By SM

September 3, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

I don’t contribute money to the overstuffed wallets of professional sports franchises, their owners and their players. I WORK for a living!

By I have a hairy rear

September 3, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

i’m protesting. i’m not going to a game until arthur blank personally kisses my rear.

By David Lee

September 3, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Cancelled my tickets because of the Mike Vick dog killer debacle and King Blank raising ticket prices even with losing records the past two seasons.

By jay

September 3, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Is there any way we can get the road games blacked out as well?

By move the falcons

September 3, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

i say they move the team to leavenworth.

By Mike

September 3, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

My pro heros are gone - Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr, Dick Butkus, ets. These were men who played a GAME - not a business. I am tired of personal celebrations and multi-million dollar contracts. Players in the 60’s had to have a job in the off-season. They played the game for the game. I hate what we have today. My time and my money go to college football. I could care less about the Falcons and the rest of them. The Falcons and their prima-donnas have embarrassed the City of Atlanta for too many years.

By WhoCares

September 3, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t walk across the street to watch that bunch of over paid, over hyped, convict soon to be’s. As far as I’m concerned they could cancel the entire NFL season and we’d all be better off.

By Najeh Davenpoop

September 3, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

I might go… wearing my Michael Vick jersey and cheering for Calvin Johnson.

In other news, I wonder how long it took for the AJC sports web page editor (or intern) to find that informative black box to display as the lead picture on the sports page?

By Tyler

September 3, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

why do people have to be so negative and so ignorant? even if you do think the franchise is terrible and the team sucks, there are still plenty of 12 year old kids out there who cant afford to go to the game or dont have a dad to take them and the only way they get to see it is through a tv, but oh, there not gonna get to see the game because jackass people who think they know every thing and cant be fans of something from there hometown wont go to the game, ITS JUST A GAME, go and enjoy it…appreciate it that atlanta even had a team for gods sake

By Flustered Fan

September 3, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

wow…and I thought the Braves bloggers were sassy…

By bc

September 3, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

The tickets cost too much. Cutting the opening day by 10$ lol… If they start winning maybe the black out thing wouldn’t be and issue. The Braves offer 1$ seats why cant the Falcons?

By j

September 3, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

The commute from SF is a bit much.

By Kenny

September 3, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

I would go if i lived in atlanta, Maybe Arthur Blank can send me a plane ticket to get to ATL and i will go

By Shaun T.

September 3, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

BC, you’ve got to be kidding me! $1 tickets for an NFL game? Do you understand that MLB plays 162 games opposed to 16 games by the NFL? Food for thought…”it is better to be thought of as a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”

By ATLplayer

September 3, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Those are some very ignorant reasons for not supporting the Falcons. Just say the economy is bad or something reasonable. Why aren’t ALL the Vick haters going??? They got what they wanted, D Hall, Crumpler, Dunn, Vick, etc. gone. I challenge all the Vick haters to fill the dome and in essence…put your money where your MOUTH was!

By A Falcons Fan walks into a bar

September 3, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

I’m not going because the Falcons suck.

By Dane

September 3, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

We’re not going because I would rather spend $400 for the three of us on something of value. The Lions and the Falcons? Are you kidding?

By elcid81

September 3, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

SM stated it well. I rather spend my money on going to college games, then to fill the checkbooks of thugs, common fools and criminals. A bunch of them should be locked up with Vick. Let them play in prison and then maybe I’ll watch on the TV. Go Dogs!!!!

By Steven

September 3, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

I would love to go but I’m broke right now. I hate that I won’t be able to see Matt Ryans debut. Probably gonna be forced to watch Saints Vs Bucs….How boring.

By Big Suprise

September 3, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Turns out most of the Vick haters were just armchair QB’s and not season ticket holders. Didn’t see that one coming.

By NCFalconFan

September 3, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Living in NC I will not be able to make it, but I will see them in NC when they play the Panters on 9/28. If I were within 100 miles of the Dome I would love to be there to cheer for my FALCONS!!

By eazy

September 3, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

personally I am not going or watching because, i dont want to see matt (chris miller)ryan. and i hope the birds dont win a game after how they didnt even give shockely a fair chance.

By eazy

September 3, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

they dont deserver to be on t.v. anyway we might be decent though but i wouldnt dare watch them

By EataPeach

September 3, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

I can see the game in Macon-no blackout.

