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Campus Master Plan

The development of a campus master plan is crucial for guiding growth in a way that promotes a cohesive and forward-thinking vision. For GWCCA, this planning process goes beyond simple expansion; as a state instrumentality, the Authority exists to generate economic benefits for Georgia and the city of Atlanta. By hosting events and activities that enhance Atlanta’s appeal, GWCCA's efforts enrich the quality of life for all Georgians.

A decade ago, GWCCA introduced a strategic vision focused on ensuring its facilities were positioned for the future. Anchoring that vision were three projects that today have had significant impact on the camps and its ability to host events:

The addition of a 100,000-square-foot exhibit hall creating one million square feet of exhibition space
Capital improvements to Centennial Olympic Park that revitalized residential and commercial development
The development of Signia by Hilton Atlanta, GWCC’s headquarter hotel

Today, the Authority’s new campus master plan, which kicked off in earnest at the September 2023 board retreat and has progressed from the investigation to exploration phase, provides a strategic roadmap for transforming facilities and spaces into a more cohesive, flexible, and welcoming urban space that benefits both Atlanta's local community and visitors from around the world. This framework allows each project to build on the previous one, enhancing the campus while maintaining flexibility for future needs. Emphasizing sustainability, community integration, and economic potential, the plan also prioritizes pedestrian-friendly design. At its core, the plan aims to create a space deeply rooted in the local community while resonating on a global stage.

Guiding Principles

  1. Cohesive Campus Identity: Establish a unified and recognizable identity for the GWCC campus
  2. Maximizing Economic Potential: Leverage the site's potential to drive economic growth and development.
  3. Sustainability: Implement sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact, including addressing the urban heat island effect.
  4. Community Integration: Foster strong connections with surrounding neighborhoods, ensuring the development benefits local residents.
  5. Pedestrian-Centric Design: Prioritize human-first design, reducing dependency on vehicles and enhancing walkability.
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium

