport.
More than a dozen people were hurt Friday morning when an Atlanta airport hotel shuttle bus crashed into a tractor-trailer not far from the airport. FOX 5's Chris Shaw captured cell phone video inside the smashed bus at the scene of the crash.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:52:10 GMT
The jury has found Michael Parson guilty on all eight counts in the shooting of his wife outside their Sandy Springs apartment.The woman, Adina Parson, survived after being shot eight times.
The jury has found Michael Parson guilty on all eight counts in the shooting of his wife outside their Sandy Springs apartment.The woman, Adina Parson, survived after being shot eight times.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:23 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:23:38 GMT
A Newton County teenager and his mom received the gift of mobility on Thursday, thanks to some Good Samaritans.
A Newton County teenager and his mom received the gift of mobility on Thursday, thanks to some Good Samaritans. Tyler Head was injured in a high school wrestling tournament in December, and getting back and forth to therapy is a vital to his recovery.
