NE Atlanta News

Falcons Owner and Chairman Arthur M. Blank visited the Falcons' facility in Flowery Branch on Tuesday for the first day of padded practice. He toured portions of the newly renovated facilities and spoke to local media members.

Blank was asked about quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr., as well as the increased visibility of the team on a national stage in 2024. Here are the highlights.

The organization announced Tuesday morning that all season tickets have been sold ahead of the 2024 season. The organization was reported to have over 95% of fans renewing in the first quarter for the 2024 season, marking its highest renewal rate in nearly two decades.

"To see us get back to the position we were in in many years of being sold out, it's a tribute to our fans," Blank said. "It's a tribute to the franchise and to the stadium itself. We've put in a lot of effort -- with the stadium now in its seventh year -- to make sure it's in pristine shape and current in all ways. ... We want to make sure that we have a competitive product on the field for our fans to enjoy. And I think we will."

Regarding stadium efficiency and game day plans, Blank addressed concerns about grass fields versus artificial turf. In February, an NFLPA survey revealed that 92% of players preferred grass over artificial turf. Blank acknowledged these results but noted that not all playing surfaces are equal, whether grass or turf. He expressed confidence that Mercedes-Benz Stadium's playing surface meets players' standards given its frequent use by both football and soccer teams.

"We will continue to work closely with the players, the NFLPA, in making sure that we have grass and artificial fields that meet all standards," Blank said. "... We've had virtually no complaints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That field is constantly refurbished and replaced because it's used both for soccer and for American football."

The Falcons made headlines this offseason by signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract and drafting Michael Penix Jr. with their No. 8 overall pick. For the first time since Penix was selected, Blank discussed using significant capital on this position, emphasizing they aimed not to repeat past mistakes.

"We've been through a situation post-Matt Ryan," Blank said. "We've seen that movie when we didn't have a franchise quarterback, and we didn't want to repeat that again."

Blank expressed satisfaction with how their quarterback situation has evolved this offseason, underscoring their succession plan.

"Kirk will be 36 at the start of the season so we hope and pray he's got three to four great years in front of him, maybe beyond that," he said. "We also know there will be a point we'll need to transition smoothly."

Regarding his involvement in roster decisions now managed by Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris directly reporting to him instead of Rich McKay, Blank stated he stays informed but does not make final decisions.

"It's a decision made by coaching staff and personnel department," Blank said. "And that's how it should be... They do not have to clear it with me... It's up to them...and for me to understand logic behind it."

For 2024, Falcons find themselves back on prime-time slots after absence since 2022 season including Monday, Thursday nights games indicating growing excitement around Atlanta’s team performance expectations according Mr.Blank

"My hope is we'll be playoffs bound; I am optimistic about competitiveness,” he concluded.