“Super excited!” Atlanta Falcons welcome fans to training camp practice Saturday

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — In years past, fans have filled the hillside overlooking IBM Performance Field during Atlanta Falcons training camp — but not this year.

Due to ongoing construction at the Falcons’ facility in Flowery Branch, fans are not allowed inside. However, Atlanta will hold two open practices at off-site locations that fans can attend, with the first taking place Saturday.

The Falcons are scheduled to take the field at Seckinger High School in Buford, Georgia, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and practices from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free — no tickets are required and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

It’s the first chance for fans to see first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who had a strong performance in Atlanta’s second practice of training camp on Friday.

But Penix, while happy fans will be in attendance, has his eyes set on the prize.

“I love throwing the ball,” Penix said. “Regardless, I’m excited to see the fans and I know this fan base is incredible. I’m super excited to be in front of them, but for me, I’m the one who has to throw the ball. If I’m out there throwing a terrible ball, they’re not going to like it.”

“So I have to make sure I’m in the best shape I can be, and I do that every day. It doesn’t matter if the fans are there or not.”

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Penix said it’s just part of his job and his obligation to live up to the standards he’s set. He added, however, that having fans watching practice brings a different level of energy to the field.

“You feel it,” Penix said. “As soon as you come out, you hear people screaming, you make a big play, people screaming. You feel it, for real. I can’t wait to be there.”

As Penix makes his introduction to Falcons fans Saturday, tight end Kyle Pitts will have a chance to prove to the Dirty Bird faithful that he has left two struggling years behind.

Healthy for the first time in about 20 months, Pitts said the Falcons don’t rely on fans to create juice at practices, but the support certainly has an impact.

“We bring our own energy,” Pitts said. “But we also feed off the crowd. It’s pretty awesome, so we’ll take every opportunity that comes our way with the fans.”

Following Saturday night’s practice, the Falcons’ next and final practice will be at 6 p.m. on Aug. 2 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Tickets are $5, with all proceeds benefiting Emory Healthcare’s medical programs and treatment services. To purchase tickets, click HERE.