High hopes for Atlanta’s new high-tech stadium

ATLANTA (AP) — Several high-profile failures have tarnished Atlanta’s national reputation over the years: unpreparedness for ice and snow storms, a recent highway collapse and subsequent closure because of a fire, and chronic traffic and transit problems. Now, the city’s new $1.5 billion stadium — touted as a cutting-edge facility that can help transform downtown — is facing construction setbacks with its signature feature, a retractable roof that opens and closes like a camera lens. Stadium officials recently gave The Associated Press a tour of the stadium for an exclusive story on Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Even though it’s behind schedule, officials and some residents are hopeful the stadium can reverse Atlanta’s history of public infrastructure and project woes. It will be home to the Atlanta Falcons and United, the city’s professional football and soccer teams.