At Atlanta Falcons’ Mercedes-Benz Stadium, complex roof could cause another delay

The Georgia Dome might not want to sell off its seats just yet.

In what could potentially be troubling news for Atlanta United fans especially, Falcons officials confirmed this week there’s a possibility the new stadium’s revolutionary, retractable roof might not be ready in time for the latest scheduled opening July 30, the AJC reported this week.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium was initially supposed to have opened March 1. And then June 1. Then July 30 with an Atlanta United game. And now ...?

Roof issues have necessitated each delay.

Falcons officials expect an update from construction teams in early April that should determine whether that space-age camera aperture of a roof hole will be ready enough for the stadium to swell with fans in July.

Thus far, the scheduled July 30 debut is still in place. One official noted in a statement to the AJC that many areas of the building are finished, but “with any building [of] this size, scope, and complexity, adjustments to construction timelines are expected.”

Curbed Atlanta

Last month, Georgia Dome officials announced that a massive moving sale was launching, during which fans could snag a pair of seats for $600. Turns out those seats might be needed.

The Dome “officially” closed after a monster truck bonanza earlier this month, but a spokesperson for the Georgia World Congress Center Authority told the AJC the Dome could still be utilized until the day it’s demolished.

Preparations for the Dome’s doom—including removal of the turf—had already begun, though.

This could get interesting.

• Will roof issues delay Falcons stadium again? [AJC]
• Georgia Dome to hold ‘Going out of business’ sale for sports fans [Curbed]