The Georgia Dome–former home of the Atlanta Falcons, and one of the most notable venues in Atlanta sports history–will be imploded on Monday morning.
Since the Falcons played their final game at the facility in January, the expectation was that the Georgia Dome would be torn down sooner rather than later. The facility hosted its final event in March, and crews would eventually begin the months-long process of gutting the venue to prepare it for demolition.
The site of the Georgia Dome is slated to used for new amenities that support the adjacent Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the new home of the Falcons. While the new stadium has attracted plenty of attention since its opening, it has a long way to go before it builds a legacy that rivals that of the Georgia Dome. Opening in 1992, the Georgia Dome became not only a home for the Falcons, but a hub for major sporting events–including Super Bowls, Final Fours, the 1996 Olympics, SEC Championship Games, and more (it even served a brief stint as home to the NBA’s Hawks.) With its demolition approaching, many are reflecting on the memories left by the Georgia Dome.
But with the push of a button at 7:30 a.m. Monday, the Georgia Dome will be imploded, the same fate that befell Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and the Omni coliseum 20 years earlier.
“It’s going to be a sad day,” said Ken Jefferson, who worked at the Dome from its opening through its closing. “To me, it’s been like watching a loved one die.”
Carl Adkins, the Dome’s former general manager, usually averts his eyes when he drives by the building these days.
“I’d rather remember the good times,” he said. “The memories will always remain, even when the building is gone.”
Once the site of the Georgia Dome is cleared, it will be used for several amenities. That includes the Home Depot Backyard.
Image courtesy Georgia Dome.