RISE UP ATLANTA!!! I just couldn't let this week go by without a visit to the Falcons Flowery Branch Training Camp. The Superbowl is set for this Sunday in Houston, Texas where our hometown Atlanta Falcons will place their bid for the first Superbowl Championship in franchise history! You can feel the excitement throughout the entire state of Georgia! We are so proud of the Falcons and particularly of the man and player Julio Jones has been: http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18537557 The training camp was empty of course, as the Falcons arrived in Houston last week to get an early start on their practice for the big game. Although I don't believe God takes sides when it comes to sports, I walked the perimeter of the Training Facility offering prayers up for our boys to be their very best both physically and mentally. I prayed they have the game of their lives and of course, kinda hinted at how nice it would be if all that resulted in a victory! LOL The camp has been headquarters for the past 12 consecutive years with practices open to the public usually between late July through mid August. Players sign autographs for about 15 minutes after practice is over, making for a great fan experience for all ages! Each training camp season they also host an annual Kia Friday Night Lights event and other fun events such as Atlanta Falcons Freddie's Summer Bash, opportunities to meet Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders, and Military Appreciation Day. Gates open one hour before practice is scheduled to begin. In 2016, there were about 14 training camp days open to the public. Check their website for the 2017 training camp schedule. A visit during practice season is a must for any fan. I imagine this beautiful facility with its open field, steep viewing area and FREE admission will be fully packed come this fall when our Falcons hold the title as the current Superbowl Champions. Can I get a witness? ..... TRAINING CAMP FAN GUIDELINES Please comply with all requests made by field security workers and Falcons staff. Smoking is prohibited. Shirts and shoes are required. Please refrain from wearing any type of distracting or inappropriate apparel. Upon entry to the facility, your bag will be inspected for any prohibited items. Videotaping during practice is strictly prohibited. Please refrain from talking to players or coaches during practice. For your own safety and the safety of the players, please stay behind the ropes at all times. Gates will close 30 minutes after the conclusion of practice. Please proceed to the exit at that time. Guests not complying with the rules and directives of Falcons staff and team security will be removed from the premises immediately. Prohibited items include: Weapons of any kind Alcoholic beverages Pets (only service animals are allowed) Camcorders, professional cameras/tripods Large backpacks and bags Large coolers (Max size: 15 x 12 x 11 inches; 5 pounds) Anything deemed inappropriate by security ..... FINAL THOUGHTS I'm so nervous! My heart is racing and filled with hope for this Sunday's game against Brady and the New England Patriots. I hale from Chicago, where I witnessed my Bears do it in '86, my Bulls repeatedly do it in '91-'93 and again '96-'98 and just recently my beloved Chicago Cubs in 2016! At the beginning of each of those wins, it seemed the odds were against us! History has not been kind to the sports teams I have loved the most prior to their championships, which makes me believe it's our time Atlanta! Time to compete video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNeJR1stKLo 2017/19 read more

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Great family experience to get to meet the players and watch them practice. There are a select few that are scheduled to chit chat and sign autographs at practice end. Beware it is very hot so come prepared with sunscreen, sun coverage, water, and more water! read more

The Falcons Training Camp is open to all visitors and starts around August each year. Last year they made the experience for the fans more intimate with the team itself by allowing the fans to actually sit on the practice field, behind a yellow rope. Certain lucky fans were given the opportunity by the public relations staff at Flowery Branch to actually stand on the sidelines alongside the coaches and the players during practice. Another aspect of the event that makes it unique and special for the fans is at the autograph signings and meet and greet sessions the players have with the fans after the practice is over. The only thing that makes the whole Flowery Branch Falcons Training Camp experience hard to bear is the blazing sun that torments you with its evil U.V. rays, and the minimal amount of shade that is provided to protect the fans from the powerful blow the sun delivers to them all. I guess the only thing that keeps the fans going is the thought of how lucky they have it compared to the players, who are suited in football gear and probably close to passing out. read more

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This is a great experience for any Altanta Falcons fan. Free entry. Food and drink costs that don't gouge the hell out of you, and tons of fun. Bring an umbrella/sunscreen/a fan/tons of water because its HOT. There isn't any shade to speak of. After practice is over, a lot of the players come over, take pictures and/or sign autographs. Hard to beat that. read more

Yeah. This place was hot as balls. Hot as balls on a hot plate. Hot as balls on a hot plate on the surface of the sun. Bring an umbrella for shade! Seriously. And the hill you can sit on is SUPER steep, so ladies, I recommend you not wear a skirt, because it limits the ways you can position yourself to prevent sliding down said giant hill. However, it's fun and free, and it's pretty cool to see Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez running drills. Almost makes them seem like real people. Ha. I would say as long as you're adequately prepared with sunscreen, umbrella, and an early arrival so you can sit in a flat area, it's great! read more

Its a good ride from the city but its worth it. When we went the Falcons were scrimmaging against the Bengals. It was cool seeing two teams practice against each other for free. Also players from both teams stayed to sign autographs and take pictures with people. read more