The Falcons and 360 Architecture on Thursday unveiled the latest designs for the team's new stadium, and not only will the facility's roof open, but plans also "call for massive concourse windows that can be opened to create the feel of an outdoor facility," according to Tim Tucker of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. The Georgia World Congress Center Authority BOD on Tuesday is "scheduled to review and vote on the plans ... and an updated stadium budget." A retractable roof "remains the signature feature, but it has taken on an oval shape," while a "sky bridge" from which fans can "stand and peer over one end zone has been added." The videoboards, as in earlier renderings, are "incorporated into the roof opening, the exterior of the angular building is a translucent material that can change colors, and a soaring wall of glass behind the east end zone is positioned to provide an unobstructed view of the downtown skyline." The Falcons said that they "intend to play most of their games with the roof open." The facility's price tag is "believed to have swelled well beyond" $1B with property acquisition, road work and other items the Falcons agreed to fund earlier this year. Team officials "hope to break ground on the stadium in April" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 10/25).