By eazy

September 3, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

i would rather see the saints and bucs

By No vick, no problem

September 3, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

I’ll be there Cheering my head off! Let’s go Falcons! We’ve sucked before and we may suck again but at least you know you’ll have one fan there Representing until the end!!!!!

By Bird Watcher

September 3, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

elcid81, Are you saying that the Falcons are a bunch of thugs and common criminals? Now, how many mishaps with the law did Georgia players go through this year?

By The Dean 21

September 3, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Now we can all sit back and look at the real issues that we had previously:

1.) The fans that supported MV7 came out in large numbers to support him & the team. 2.) The Falcons had no problems with black-outs, just too many black faces in the dome. 3.) The waiting list for season tickets was at an all time high. 4.) The success of the team relished behind the 6th man crowd who was heard every game. 5.) It all ended with a careless act and a stupid game of dog fighting and a jail sentence.

Now we enter a new ERA, a new attitude and a new staff. Here are some of the issues that we face today:

1.) The home games are subject to black outs. 2.) Even discounted tickets cannot fill the dome. 3.) Fans who hated the old way and players never actually went to the games. 4.) Fans who b$tched, moaned and complained will not attend the games even with a new atmosphere and discounted tickets. 5.) There are truly hypocrites in this town and pro-football should not be awarded. 6.) No fan support for MRyan and this team.

This is not a black/white thing; it’s now a money thing which some people overlooked previously. But in case it is indeed a black/white thing, the record shows that blacks supported their star player and whites are standing on the sidelines outside of the dome.

It’s also amazing how the economy does not affect the sell outs in Green Bay, New England, Dallas, Tampa Bay, San Diego, New York, etc. Most Fans support their teams by going to the games, not complaining on a newspaper blog. For the record, I will be attending games to support this team, just not this one because of work.

By Bird Watcher

September 3, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

To The Dean 21. You are very astute. All the people who complained about Vick were at home in front of a t.v. The Vick fans were in the stands.

Some “fans” even relished that things were back to normal. That they rather have empty stands. What!??? It makes no sense.

If people really think that life without Vick is a breath of fresh air, then where is the support?

I feel sorry for A. Blank when July 2009 rolls around. Fill the dome again with Vick or continue to discount tickets and suffer in the red.

By The Dean 21

September 3, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

By elcid81

September 3, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

SM stated it well. I rather spend my money on going to college games, then to fill the checkbooks of thugs, common fools and criminals. A bunch of them should be locked up with Vick. Let them play in prison and then maybe I’ll watch on the TV. Go Dogs!!!!

Hey elcid81, you sir are an IDIOT!! Where do you think these Pro Football players come from??? Not from your back yard buddy!

They too went to college and if they are thugs now, guess what smart a$$, they were thugs in college. Another band wagon “thug” user. Please take some time off your high price job as a salad maker at McDonalds and learn to think before you type! You might want to look at the extreme high murder rate your current President has committed before you go throwing out your slander!

By Tomas De torquemada

September 3, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Because they stink.

By Tomas De torquemada

September 3, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

6th man? Is he that stupid????

By FalconsFan

September 3, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

So some would rather supports the UGA Dawgs over NFL “criminals”? Time to look in the mirror UGA fans. The AJC sure knows how to stir the racist pot.. way to go AJC.. you continue to force a divide in Atlanta.

REAL Falcons fans care about this TEAM and will support them no matter where they are on Sunday.

By Tim

September 3, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Mom’s 60th birtday and we are having a party for her… Since my father passed this year, there is no way i can miss it. Hope to make it for KC though.

Go Falcons!! Win or lose I love ya and will always be a FAN!

To the rest of you, when this thing is turned around and it will be.. stay home!

By michaelgee

September 3, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

The ATlanta Falcons have two kinds of fans. The Team Loyal Fans who support the TEAM not individual players like that 7 guy. I have no problem with the loyal fans.

The Prima Donna Fans sit at home and whine and cry about all things done wrong by Mr Blank, they buy their beer and drugs and whine like children because they don’t get to sit on their arses and watch FREE Football. These are the same Morons who spend more money on cell phones, bling, drugs etc and cry like little babies because they don’t get free admission to NFL games. These are the pathetic Falcon Fans, I suppose all NFL Teams have a contingent of these ingrates but Atlanta has the largest collection of garbage fans of any team I’ve seen.

Mr Blank has provided change, a truly positive change for the Falcons, it is not Mr Blanks job to give these charity cases free tickets.

