Mercedes-Benz Stadium will not be completed in time for start of Atlanta United's inaugural season

In an interview with Doug Roberson of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Arthur Blank said the new target date for the Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been pushed back three months and will not be ready in time for the opening of the 2017 Atlanta United season.

The new target date is June 1, 2017.

Blank explained the delay is due to the design process for the steel structure that will support the stadiums roof and video board. The delay will also add to the $1.4 billion overall cost of the stadium, though he did not specify the additional cost.

Blank also told the AJC he expects Atlanta United to play all 17 home games in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, even if that means playing the first three months of their inaugural season on the road.

However, playing eight or more road games seem unlikely given the time of year and the potential availability of the Georgia Dome, Bobby Dodd Stadium and Turner Field. Assuming Sun Trust Stadium is completed in time, the new home for the Atlanta Braves could also be a possibility.