Design

What Atlanta Might Gain From a Stadium It Doesn't Need

The $1.2 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium isn’t vital to the city’s existence, but its surroundings may still see benefits from it.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (left) is seen under construction before a preseason Falcons game September 1, 2016. Mark Byrnes/CityLab

Nothing’s wrong with the Georgia Dome. Last week, it hosted one NFL and two college football games in three days. The roof, the lights, the plumbing, the fake grass: They all worked just fine. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

But in the middle of a relentless nationwide stadium boom, being adequate is grounds for condemnation.