Falcons, SEC set to announce 10-year deal on title game

The Atlanta Falcons plan to announce Tuesday a 10-year deal for the SEC Championship football game to be played in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, ensuring that one of Atlanta’s signature sports events will remain here long-term.

Neither the Falcons nor the SEC would comment, but people familiar with the plans told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the agreement calls for the game to be played in the new Falcons stadium annually from 2017 through 2026.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey will join Falcons owner Arthur Blank for Tuesday’s announcement at the College Football Hall of Fame. Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also are expected to participate.