Mayor proposes Flowery Branch for new Falcons stadium

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Flowery Branch's mayor tells Channel 2 Action News he will ask City Council and city officials to consider making a formal bid for the location of a proposed new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons.

"If something didn't work out in the city of Atlanta, I figure why not the home of the Falcons? We have their training facilities here," said Mayor Mike Miller.

Channel 2's Tom Regan questioned Miller about his idea to build the stadium in Hall County. In 1999, the Falcons opened a sprawling training facility in Flowery Branch.
 
"One of the things team officials have said, they have to transport equipment from Flowery Branch to the Georgia Dome. If you put the stadium right there, at their home complex, you would have everything in one facility," said Miller.
 
The mayor said although the city lacks a mass transit connection, the stadium would be located near a major interstate. He said sufficient land could be acquired quickly and cheaply. The mayor also noted that a majority of Falcons season ticket holders live on the north side of Atlanta.
 
"If you look at other cities, the New York Jets and Giants play in New Jersey. With all the other teams that don't play in the heart of the city, why not Flowery Branch for the Falcons?" said Miller.
 
A new stadium would trigger an economic boom to the city of 6,500 residents. Regan went to a shopping center to ask residents their thoughts about the Mayor's proposal. Most welcome additional tourism, spending and jobs.
 
"Downtown Flowery Branch is completely deserted. It would bring in a lot of people. It's a great idea," said resident Diana Horn.
 
The mayor knows his idea is a long shot but likes to dream big.
 
"How cool would it be if the Superbowl were in Flowery Branch, Georgia?" said Miller.
 
Regan left a message with the Atlanta Falcons for comment but did not receive a response.

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