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Georgia Dome, AP Photo/Dave Martin
On August 1 the Atlanta Falcons will begin training camp, ushering in the official beginning of the 2009 season.
That same day fans will be able to purchase single-game tickets for 2009.
2008 was a year of unexpected accomplishments: a team believed to be on a long path of rebuilding tore off 11 wins before a first-round playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals ended their season.
First-year Head Coach Mike Smith became the fourth coach in team history to win 11 games, one of the many accomplishments earning him the Associated Press and Sporting News Coach of the Year Awards.
The team featured three rookies starting (quarterback Matt Ryan, tackle Sam Baker, and middle linebacker Curtis Lofton) and three others (cornerback Chevis Jackson, wide receiver Harry Douglas, and defensive end Kroy Biermann) served valuable backup roles.
Additionally, the 2008 free-agent signing of running back Michael Turner proved to be one of the best moves in all of football in 2008. Turner spent four years in San Diego backing up All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson before signing a six-year, $34.5 million contract with Atlanta an offseason ago.
The 27-year-old's season found him in the Pro Bowl and tied for second in the NFL MVP award voting.
All of the personnel moves were conducted under another first-timer, rookie General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, earning him the Sporting News Executive of the Year honor.
Dimitroff followed up 2008's offseason with a solid draft in 2009; one that many believe will deliver a few more starters to the Falcons young and exciting roster.
Rounding out the tercet of season award winners is Ryan who was honored as the AP and Sporting News Rookie of the Year. He also won an ESPY for Best Breakthrough Athlete.
“We’re pleased that our season ticket base has increased over 2008, and now it’s time to take the next step to ensure the home field advantage atmosphere we produced last year continues,” Falcons President Rich McKay said in a statement released by the team. “Accordingly, we are pleased to offer a limited amount of single-game tickets to our fans in what promises to be a very exciting 2009 season.”
One of the many highlights of the home schedule is Week 6's Chicago Bears matchup. It's a rematch of last season's exciting win over the Bears and will be featured nationally on NBC's Sunday Night Football. The entire schedule and analysis can be found here.
Single game tickets can be purchased online by visiting the Atlanta Falcons website or Ticketmaster. Tickets can be ordered by phone via Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000. To purchase tickets in person, fans may visit Ticketmaster outlets located throughout the metro Atlanta area.
Season tickets are available in lower bowl seating and other locations starting at $350. With the purchase of season tickets, fans have access to playoff priority and the best remaining seats. Two separate half-season packages are also available in multiple seating locations starting at $175. Customers purchasing a ticket package will receive a discount off the single-game ticket prices.
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Comments
There are no tickets available for the Packers because they are sold out decades in advance...too bad Falcons fans aren't that devoted!;)
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