Blank said M-B Stadium is “iconic in every sense," from the halo scoreboard to the retractable roofGETTY IMAGES
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the “newest and most state-of-the-art stadium in the NFL," so the "real star of the Super Bowl may be what surrounds the field" this weekend, according to CBS’ Mark Strassmann. Stadium GM Scott Jenkins: “The architecture, it's just stunning. ... It starts with being in the heart of Atlanta. ... It's the technology that's in the building.” Falcons Owner Arthur Blank said, “We wanted to build something that would be iconic for Atlanta and iconic for our sport." Strassmann said the stadium includes “two marquee highlights,” the halo ring video board and retractable roof (“CBS This Morning,” CBS, 1/30). Blank said Mercedes-Benz Stadium is “iconic in every sense." Blank: "I’m really excited about being able to share our food and beverage concession pricing and philosophy with all of our fans that will be in the building. Hopefully that will be taken out and … go to other stadiums and arenas. ... The fans are going to feel that ‘welcome home,’ if you will, the expression that we use internally when they’re in the stadium” (“Super Bowl Live,” NFL Network, 1/30).
PRAISE FROM THE TOP: In Atlanta, Tim Tucker noted NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in his Super Bowl address yesterday "expressed confidence everything is on track" for a successful week. He said, "Atlanta has done an incredible job. ... All the preparations that need to be made have been made. Everybody has worked tirelessly to be prepared for this. We’re early in the week, but we see no reason why this isn’t going to be a great Super Bowl." Goodell: "The stadium is one that I think everybody is going to marvel at on Sunday. ... It’s an extraordinary stage for all of us" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 1/31).
ONE FINAL DECISION: In Atlanta, Ryan Kruger noted it is "not clear if the roof at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be open or closed" on Sunday. Goodell said, "We love the idea of being able to show off the technology of the roof that exists here." But he added that the NFL is "still monitoring forecasts ahead of the game." It is "not clear when the decision will be made." While the roof can be "opened and closed in less than 20 minutes," it is "highly unlikely that would happen during the actual game" (11ALIVE.com, 1/30).