  • Hosts the MLS All-Star Game and the MLS Championship won by Atlanta United FC
  • Hosts Super Bowl LIII won by the New England Patriots
  • Earns Sports Facility of the Year in the annual Sports Business Awards according to Sports Business Journal
  • Hosts first Atlanta United and Atlanta Falcons games on back-to-back days and welcomes 141,251 fans in one historic weekend.
  • First professional sports stadium in the world to receive LEED Platinum Certification
  • Hosts the College Football Playoff National Championship Game won by the University of Alabama
  • December 31, 2014
    New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
  • December 19, 2014
    HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
  • December 2, 2014
    Following a Presentation by StadCo and HHRM Joint Venture, the GWCCA Board of Governors approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price and New Stadium Project Budget as outlined in the previously executed "Transaction Agreement".
  • November 30, 2014
    New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
  • November 24, 2014
    HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
  • October 31, 2014
    New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
  • October 23, 2014
    HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
  • September 30, 2014
    New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
  • September 24, 2014
    HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
  • August 31, 2014
    New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
  • August 24, 2014
    HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
  • August 13, 2014
    Icon Media Group released their Equal Business Opportunity Quarterly Report. EBO Quarterly Report
  • July 31, 2014
    New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
  • July 24, 2014
    HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Picture
  • June 30, 2014
    New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
  • June 25, 2014
    HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
  • June 24, 2014
    At the monthly GWCCA Board of Governors Meeting, Falcons President/CEO Rich McKay presented new renderings of the NSP to the board. Images from McKay’s Presentation
  • June 11, 2014
    HHRM will be conducting a Statnamic Load Test on the site of the NSP that could impact the surrounding areas with a loud sound on Monday, June 16 Notice of Project Information
  • June, 2014
    All traffic on Mangum Street was shifted to the temporary Mangum St.
  • May 31, 2014
    New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
  • May 28, 2014
    In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 12-16-5(b), all comments regarding the proposed demolition of the existing Friendship Baptist Church received both in writing and documented during the May 5, 2014 public hearing have been read and considered by the Executive Director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and the Executive Director of the Georgia State Properties Commission. Their decision is to proceed with the proposed demolition as planned.
  • May 23, 2014
    HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
  • May 21, 2014
    ICON Venue Group released its quarterly report on Equal Business Opportunities. Report
  • May 19, 2014
    Representatives from the NFL, Major League Soccer, the City and State broke ground on the new Atlanta stadium at the official Groundbreaking ceremony. Press Release
  • May 15, 2014
    HHRM released an updated roadways and milestones schedule for all new stadium projects that are set to begin before July 1, 2014 Short Term Look Ahead
  • May 9, 2014
    Due to technical difficulties which some people experienced while attempting to send comments electronically to the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) regarding Friendship Baptist Church, the GWCCA will continue to receive public comments as a part of the official record until Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. Public Notice
  • May 2, 2014
    The Agenda for the Public Hearing Regarding Friendship Baptist Church In Accordance with OCGA 12-16-5 on May 5, 2014; 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. In the Georgia World Congress Center Building C – Auditorium C101 AGENDA
  • April 30, 2014
    New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
  • April 30, 2014
    HHRM released an updated Roadways and Milestones schedule for all new stadium projects through July 17, 2014. Updated Schedule
  • April 24, 2014
    HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
  • March 31, 2014
    New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
  • March 17, 2014
    The demolition of Mt Vernon Church began.
  • March 20, 2014
    Georgia Dome Orange Lot, Purple Lot and Silver lot were all permanently closed.
  • March 24, 2014
    Georgia Dome Drive closed to all traffic.
  • February 18, 2014
    The Atlanta Falcons announced the appointment of Scott Jenkins to the newly-created position of general manager of the new Atlanta stadium, which will be operated by a division of AMB Sports & Entertainment Group Press Release
  • February 5, 2014
    The GWCCA, Atlanta Falcons, and Invest Atlanta executed the Initial Closing of the NSP as outlined in the MOU indicating that negotiations have been closed on the Transaction Agreement and its accompanying exhibits.
  • February 4, 2014
    The demolition of the MLK bridge began.
  • February 3, 2014
    Georgia Power began work on Northside Dr. and Mitchell St. to relocate infrastructure elements.
  • February 3, 2014
    MLK Jr. Drive between Centennial Olympic Park Dr. and Mt. Vernon Baptist Access Road was closed to all traffic and detour routes began. Portions of Nelson St. were converted into a two-way street as a detour route.
  • January 27, 2014
    The brown lot was closed and temporary fencing was placed around the area.
  • January 22, 2014
    HHRM releases a construction mitigation plan on traffic, the neighboring properties and businesses surrounding the new stadium during construction. Construction activities and stages are described and followed by the assessment of potential impacts expected during construction. Construction Mitigation Plan