Good Job Mr Blank! The cry baby fans just need to suck it up and act like men and not like whiney cry babies.

By The Dean 21

September 3, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Bird Watcher, You have a valid point sir. Where are the talkers who filled all the blogs with so much BS and hatred for MV7? One thing you can say is this, MV7 filled the dome; and hopefully he will be allowed to fill it again, either with or without the Falcons.

The bottom line is that the previous and current complainers should not even blog on an elementary school newspaper.

By The Dean 21

September 3, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

By Tomas De torquemada

September 3, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

6th man? Is he that stupid????

No, I’m not Mr. Torq! If you can follow sports from Mexico, it’s a basketball term for fans which I related to football…but I should list it plainly for folks like you “No Tomas”

12th MAN!!!!

By michaelgee

September 3, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

fwiw, MV7 took himself out.

How can anybody justify MV7’s criminal acts by blaming Arthur Blank? Many of you act like Mr Blank and the whites took MV7 off the field. We all supported the guy we thought was a valid citizen. When MV7 exposed himself to be a liar and a criminal he simply eliminated himself.

The victims are the Falcon Fans and Supporters who were there during the MV7 days and got cheated after pouring millions of dollars into a false prophit.

MV7 eliminated himself, place your blame where it should be and that is with MV7.

If anything, ABlank gave MV7 EVERY chance to succeed.

By mike

September 3, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

If I go to the game, I can only watch one game. If I go to a bar, I can watch multiple games- and if the Falcons game isn’t on, that’s perfectly ok. I’ll just get wrapped up with Dallas, or New England, or the Dolphins, or the Jets, or Green Bay….you get the idea. Lots of other interesting story lines out there. I’ll catch the final score for the Falcons later. And enjoy a couple pitchers of $7 beer while I’m at it! Hurray for football season!

By Daniel Thomas

September 3, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

I would really love to take my five-year-old daughter who loves football and can throw a spiral better than most boys, but I can’t afford the $100 this week for ticket and game goodies. I plan on going soon though. I b*** a little as to why they don’t have seats under $10 and I understand that the number of games makes a difference, but I think it would be a great PR move to offer limited deeply discounted tickets every now and then. Even in the nosebleeds. I went to many a Braves game in the Eighties on Gainesville Night or other such promotions where we had to use binoculars but we took in a bag of Krystals and had a blast. To all of the Debbie Downers who feel the need to put down the team, I hope your kids don’t play sports because you will ensure another generation of whiny athletes. That’s all thanks GO FALCONS

By Birdy

September 3, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

While the hardcore fans were pleased with the preseason performance of a number of the players on the team, the casual fan needs something more to latch on to before committing to coming out to watch.

The team needs to either win the first two weeks to make people believe they are going to see something special, or they at least need to play in an exciting, intriguing manner, even if in defeat.

Right now, there are really very few highlights of the highly touted, highly paid rookie doing anything that the media can hype. Where are the downfield completions by Ryan? Most of his completions were very short slants or other dump-offs that simply can’t be marketed. Where are the TD passes? The only TD pass he did in all the playing time is a ball that was actually poorly thrown but White made a 180-degree spin and catch. The TV partners can’t market that.

So it is going to be very tough to generate a buzz right now unless the team wins or the new “face” does something to inspire confidence.

By Pro football sucks

September 3, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

I won’t go because pro football is boring and over hyped. I am sick of the “I play because I love the game” garbage. Let those steroid bums miss a pay check and see how many “love the game.” I would rather watch college or high school because most of the players really do love the game and besides why should I support some team of overpaid goons just because they are in Atlanta. If you want to watch the pros go right ahead but don’t try to make me feel guilty because I won’t support them. I haven’t watched an NFL game in over 20 years because it is almost as hokey and fixed as pro rasslin. There are much better ways for me to spend my money and my Sunday afternoons.

By Grant

September 3, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Above is a long list of reasons why Atlanta is considered to have some of the worst fans of any city in professional sports.

By Bird Watcher

September 3, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Michaelgee,

You are right sir. MV7 is no prophet. He is a selfish child who never had to be responsible for his own actions. Someone was always there to shelter him from responsibility because they could benefit from his talents. Hopefully, he has had the opportunity to look at life from an adult point of view and take responsibility for his transgressions. He can now take control of his own finances and hopefully, he can take care of his children. Now, as an adult, he understands that actions have consequences, and those who purport to be friends are actually leeches. Yes sir, Vick has had to learn the hard way.

