The "problematic roof" of Mercedes-Benz Stadium was "leaking in one spot about 90 minutes" before last night’s CFP title game, according to Tim Tucker of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. A slight stream of rain was "falling on the field near the 25-yard line." This is at least the "third event at which the roof is known to have leaked." The roof of the new $1.5B-plus stadium is "supposed to be retractable, but it has been open for only two events -- one Falcons game and one Atlanta United match -- because of problems with it" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 1/9). In Georgia, Jason Butt notes UGA P Cameron Nizialek was on the field "going through his steps when he reached the leak." It "caused him to look up and examine what was going on." UGA Dir of Operations Josh Lee was "spotted chatting" with a CFP official about the leak (Columbus LEDGER-ENQUIRER, 1/9). USA TODAY's Andrew Joseph noted the leaks have been a "recurring issue for the stadium, especially after the two open-roof games (for the Falcons and Atlanta United) led to more leaks." After a roof leak in late October, stadium officials "decided to keep the roof closed for the remainder of the year and work on fixing the issue after the CFP title game" (USATODAY.com, 1/8).
