My Georgia Dome Experience (Longwinded, Full Details)

[EKUAlum05]

I just got back from what is one of the most surreal nights of my life.

 

So it all started with my buddyand I setting sail from my place in Suwanee at about 6:30 pm... I had not spoke to my mother in about 4 days yet she called as we were passing the security gates. The whole object of the conversation was my grandmother, who I haven't spoke to since I made the move to Georgia. I had recently purchased a new truck, and my mother said, "Your Grandma was worried about your truck getting wind damage from the storms that pass down there. She actually dreamed alot of debris was hitting it." I jokingly assured her, "That's why I have insurance", and thought nothing more of it.

 

We arrive, eat dinner, partake in a couple adult beverages, and make our seats at approximately 8:30 to catch the 2nd half of the MSU/Bama game. Our seats were in Row D on the floor level behind the basket that Alabama was shooting towards during the 2nd Half.

 

After the unbelievable finish to regulation, the entire arena was into the game, and the players were focused. At the @ minute and change mark a loud "BANG" could be heard directly diagonal to me behind the bleachers. Shortly thereafter the sound of hard rain on a roof was enough to cause everyone in ym area to comment on a "thunderstorm must be outside", at this point the white ceiling seemed to be rippling, once again I figured it was natural in a dome because the roofs aren't very reinforced.

 

The first sign something odd was happening came when a sudden rushing sound as if the rain had considerably increased, started and progressively increased. As this happened, the suspended fixtures (i.e Jumbotron, scoreboard, lights) all start swyaing and bouncing up and down. At the same time, the sides of the upper arena begin to swell back and forth. People then start sprinting to the exits and the players/officials come to a complete standstill. It continues to egt louder and debris starts to fall and two of those upper arena side panels blowout allowing more debris to get sucked in and lightning to become visible. Then silence.

 

.......

[EKUAlum05]

After it was over everyone didn't so much seemed scared, but confused. It was evident something unusual just happened, and it was evident that it was not a secure situation. People were attempting to exit or find cover anyway possible. Me and my buddy ducked into one of the lockerroom accesses.

 

Cell phones were jammed, and everyone just started asking each other what happened in disbelief. A slightly comical thing happened when about 5 mintues after the storm passed the PA man announces "Ladies and gentlemen, there are severe storms in the Atlanta area. Please remain calm and remain inside." (I found out later a Tornado Warning had been issued prior to the storm's impact)

 

Slowly everyone filed back in with reports of damage outside and rumors they overheard. It then became apparent that the Georgia Dome had locked the doors and prohibited anyone from exiting due to the damage outside. More and more people started getting recption and reporting the news they ahd heard of damage to the Phillip's arena, Omni, etc... and also reporting that aanother storm was on it's way. The PA Man announced that the Georgia Dome was "Structurally Safe" and that the game would resume, as it did.

 

After completion of an EXCELLENT ballgame, there was a short delay before the PA Man announced, "Severe Storms are expected to enter the area, the status of the remaining game is yet to be determined.", then "Tonight's game has been postponed until further notice", then "Due to severe storms in the area everyone is advised to remain within the Georgia Dome until further notified". At this point everyone was slightly disgruntled, but obviously content considering the circumstances, nearly all the patrons remained seating waiting for the storm to pass, then ten minutes later, the wierdest announcement of the night "The Georgia Dome will be shutting down in 15 minutes, everyone must exit at this time". Leaving everyone very confused.......

[EKUAlum05]

As my friend and I exited the arena we immediately saw huge pieces of sheet metal and insulation. We then made our way towards a road, before relaizing we were going the opposite direction. it was the side of the dome with the satellite trucks, there was very limited damage. After we turned around to get onto Marietta Street the scene changed DRASTICALLY. All along Marietta Street alongside the world Commerce Center, Phillip's Arena, and the CNN center was damage upon damage. Glass everywhere, 15 ft pieces of sheet metal an 1/8 of a mile away from the Dome. We turned left between the front of the World Commerce Center and the Omni Hotel and that's where the damage was jaw dropping. There you could see mammoth pieces of the side panels wrapped around light poles, and the Double Pain Glass or the Omni just completely shattered away. Downlights inside the hotel were literally sucked out of the ceiling.

 

we made our way to the parking lot where it became apparent my grandmother's dream had soem merit. Cars in the parking lot had windows shattered, hoods bowed up, and it was widespread. I hurried to my truck and was shocked at what I saw. Two spaces to my left, a car had it's entire rear window smashed by a piece of roof. Two places to my right, a 20 ft piece of metal that had to weigh 200-300 pounds was laying in the space. My truck, had not a single scratch.

[EKUAlum05]

With the damage I witnessed I will say with 100% certainty that we were hit by a tornado. I also feel that the Georgia Dome's damage is VERY substantial and will be VERY surprised if another SEC Tourney game will be held there this week.

 

Sorry for ym horrible spelling and typos,,, I typed this in a hurry.

[Hangman]

Wow... Thankfully you're alright, that's the most important part!

[gold sunrise]

Glad you are OK. Reports is that the rest of the games will be colsed to fans. This is a SEC Tourney you won't forget. Have a safe trip home.

[KYSPORTSFAN]

With the damage I witnessed I will say with 100% certainty that we were hit by a tornado. I also feel that the Georgia Dome's damage is VERY substantial and will be VERY surprised if another SEC Tourney game will be held there this week.

 

Sorry for ym horrible spelling and typos,,, I typed this in a hurry.

 

Thanks for the update, what did they tell you about your ticket, anything about a refund?

[SportsGuy41017]

It then became apparent that the Georgia Dome had locked the doors and prohibited anyone from exiting

 

WOW! This is scary, as well as very dangerous, and I also believe against the law?

 

Thanks for the detailed posts of your experiences last night. Thankfully it didn't end up as a huge tragedy.

[Wireman]

I knew it was worse than what we could tell from watching television. They wouldn't send all of those fans home without a basketball game if it wasn't pretty bad.

[Watusi]

Wow, EKU, thanks for the details. It was surreal just watching on TV and I can only imagine how much more intense it would have been to have been a part of that.

 

Glad you're OK.

[Wireman]

Heres a pretty good video:

 

http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=62914

[TubbyCAT]

Wow, just an unbelievable experience.

 

My dad and uncle was there and they said it was unlike anything they had ever experienced!

[Dfenz]

Hey EKU, I live in Suwanee also! Very close to Collins Hill High School. Where do you live (general area)?

[EKUAlum05]

Hey EKU, I live in Suwanee also! Very close to Collins Hill High School. Where do you live (general area)?

 

McGinnis Ferry/ PIB

[BucksFan]

I knew it was worse than what we could tell from watching television. They wouldn't send all of those fans home without a basketball game if it wasn't pretty bad.

 

That's what I was thinking, I knew it was worse than the eleuded to.