  • January 20, 2014
    Traffic control signage was placed in the area south of the Georgia Dome to notify everyone of future road closures and detours.
  • January 16, 2014
    Holder Hunt Russell and Moody (HHRM) released the first iteration of the roadways and NSP construction schedule. The schedule outlines significant milestones anticipated in the next 75 days. Roadways and NSP Milestone Schedule
  • November 12, 2013
    The Georgia World Congress Center Authority Board of Governors voted unanimously to move forward with the exercise of eminent domain on the Zaglin property. The meeting was the first of three scheduled during the next few weeks. The Department of Economic Development will meet on Tuesday, November 19. The State Properties Commission (SPC) is slated to take up the issue the following Tuesday, November 26. In addition, having reached purchase agreements on several other parcels, the Board requested that SPC move forward in acquiring the following: the Callaway property; a billboard owned by CBS Outdoor; the Leiffer property; and Friendship Baptist Church (which will be conveyed by StadCo. to the State as part of the NSP site).
  • October 31, 2013
    The Georgia World Congress Center Authority and the Atlanta Falcons mutually agreed to extend the deadline for Initial Closing on the NSP until December 15, 2013.
  • October 29, 2013
    The Georgia World Congress Center Authority Board of Governors unanimously approved the complete schematic drawings and a preliminary budget of $1.2B for the NSP.
  • October 28, 2013
    The GWCCA Stadium Development Committee met and recommended advancing the preliminary schematic drawings (concept drawings, schematics and preliminary elevations) to the Board of Governors for approval. In addition the Atlanta Falcons notified the Stadium Development Committee that the preliminary budget was now estimated at $1.2B.
  • October 24, 2013
    The Atlanta Falcons, GWCCA and 360 Architecture released new artist renderings of Atlanta’s New Stadium. New Artist Renderings
  • September 30, 2013
    The Atlanta Falcons notified the GWCCA that they were amending a prior notification (July 30, 2013) to reflect the south site as feasible for the NSP and will move forward in finalizing the documents necessary for the initial closing with construction contemplated on the south site. Feasibility Declaration Letter Atlanta Falcons Press Release
  • August 1, 2013
    The GWCCA officially closed its negotiations for property adjacent to the Georgia Dome at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Northside Dr. Feasibility assessments on the north side site began on July 30 in preparation for the initial closing as outlined by the MOU.
  • July 30, 2013
    The Lead Architect team hosted a “Meet & Greet” for interested local Minority and Female Business Enterprises (M/FBE) for Architectural/Engineering design services at GWCC.
  • July 30, 2013
    The GWCCA Board of Governors took unanimous action on two resolutions related to the New Stadium Project (NSP). One would allow the Authority to negotiate and enter into an agreement with an owner's representative (for construction). The second would provide access to the north site property for due diligence work related to development of the NSP.
  • July 24, 2013
    The GWCCA Stadium Development Committee reviewed the first group of principle project documents related to the new stadium development. The committee also advanced a resolution to the full board that would authorize due diligence work related to the north site as outlined in the MOU.
  • June 18, 2013
    The Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) Board of Governors accepts conceptual design and general contractor recommendation for the new stadium project.
  • June 14, 2013
    Atlanta Falcons announced that 360 Architecture has selected three Atlanta-based firms, pending final contracts, to partner in the design of the new stadium in Atlanta. The three firms are – Goode Van Slyke Architecture (GVSA), Stanley Beaman & Sears, and tvsdesign.
  • May 21, 2013
    In a vote by NFL team owners, the Atlanta Falcons were approved for $200 million in NFL G-4 stadium financing for construction of a new multi-purpose stadium in Atlanta.
  • April 30, 2013
    The GWCCA Board of Governors voted unanimously to approve a contract for 360 Architecture to serve as the lead architect on the new stadium project, signaling the official start of the design process.
  • April 29, 2013
    The GWCCA Stadium Development Committee unanimously voted to recommend 360 Architecture to the full board when it meets on April 30, 2013. In addition to selecting an architect, GWCCA and the Atlanta Falcons also reviewed the process for selecting a general contractor and an owner’s representative, which would oversee the construction of the stadium.
  • April 18, 2013
    The GWCCA announced 360 Architecture as the “Apparent Awardee” firm to design the new stadium. The Authority and Atlanta Falcons will now begin the process of negotiating a contract with the firm. The final agreement is subject to GWCCA Board approval.
  • April 16, 2013
    The GWCCA interviewed the five finalists for architectural services as the process to select an architect moves forward. The finalists presented to 19 representatives, including Executive Director Frank Poe, Falcons owner Arthur Blank, the Evaluation and Recommendation Committee (ERC), and other advisors. Complete Release Here
  • April 4, 2013
    Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development agency, voted 8-1 to approve issuing more than $200 million in bonds to finance the public contribution for the new retractable-roof stadium.
  • March 18, 2013
    The Atlanta City Council voted 11-4 in favor of an amended resolution extending the hotel-motel tax to 2050 and for other key agreements among the City of Atlanta, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) and the Atlanta Falcons, thereby taking a significant step toward the construction of a new retractable roof stadium in downtown. Complete Release from the City of Atlanta
  • March 15, 2013
    The GWCCA Board of Governors met to review a completed business deal for a new stadium. The Board unanimously authorized the Executive Director to execute and deliver the following agreements:
