Georgia Dome Named An Iconic Site By The Georgia Historical Society

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The historical marker that sits at the former site of the Georgia Dome. / GPB News

The Georgia Historical Society named the Georgia Dome an iconic site. The designation comes about 10 months after 5,000 pounds of explosives reduced the stadium to rubble.

Now, a historical marker sits where the Dome sat for 25 years.

Carl Adkins worked at the Dome for 21 years and was the stadium’s general manager for its final 14 years. He said hopes the marker inspires people to research the iconic facility.

"I hope people look it up and understand what it really meant to so many people and the incredible events that were brought to Atlanta as a result of this,” Adkins said. “I hope people understand the hard work of the Georgia General Assembly to get it built because it truly was a tipping point for the city of Atlanta."

The marker credits the Dome for having an economic impact of $7 billion. It took three years to complete and cost $214 million.

Todd Groce with the Georgia Historical Society said it’s not just the building that’s historic.

“The Georgia Dome is historic because of all of the events that were held there,” Groce said. “The incredible events that could not have been held in Atlanta or in Georgia if it were not for this amazing building. All of that contributed to the economy and the standard of living that we all enjoy in the city of Atlanta.”

Groce said it’s just a matter of time before Mercedes-Benz Stadium is revered in the same light.

“In time, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will have just as much and an even greater impact,” Groce said. “Eventually it’ll be torn down and there will be a historical marker on its site and there will be something bigger and better beyond it.”

In its two years of existence, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has already hosted the NCAA College Football Playoff Championship, MLS All-Star Game, SEC Championship Game, and a Beyonce and Jay-Z concert. It’s scheduled to host Super Bowl 53 this winter, and NCAA Final Four games within the next couple of years.

For its part, the Georgia Dome hosted more than 1,400 events in its 25 year lifespan including two Super Bowls, Olympic games, and even served as the home for the Atlanta Hawks for two years.