With that being said. The fans who screamed and complained about number 7 should be supporting this team. They come here and continue to show ignorance - screaming thug this - and thug that- Screaming GO DAWGS! Arthur Blank removed the roster of those with questionable character and has distanced himself from number 7. So, where is the support?

If you approve of the new direction of this team, buy a ticket! I bet Vick fans would.

By lloydd

September 3, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

What, nobody wants to see the new face of the Falcons? “If you win they’ll come”

By Blank Fan

September 3, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

I am not going for 2 reasons. First I was spoiled, I am sorry and I know this will not be a popular opinion but I like Michael Vick. Yes he MAY have messed up by associating himself with people who were involved with bad things, and he MAY have even participated in some bad things, but the man can play some ball. He is a one man scoring machine that would make any team better. Is he any worse than PACMAN or Ocho Cinco? and they are playing. Now we have no lightening bolt, no Franchise player, no excitement.

Second, its better to watch on TV.

By Cairo

September 3, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Call Peta to scoop up those 1,500 tickets…

By Eazy is a fool

September 3, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

NEWS FLASH EAZY:

SHOCKLEY SUCKS… SO DONT SAY THE FALCONS DIDNT GIVE HIM A CHANCE… HE’S GARBAGE AND HE SHOULD FEEL LUCKY TO EVEN STILL BE ON A NFL TEAM… HE SHOULD’VE BEEN BOOTED A LONG TIME AGO TO THE CFL OR AFL!!!

YOUR A MORON!

By Captain Caveman

September 3, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

I’m with Cairo. PETA should foot the 1500 ticket bill. Donate the tickets to an animal shelter.

By Blank Fan

September 3, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

OK, I had the crazy idea that I would support the team and buy 2 tickets even though I have no intention of going, hoping that my contribution would help to sell the game out. BUT WOW< look at that price. Maybe its because it is on the 50, but its the highest level at the dome. Nope I didn’t buy them, I could afford to donate $30-$40 but not $150.

========================================= Section 346 Row 7 Seats 15-16 Description UPPER LEVEL, HIGHEST LEVEL IN DOME, ROWS 1-26 ALONG THE SIDELINES Type2 $10 Off Special

Ticket PriceUS $75.00 x 2 ========================================

By KJinCton

September 3, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

My take on this is as follows….

MV was a human highlight film and made for great TV and he also attracted an enormous number of fans to the dome. I really enjoyed watching him create something from nothing. But i’m a Falcon fan, not a Vick fan. While i enjoyed his play, the team means more to me than a single player.

Due to the high demand to see him play, much like how Atlantans would flock to the Omni or Phillips in years past to see Michael Jordan, scalpers purchased large quantities of season ticket packages and single game tickets, knowing that his ability to attract fans across the board would provide them with a great avenue for selling their product. Now that Vick has ended his own career and the demand is gone, the scalpers have dumped most of their seats onto the market. And those that were “Vick only” fans, have exited the Dome.

Enter 2008, Tom Dimitroff, Mike Smith and a fresh start. The demand isn’t there yet because this is currently an unknown product to most Georgians, but it won’t be long before the rest of the fair weather fans learn what many of us true fans know already. There’s good things happening up in Flowery Branch.

As for the current lack of a sellout, the fans that have committed themselves to be there this Sunday are true fans, not scalpers, “vick only” gawkers who just wanted to see a human highlight. They are dyed in the wool fans that will be there thru the good and the bad, the thick and the thin, the wins and the losses.

I’ll be there too, sitting in Sec. 117, proud to be surrounded, blackout or no blackout, by a collection of legitimate Falcons Fans…individuals, families, groups of friends and excited kids, anxious to catch a glimpse of their TEAM.

I’m hopeful that come tommorrow, we’ll see that the rest of the state will get a chance to tune in at 1pm on Sunday as well. If not, well, you’ll be missing the start of something great.

By HEAVY D

September 3, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

I AM GOING TO THE GAME AND GO FALCONS!

By James

September 3, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

I would go if I lived closer, but it is a 7 hr round trip. I will be watching on nfl sunday ticket. Whats up with all the negative posts. If you aren’t a fan of the Falcons, then why are you reading this column? Thats the problem with Atlanta fans. They are fairweather and spoiled. They only come out to support their team during the good times. I may not agree w/ every decision made by the falcon front office, but I trust that they know better about whats best for the team than a bunch of monday morning quarterbacks.

