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Marc Raimondi, ESPN Staff Writer
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — For the first time in several years, there is a real sense of hope locally for the Atlanta Falcons.
The team announced Tuesday that it has sold out its season-ticket packages before training camp for the first time in two decades. The Falcons had their highest season-ticket sales in March, on the back of signing free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, and their highest season-ticket retention rate in 20 years.
Atlanta also has a new coaching staff led by coach Raheem Morris, a former interim head coach and defensive coordinator with the Falcons.
“We’ve listened to our fans, implemented their feedback and invested in creating a world-class fan experience,” Falcons president Greg Beadles said in a statement. “It is evident there is a lot of great energy heading into the season, and our fans and players are ready to go.”
The team has not had a winning record since the 2017 season, which culminated in their loss in Super Bowl LI after being ahead 28-3, which is still a sore spot for the city and franchise.
With a new-look offense led by Cousins, the Falcons are the favorites to win the NFC South, according to ESPN BET. Per ESPN’s Football Power Index, Atlanta has a 67.1% chance of making the playoffs.
In a speech in front of fans Saturday night before an open practice at Seckinger High School in Buford, Georgia, general manager Terry Fontenot reiterated the Falcons’ expectations for 2024.
“I know we’re going to have the best home-field advantage in the NFL for our nine home games, and however many home playoff games we have,” he said.