The NFL remains interested in playing Super Bowl LIII with the roof open at Mercedes-Benz StadiumGETTY IMAGES
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s "much-publicized food-and-beverage prices, including $2 for hot dogs, refillable soft drinks and popcorn, will remain in place for Super Bowl LIII on Feb. 3," according to Tim Tucker of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. Stadium officials have said that they "stipulated in Atlanta’s Super Bowl contract that concession prices would remain the same as at Falcons games and other stadium events." Additionally, the NFL "remains interested" in playing the game "with the roof open." NFL VP/ Event Operations & Production Jon Barker said, “Open-or-closed is going to change the dynamics of a few things -- some of our halftime stuff, some of our pregame stuff. All of that will go into consideration, but … from an NFL standpoint we would love to see it open.” Mercedes-Benz Stadium GM Scott Jenkins on Friday said that the plan for tonight's Giants-Falcons game is to "have the roof open," weather permitting. That would mark the Falcons’ "second regular-season game this season -- and second in a row -- with the roof open." Jenkins said the team is "really pleased" with the way the retractable roof is operating. Jenkins: “It is as smooth as can be. A lot of people talked (last year and earlier this year) about what’s wrong with the roof. Well, it wasn’t done. … It took time” (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 10/20).
PRIMED & READY: In Atlanta, Dave Williams wrote from security to transportation to entertainment, the city is "ready to host Super Bowl LIII." Barker said the city "understands how to host major events." There will be 10,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of Meredes-Benz Stadium, and AMB Group CEO Steve Cannon said that the Falcons and league will be "able to place the vast majority of the Super Bowl [events] downtown." The Super Bowl Experience will take place "next door to the stadium at the Georgia World Congress Center." The only major Super Bowl-related event "outside of downtown will be the NFL Honors ceremony the night before the game," which will take place at the Fox Theatre (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/19).