  • March 7, 2013
    In a joint press conference Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta Falcons announced they have reached an agreement on key city terms for the construction of a new stadium in downtown Atlanta, subject to approval by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) board, the Atlanta City Council and Invest Atlanta.
  • February 20, 2013
    Officials from GWCCA attend a work session of the Atlanta City Council Finance/Executive Committee to respond to questions about the proposed new stadium that were generated as a result of a presentation to council members a week prior. Representatives from the Mayor’s office, Invest Atlanta, and the Atlanta Falcons also participated in the four hour Q&A session.
  • February 13, 2013
    The GWCCA presents a review of its efforts regarding the proposed new stadium project to the Atlanta City Council Finance/Executive Committee. The presentation includes: a review of the GWCCA campus master plan, four phases of studies and analysis, and the status of the on-going negotiations with the Atlanta Falcons.
  • January 28, 2013
    The GWCCA and Atlanta Falcons short-listed five finalists for Architectural Services on the proposed new stadium project. Finalists, in alphabetical order include: 360 Architecture, Ewing Cole, HKS Inc., Populous, & TVS Design/Heery/Gensler. Each finalist will now prepare a Design Services Proposal and formal presentation that will include the first conceptual designs for the project. Interviews will be scheduled in the next 30 days.
  • January 9, 2013
    The Atlanta Falcons and GWCCA jointly agreed to extend the evaluation period for Architectural Services until Monday, January 28. Ten responses to the RFQ solicitation were received and additional time is needed to review qualifications and references and to prepare additional program information for finalists.
  • December 28, 2012
    Ten firms submitted their qualifications for Architectural and Design Services in response to the new stadium project RFQ solicitation. Listed Alphabetically: 360 Architecture, AECOM, Eisenman Architects, Ewing Cole, HKS Inc., Populous, RGC Stadium Design, Rosetti, TVS Design/Heery/Gensler and Woods Bagot.
  • December 10, 2012
    The GWCCA Board of Governors voted unanimously to move forward with an agreement on business terms that will form the basis of a definitive contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
  • November 5, 2012
    NFL commissioner Roger Goodell traveled to Atlanta to met with Gov. Nathan Deal and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed to discuss the stadium issue.
  • November 2, 2012
    The GWCCA releases updated draft of the non-binding term sheet. This document reflects additional details on the capital improvement fund and considers both potential new stadium sites.
  • September 20, 2012
    The GWCCA Board of Governors meets and reviews a draft summary of the updated non-binding term sheet. A few significant open items are still undefined in this document including the lease payment, capital improvement fund, site and repurposing of the existing Georgia Dome site if a southern location is selected.
  • August 30, 2012
    Stadium Development Committee hears Barrett Sports Lease Analysis report. The goal of the analysis was to provide the Authority with a comprehensive deal structure/lease evaluation of market rate NFL stadium deals as part of its due diligence process with the Atlanta Falcons.
  • June 22, 2012
    GWCCA publishes first draft of a non-binding one stadium retractable-roof business term sheet between the Authority and the Atlanta Falcons.
  • April 25, 2012
    GWCCA Executive Director Frank Poe and Falcons President Rich McKay held a joint press conference to announce the two sides have abandoned the two-stadium possibility and would now begin to focus on a one-stadium, retractable roof option to replace the Georgia Dome.
  • April 19, 2012
    Stadium Development Committee meets to hear a report from Barrett Sports Group on the Atlanta Falcons valuation impact analysis. Also discussed is a study conducted by Populous on the effect of one stadium with a retractable roof showing the scheduling impact and cost.
  • August 2010
    The GWCCA commissioned a third Master Plan study with Populous Architects regarding the feasibility of building an open-air stadium on the GWCCA campus and sustainability of the Georgia Dome for the next 20 years.
  • June 2010
    Master Plan II Released. The intent of this study was to examine what a new NFL stadium program would look like and understand how the Georgia Dome may or may not be able to incorporate these features and program elements compared to new construction. *please note, a mathematical error was detected on slide 87 on 3/5/13 and the report has been updated to reflect the corrected version.
  • May 18, 2010
    Falcons president Rich McKay said in an interview with the AJC that the team's preference would be an open-air stadium, rather than a renovated Georgia Dome, or a retractable-roof facility.
  • April 13, 2010
    The Georgia State Senate approves House Bill 903 which represents a cornerstone in advancing the partnership between the Falcons and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority by extending the existing hotel-motel usage fee in Fulton County through the year 2050 if a new stadium deal reached.
  • October 2009
    Master Plan I Released. This study included an analysis of the entire 200-acre GWCCA Campus and buildings, renovation of the Georgia Dome, replacement of the Georgia Dome with a new football stadium, renovation of the GWCC and expansion of the GWCC.
  • April 2009
    NFL issues a study on the state of the League, NFL Stadium Development and Falcons' Situation
  • Sept. 7, 2006
    Falcons owner Arthur Blank broached the idea of a new stadium, predicting in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the team would have one in a decade or so. A new stadium "is not in the back of my mind; it's in the front of my mind," Blank said in that interview, adding that the team would spend the next few years investigating the matter.
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