By HEAVY D

September 3, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WOULD RATHER WATCH COLLEGE FOOTBALL, THOSE PLAYERS ACT WORSE THAN PROFESIONAL PLAYERS. JUST READ THE NEWPAPER AND SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE SUSPENDED BY GEORGIA AND GEORGIA TECH. SO GET REAL!

By HEAVY D

September 3, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

QUIT THIS I WOULD GO IF I LIVED CLOSER CRAP! I DRIVE 8 HOURS ROUND TRIP TO SEE THEM WIN OR LOSE. GO SUPPORT THE TEAM SO IN TWO YEARS WHEN WE ARE REALLY GOOD YOU ARE ALREADY ON THE BANDWAGON, AND NOT ON PAROLE LIKE SOMEONE ELSE WHO WAS ON THE TEAM.

By kurtz

September 3, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

The Men’s Singles Final of the US Open is on ESPN.

By Rj

September 3, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

My family and I are proud to be going to this game and seeing this team.

By Lewis

September 3, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

SOME OF US ARE TRUE FANS. I AM GOING, and am happier sitting with 1500 less fans if it means the others are also true fans. Please, y’all dont come back when this team starts winning. stay at home and cuddle with your precious no. 7 jersey.

By Shpo

September 3, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

You Atlanta fans suck as a whole in all sports. Most of you are band wagon fans. You cant even support your home team with a promising rookie qb matt ryan first game. You were all over the falcons a few years ago traveling to see the birds now you give up and the same way with da braves.

By Halsey

September 3, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

I can’t go because I live in Athens, work, go to school and don’t have the time or budget to do all that driving and pay for the game. From the time I leave, drive there, watch the game and get back home I’ve spent 8 hours and $150. Unfortunately, the game gets blacked out in Athens too. Total BS.

By Pope

September 3, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

I am disappointed on hearing these crappy excuses on not going to the falcon game. I THINK MOST OF YOU ATLANTA FANS SUCK. I from Detroit and a true lions fan and I will be in Atlanta for the game sunday. My team have been struggling longer than your franchise and we still sell out every game. I remember a few years ago on thanksgiving day the falcons stomp the lions and I seen a lot of you falcon fans at the game enjoying it. Now you are nowhere to be found where you at bandwagon fans. you are the same way with the BRAVES , for a long time turner field and fulton county stadium were sold out almost every game and now they are losing you nowhere to be found. As far as the HAWKS I didnt the team have any fans until the playoff game against the celtics. Probably half of you were cheering for the HAWKS wearing a Kevin Garnett jersey. You suck as a whole atlanta as a sports city. I like fans like LEWIS and RJ who are true fans unlike the rest of you losers who are negative about there home teams.

By Chuck

September 3, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

I am willing to pay my good money for a football game but not for a Rap Concert that I would not go to if it were free.

Get rid of the music and give updtes of other games and bring back the tailgating and I will return.

A Former Season Ticket Holder for 20+ years

By steve

September 3, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

I’ve had 3 season tickets for ten years and I could not get two other people to share the seats with. The Falcons would not let me keep just one of the three seats, they said they could and would move my seat somewhere in the same price range but I could not stay there with just one seat. Part of the enjoyment of the game was being around the same people that had become close friends over the last ten years. That just didn’t seem fair especially since they are having trouble selling out games. My friend that I sat next to for the last 5 years had to do the same thing. I have showed the falcons loyalty, they could show me a little.

By GuyonCouch

September 3, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

I’m not going in protest of the AJC’s poor coverage of all things Falcons. Fire Terence Moore and his pot-stiring negative BS and get legit journalists to cover the home town team and maybe more people would get excited.

By mrdonut

September 3, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

I’m not going because the Falcons are still playing politics instead of football. Keeping project qb and 7th round pick Shockley over Harrington does not strengthen the team, but it does appeal to the Vick apologists. The Falcons are still afraid to make football decisions.

By Robby

September 3, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

I will go once a pro team builds a stadium on the northside of town where most the money is in Atlanta. I do not feel like spending my money to drive over an hours just to park in an over priced parking lot not fit for tailgating in a horrible part of town. Last time I went I had the spare tire off my car stolen, that is not the type place I like to take my kids.

By Vince

September 4, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Sports fans love a winner and will not tolerate or support a loser. This is why Valdosta is Title Town and Atlanta is, well you know.