RISE UP ATLANTA!!! I…read morejust 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

Great family experience to get to meet the players and watch them practice. There are a select few…read morethat 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!