Every year, the summer months are a flurry of activity around the Georgia Dome. Not from excited Falcons fans, Monster Truck enthusiast or even college graduates, but from the dedicated staff, working diligently to prepare the building for another fantastic year.

This year the Dome has undergone some extensive maintenance projects. Crews will spend a total of three months completing the roofing project. Both the upper and lower single membrane roof rings are being replaced with a double membrane roof that will last throughout the remaining life of the Dome. With this project coming in at around $925,000 it is a substantial investment.

The complete interior and exterior lighting control system has been replaced and upgraded this summer. The new Douglas lighting system installation was complete in June and will make operating the lighting throughout the building more efficient and effective.

Other maintenance projects, such as minor repairs, painting and deep cleaning of the entire building will continue throughout the summer until the Falcons football season begins in August. "We use this opportunity to make necessary repairs and upgrades so our guests have a clean, safe and enjoyable environment here at the Dome," says Mike McNeely, Georgia Dome building superintendent.

Levy Restaurants, the exclusive food service provider for the Dome, is also making its fair share of fan-focused upgrades this summer. A new POS (Point of Sale) system has been installed at all the fixed concession areas. Fans will now be able to use debit and credit cards to make purchases at these locations. The In-Zone restaurant is undergoing a complete remodel. It will feature four chef action stations, a leather furnished lounge area, a full bar, reupholstered seating, vibrant new paint, new carpet and five plasma screen televisions.

The entire Georgia Dome staff strives to enhance the guest experience and believes that as the 2006-2007 season nears, guests can look forward to enjoying the efforts that have gone into kicking off another great year.