GEORGIA DOME SUFFERS SERIOUS DAMAGE OVER WEEKEND

     Four panels in the roof of the Georgia Dome gave way early
Sunday, either "from the heavy weight of water on the roof or
possibly a tornado," according to Susan Laccetti of the ATLANTA
CONSTITUTION.  The collapse occurred during a powerful
thunderstorm with winds of more than 50 mph.  The collapsed roof
sections brought with them a "sudden, violent downpour of water"
that ripped out about 500 seats in the tiered upper sections.
That tiered concrete floor then collapsed into the concourse
below.  Georgia Dome GM Khalil Johnson:  "It looks like what a
trailer park looks like after a hurricane came through" (ATLANTA
CONSTITUTION, 8/21).  Falcons officials plan to meet this morning
to "begin making contingency plans" for their September 3 season
opener against the Panthers  (Len Pasquarelli, ATLANTA
CONSTITUTION, 8/21).