The Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia

Photo © Rob Friedman / iStockPhoto

The Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia is the largest cable-supported domed stadium in the world.

Built in 1992, the Georgia dome is large enough for major sporting events, concerts, and conventions. The 7-story building covers 8.9 acres, encompasses 1.6 million square feet, and can seat 71,250 spectators. And yet, careful architectural planning of the Georgia Dome gives the enormous space a feeling of intimacy. The stadium is oval and the seats are set relatively close to the field. The Teflon/fiberglass roof provides enclosure while admitting natural light.

The famous domed roof of the Georgia Dome is made of of 130 Teflon-coated fiberglass panels that span an vast area of 8.6 acres. The cables that support the roof are 11.1 miles long. A few years after the Georgia Dome was constructed, heavy rain pooled in a section of the roof and ripped it open. The roof was adapted to prevent future problems. The tornado that struck Atlanta in March 2008 ripped holes in the roof, but amazingly, the fiberglass panels did not cave in.

Learn More about the Georgia Dome:

• Georgia Dome Facts