Mercedes-Benz Stadium construction behind schedule

The delay leaves new professional soccer team Atlanta United without a place to play for the start of the 2017 season

The construction of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta is behind schedule, reports Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The stadium was originally set to be opened in March 2017. However the completion date has been pushed back three months to June 2017.

Once finished, the stadium will become the home of the Atlanta Falcons and new professional soccer team, Atlanta United.

Arthur Blank, who owns both teams, said that the delay is caused design process for the steel structure that will support the stadium’s roof. He also disclosed that the delay will increase the cost of the already $1.4 billion project.

The delay leaves Atlanta United without a place to play for the start of the 2017 season, which will be the team’s first.

Blank said he “fully anticipates” that that the team will play all 17 of it’s scheduled home games at the new stadium. This would require Atlanta United play on the road for the first three months of the season.

Blank also added that an alternative stadium will be lined up if necessary.