Governance

Board Members

The State of Georgia established the Georgia World Congress Center Authority to oversee the operation of the Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park and related facilities.

The Authority’s day-to-day operations are headed by Executive Director Frank Poe and is governed by a 15-member board. All members are appointed by the Governor and serve four-year terms.

Brian Daniel

CHAIR

CARROLL DANIEL CONSTRUCTION

Doug Tollett

VICE CHAIR

DOUGLAS MANAGEMENT CO.

Dexter Warrior

SECRETARY

T. DALLAS SMITH & COMPANY

Maxine Burton

TREASURER

BURTON + BURTON

Aaron McWhorter

NORTH GEORGIA TURF, INC.

Ben Garrett

RA-LIN and Associates, Inc.

Bill Jones

JONES PETROLEUM

Bill Rice

RBH LAGRANGE, LLC

Bill Russell

RUSSEL LANDSCAPE GROUP INC.

Don Balfour

WAFFLE HOUSE, INC.

Glenn Hicks

FIRST BEACON INVESTMENTS

Natasha Bell

360 VENTURE LAW

Rachel Little

Boehringer Ingelheim USA

Stan Conway

MAJESTIC REALTY

Steve Adams

SOUTHEASTRANS, INC.

In 1978, the Georgia General Assembly created a six-member legislative overview committee to oversee the activities of the GWCCA. In 2003, this committee was expanded to 12 members, equally split between the state House of Representatives and Senate.

Committee members include:
Sen. Brandon Beach (Chair), Sen. Rick Williams, Sen. Steve Gooch, Sen. Sonya Halpern, Sen. John Kennedy, Sen. Larry Walker, Rep. Chris Erwin, Rep. Scott Holcomb, Rep. Chuck Martin, Rep. Butch Parrish, Rep. Ron Stephens, Rep. Marcus Wiedower

2024 Board Meeting Schedule

JAN*

30

FEB

27

MAR

26

APR

30

MAY**

21

JUN***

18

JUL****

30

AUG

27

SEP*****

17-19
(Tentative)

OCT

29

DEC******

10

Meetings take place in the Authority Board Room, begin at 12:30 p.m., and usually end by 2:00 p.m.

* The January meeting will take place at Signia by Hilton Atlanta
** The May meeting is moved to the prior Tuesday due to Memorial Day Holiday
*** The June meeting is based on GWCCA Executive Leadership availability
**** The July meeting will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
***** The September meeting is typically canceled in favor of an Authority Planning Retreat
****** The November and December meetings are combined

Meeting Minutes and Materials

2020 : 2021 : 2022 : 2023

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Economic impact is at the heart of Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s mission.

Established by the State of Georgia to develop and operate the Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and related facilities, GWCCA is a major economic driver for the city of Atlanta and state of Georgia.

This past fiscal year, GWCCA hosted more than 170 events and welcomed more than 3 million visitors who generated $1.37 billion in economic impact to the state of Georgia.

  • 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
July 31, 2017
MBS Project Status Report
June 30, 2017
MBS Project Status Report
May 31, 2017
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
March 31, 2017
Mercedes -Benz Stadium project report
March 18, 2017
The AMB Group announced that Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s opening has been pushed back to August 26. Press Release
February 28, 2017
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
February 13, 2017
MBS EBO Executive Summary
Jan 31, 2017
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
December 31, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
November 30, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
November 17, 2016
MBS EBO Executive Summary (For Report #14) - 11 17 16
October 31, 2016
MBS Project Status Report
September 31, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Report
August 31, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Report
August 18, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium EBO Executive Summary
July 31, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
July 16, 2016
Representatives from HHRM presented a Mercedes-Benz Stadium construction and Georgia Dome demolition update to the GWCCA Board of Directors at their monthly board meeting. Presentation from HHRM
June 30, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
May 31, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
April 30, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
April 28, 2016
04-28-15 GWCCA Board of Governors Meeting Power Point Presentation
March 31, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
March 18, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium EBO Quarterly Report
February 29, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
February 23, 2016
Representatives from HHRM presented a Mercedes-Benz Stadium construction update to the GWCCA Board of Directors at their monthly board meeting. Presentation Videos from Presentation Operable Roof Plaza Construction Structural Steel Erection
January 31, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
December 31, 2015
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
December 29, 2015
Time Lapse video of the first 18 months of construction
November 30, 2015
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Project Report
November 19, 2015
EBO Quarterly Report No 10 - 11 19 15
November 19, 2015
MBS EBO Executive Summary (For Report #10) - 11 19 15
October 31, 2015
Mercedes- Benz Stadium Project Status Report
September 24, 2015
HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
September 8, 2015
The Southeastern Conference (SEC), along with AMB Sports & Entertainment (AMBSE) and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) announced an agreement to host the SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta through 2026. Press Release
August 31, 2015
Mercedes – Benz Stadium Project Status Report
August 24, 2015
AMB Sports & Entertainment announced Mercedes-Benz USA will be the naming partner of the new Atlanta stadium, now officially named Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Press Release Mercedes Benz Stadium Renderings
July 31, 2015
New Atlanta Stadium Project Status Report
July 28, 2015
Members of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s (GWCCA) Board of Governors, Legislative Overview Committee, stadium executives and Authority staff received an up-close-and-personal view of the New Atlanta Stadium project. Full Story [metaslider id=3466]
July 24, 2015
HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
June 30, 2015
New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
June 26, 2015
HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
June 2, 2015
Following a Presentation by Legends Global Sales, which oversees the Falcons’ premium and season ticket sales for the new Atlanta stadium, the GWCCA Board of Governors unanimously approved the personal seat license (PSL) marketing plan for reserve seats in the New Atlanta Stadium. Presentation Press Release Resolution
May 31, 2015
New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
May 27, 2015
HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
May 15, 2015
April 30, 2015
New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
April 28, 2015
HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
April 6, 2015
The section of Mitchell Street that runs parallel with the southern portion of the stadium construction site between Northside Drive and Mangum Street was closed and is scheduled to reopen around first week of August 2015.
March 31, 2015
New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
March 25, 2015
HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
March 16, 2015
The Georgia Supreme court upheld the decision by the Fulton County Superior Court judge (Issued in May of 2014) to validate the bonds to be issued by Invest Atlanta and backed by the hotel-motel tax as a partial financing for the New Atlanta Stadium. Statement from the Atlanta Falcons
February 28, 2015
HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
February 23, 2015
Darden & Company released its quarterly report on Equal Business Opportunities. Report
January 31, 2015
New Atlanta Stadium Project status report
January 31, 2015
New Stadium Project status update compiled by Heery International, the Owner’s Representative for the New Stadium construction progress. January Report
January 28, 2015
HHRM released new aerial photographs of the New Atlanta Stadium’s construction progress Pictures
January 13, 2015
The Atlanta Falcons released the following video animation of the New Atlanta Stadium Fly Through Video
January 8, 2015
Following a Presentation by Legends Global Sales, which oversees the Falcons’ premium and season ticket sales for the new Atlanta stadium, the GWCCA Board of Governors unanimously approved the Club Seat PSL marketing program.
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.
Feb. 22, 2011
The GWCCA received the results of a third commissioned study performed by 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. The report also studied: Property allocation for a new stadium, construction cost estimates, traffic patterns, parking availability and pedestrian access as well as capital maintenance and improvements needed to sustain the Georgia Dome for the next 20 years.
September 2010
The GWCCA received a report from Barrett Sports Group that analyzes:
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.