My family and I went to the Georgia Dome Saturday night to take in the Atlanta Falcons v. San Diego Chargers NFL Preseason football game.

I have been in dome stadiums before but this was the first time I have ever gone to a dome as a spectator.

In preparing to share my thoughts on whether a dome is good for football or not, please know I am a football purist. According to Google Maps I was born 1.1 miles from the Pro Football Hall of Fame (although I am positive the hospital in which I was born is not even a mile away from the HOF) I saw my first football game in the Cleveland Municipal Stadium (the old one) as I watched O.J. Simpson wind down his career in preseason as he played for the 49ers. God blessed us with a view of Bank of America Stadium (home of the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte) from the hospital room where my son was born.

I could go on and on, but know this: I know football and I have a respect and passion for the game that is not often rivaled.

So… the dome… I have heard football purists for years say that the only way football should be played is outside in the wind, the rain and the elements. I have agreed with that sentiment until Saturday.

Have you ever gone to a game in a dome or retractable roof stadium? I left the Georgia Dome Saturday night after cheering and sitting and standing and cheering and sitting and walking… all in a perfect air conditioned, perfect weather climate to watch the game I so enjoy. It was absolutely GREAT!

So to all you football purists out there who say the game must be played outside to be considered real. Enjoy your sunburn as you root for your team. Enjoy freezing when the weather turns cold. Enjoy getting soaked when it rains. Enjoy all the unexpected, unplanned circumstances that come with being outside to watch a sporting event. As for me, I wish all teams played in a dome. As a fan, I simply loved the experience!