Fulton County promised to "rise up" with the Atlanta Falcons this week, betting Green Bay leaders cheese for Coke that the Atlanta football team will best the Packers Sunday to make it to the Super Bowl.
Declaring Wednesday Atlanta Falcons Rise Up Day, Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves led the audience at the Fulton County commission meeting in a call-and-response before presenting a proclamation to General Manager Rich McKay.
“When I say Super, you say Bowl,” Eaves cried. “Yes, I am auditioning to be a cheerleader for the Falcons.”
In what will be the last Falcons game played at the Georgia Dome before it is demolished, the team will compete against Green Bay for the NFC championship. It will be their fourth appearance in the NFC championship game since the franchise was created.
Commissioner Liz Hausmann wore a Falcons scarf, while Commissioner Bob Ellis donned a Falcons hat.
Fulton County will also hold a Friday rally for employees, who will get an hour off work for wearing Falcons gear.
“We feel all the energy,” McKay said. “The vibe is fantastic. We appreciate Fulton County stepping up.”
In addition to “several cases of Coke” Fulton County will wager peach cobbler from Pascal’s Restaurant, chili dogs from The Varsity and Eaves’ dignity — if the Falcons lose, he will wear a Packers jersey to the next meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
If the Falcons win, Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach will wear a “Rise Up” jersey at the next meeting of his county’s Board of Supervisors. He will also send bratwurst from Maplewood Meats, beer from Titletown Brewery and cheese from Farm Fresh Ron’s Cheese.
In a statement, Streckenbach called them “the finest tailgating staples for the Super Bowl.”
Eaves said in a statement that he was “thrilled” to try the tailgating treats.
“They, of course, will be sending them our way after the Falcons victory,” he said.
