Council hears $100M–$140M concept for AJ McClung Stadium; asks staff for phased, costed options
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Summary
Architects presented a concept to rebuild AJ McClung Stadium to host larger regional events, estimating a full rebuild at $100M–$140M; council directed staff to return in 4–6 weeks with phased options (turf, locker rooms, drainage) and funding scenarios including TAD, SPLOST, bonds and private naming rights.
City staff and 2WR Architects presented a conceptual plan for AJ McClung Stadium that would modernize seating, improve drainage and locker-room capacity, add turf and make the venue competitive for larger events. Presenters warned that piecemeal work may trigger additional structural repairs because of embankment and concrete replacement needs under the seating bowl.
Architect Scott Allen said a complete reconstruction that preserves historic elements but replaces major sideline structures could cost between $100 million and $140 million and take roughly 14–18 months. Councilors and staff discussed lower-cost, phased alternatives: turf installation with drainage upgrades and locker-room renovations, estimated in discussion at roughly $9 million to $14 million depending on subsurface conditions.
Council asked staff to prepare a prioritized, phased package that identifies the lowest-cost interventions that would materially improve stadium usability (field surfacing plus locker rooms and drainage), the cost to widen the field for regulation soccer (an estimated six rows of seating removed), a stabilization plan to slow deterioration, and financing scenarios. Funding options to be assessed include the 6th Avenue TAD balance (staff cited approximately $3.0 million available in that TAD), existing SPLOST collections, borrowing against city funds, and public‑private partnerships or naming rights via the Sports & Entertainment Authority. City managers and councilors stressed the need for a financial model showing likely revenue uplift (events, bowl rentals, sponsorship) and debt service implications before committing to major capital work.
Staff committed to return with a set of phased options, cost magnitudes and financing models in about 4–6 weeks so council can weigh near‑term fixes against long‑term redevelopment choices.
