Falcons Practice Facility Soars Alone

Although it was 95 degrees in the shade this weekend, I talked my wife into going to watch the Falcons practice at nearby Flowery Branch. I know, she's lucky to have me.

Having only been to the facility only one other time, I forgot how massive and picturesque the area was. This was club med for the players and coaches.

In the shadows of the coaches offices and meeting rooms, and in the path of where all the fans traveled to get to their designated viewing zones, there were radio giveaways, promotions and sales people. Vince Lombardi would surely be spinning in his grave if he would have seen such an event.

The organization has their pick of 1 of 4 practice fields (1 is indoor) and the dorms built for the players is the Ritz-Carlton of training camp accommodations.

When Tony Dungy was the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,the team met and practiced at One Buc Place. Stories have circulated that One Buc was a step up from the Hanoi Hilton. That same Buc team was a very successful team however. So the question is this, "do the greatest of all facilities and amenities truly make a team better"? If so, I'd hate to see the Falcons practice at One Buc!

Regardless if the facility matters or not, Mark Cuban would envy the duds the Falcons surround themselves in. Take some time to drive up I85 from Atlanta and check out these facilities. It is certainly worth the short trip and a good opportunity to see the Falcons up close.

5-11 by the way.