ATLANTA – For 15 years fans watching the Falcons at the Georgia Dome have enjoyed the game with air conditioning and protection from the sun.
Fans can now watch the game in more elegant, cutting-edge surroundings thanks to renovations to the Verizon Wireless Club Level and the creation of stylish features like the Alge Crumpler No. 83 Super Suite.
The team and Verizon officially opened the doors on renovations to the Dome Wednesday and, with help from Crumpler, showed off the new additions.
“Today is a big day for us,” said Falcons Executive Vice President of Marketing Dick Sullivan. “We’re so excited to officially open the Verizon Wireless Club. “But this is just the beginning. By the end of next year you’re going to see incredible things both inside and outside (the Dome).”
Renovations to the club level – part of a $30-million two-year project by the Falcons – include the addition of new seating, contemporary furnishings, larger wet bars and flat-screen televisions. Verizon added extra touches, including stations where fans can “test drive” the Verizon Wireless Network and new mobile phones.
The company also provided ESPN MVP – a service at the Dome that will provide “up-to-the-minute” sports information including highlights, scores and breaking news. Fans will also have the ability to sign up for “Falcons Connection,” which delivers breaking news via text message.
“We are here to take the fan experience to the next level,” said Jeff Mango, head of Verizon’s Georgia and Alabama region. “We are proud to be a partner in taking the fan experience to the next level.”
Verizon Wireless, a team sponsor since 2002, also placed its name on Crumpler’s “super suite,” which provides fans an opportunity to purchase assigned seats in a large, upgraded suite. The suite is one of eight in the Dome.
Crumpler’s photo likeness dominates the suite in the southwest corner of the stadium. The Pro Bowl tight end said he turned down offers to tour the changes until Wednesday to add to his excitement.
He wasn’t disappointed.
“It’s a joy to see. A pleasure,” he said with his family in attendance. “I can tell you when all these photos were taken because I remember them personally.
“Those are all great moments.”
The suite offers a sweeping view of the stadium and new LED "ribbon boards” that were installed in the first round of renovation. It also offers up-scale amenities including private concessions, bathrooms and open-air seating (other suites in the Dome have glass patricians).
Future improvements to the Georgia Dome include a remodel of the concourse and entry gates, paint on the building’s exterior and the addition of high-definition video scoreboards.
“It’s fantastic to have a partner that supports and shares a common goal and vision for our organization, which is what we’ve found with Verizon Wireless,” Sullivan said. “Through our collaboration with Verizon Wireless and other valued partners, we are able to transform our Falcons home and continue to deliver one of the best game day experiences available.”
