Indeed, Billy Payne, who headed Atlanta's Olympic organization, has said almost half of the venues changed between Atlanta's bid deadline and the 1996 Games competition. It also is distinguished by a landmark stadium. But as it stands, the Cotton Bowl is in no condition to host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and track and field. The stadium does not accommodate a 400-meter track. It has just 68,252 permanent seats.
Interesting questions abound concerning the track and field venue.
USA Track and Field spokesman Glen McMicken said he was unaware of any specification insisting on an outdoor stadium for track, but that the field events go askew without grass. It's like throwing it on a trampoline. Theoretically, McMicken said, a facility could have a retractable roof that could help with climate control and be opened during events just enough to allow for milestone achievements to count as outdoor records. Contrary to many perceptions, Opening Ceremonies do not have to take place at the track and field venue. Closing Ceremonies, however, traditionally capitalize on the end of the marathon event, which has made the track stadium the site for the wrap-up pageant.