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The Atlanta Falcons, who return to campus this month for training camp, could become a summer fixture at Furman.

Chris Colvin, Athletic Administrator for Facilities and Game Operations, says the team and the university might hammer out a plan later this fall that would make Furman the summer home of the National Football League team for the next several years.

"Assuming things go as well this year as they did last year, there could be a multi-year commitment," says Colvin, who is helping to coordinate the Falcon summer camp. "They were pleased with every aspect of camp last year."

The Falcons are currently moving into the team’s new home in Flowery Branch, a northern suburb of Atlanta. The new complex, however, does not include housing facilities to accommodate 80 players and 70 staff.

The Falcons called Furman their summer home from 1971 through 1977, but until last year they had spent the last two decades at the Falcon Inn in Suwanee. Colvin says the Falcons will reach an agreement concerning the location of the team’s summer home by October 31.

The Falcon entourage will begin arriving on campus July 13, with the first practice scheduled the next morning. Training camp is a grueling test for players who fight to gain a spot on the team’s 55-man roster.

North Village B will house the players and trainers, while coaches and other Falcon personnel will live in North Village C. Practices will be held on the football practice fields behind the PAC, on the track infield and on the new athletic field near Cherrydale.

With the exception of a four-day period (August 2-6) when the Falcons will travel to Japan to participate in the American Bowl, the team will remain on campus until August 9.

The Falcons will hold morning (9-11:30) and afternoon (3-5:30) practices, which are open to the public. The average day will begin at 6:30 a.m. with treatments and breakfast and end at 11 p.m. with mandatory curfew. Players will eat in Hartness Pavilion and will use classroom space in Johns Hall to view film.