5 firms vie for chance to design Falcons' stadium

ATLANTA -- Five architecture firms are vying for the chance to design the Atlanta Falcons' new retractable-roof stadium.

Officials with the NFL Team and the Georgia World Congress Center concluded two days of interviews on Tuesday with the firms.

The five finalists are Philadelphia-based EwingCole; Dallas-based HKS; Kansas City-based firms Populous and 360 Architecture; and Tvsdesign of Atlanta (in partnership with Heery International and Gensler).

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the design must not only house the NFL franchise but also a possible soccer team and compete for draws like the NCAA tournaments and presidential conventions. A decision is expected in the new few weeks.

The stadium is expected to be built near the existing Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta.