ATLANTA — It's a question everyone wants to know: What's next for the former site of the Georgia Dome?
In less than one week, crews will use explosives to demolish the 25-year-old facility.
In an exclusive one-on-one interview with the executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center, Channel 2 Action News is learning more about exactly what happens after demolition.
Channel 2's Craig Lucie said when it's all said and done, they will be adding 100,000 more square feet to the convention area, bringing the total to 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space.
WSB-TV is partnering with the Georgia World Congress Center Authority for a LIVE broadcast of the Georgia Dome demolition. WATCH Channel 2 Action News This Morning starting at 4:30 a.m. for LIVE Team 2 Coverage.
The area where the Georgia Dome currently sits will become the Home Depot Backyard.
Frank Poe, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center, told Lucie the timetable they are shooting for.
"Our goal is to see this hotel under construction in January or February 2019, probably post Super Bowl," Poe said.
He said they are planning to add a 1,010-room hotel that will fit in between Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center.
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"The two brands that we are currently working with are Fairmont and IHG or Intercontinental," Poe said.
Next to the hotel, there will be a rideshare area and more parking.
Lucie asked Poe what will happen to the debris from the implosion.
"About 97 percent of what remains there, the concrete and other material, will actually be crushed and used as fill," Poe said.
Poe said the plan for the space will attract even more businesses to Atlanta.