Inside Furman is published monthly during the school year by the Furman University Department of Marketing and Public Relations. For story ideas, e-mail John Roberts, editor.
Falcons
to return through 2004
After Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank purchased the Atlanta Falcons early last year, Furman had several reasons to believe the NFL team might not return to the university in 2003.
In addition to a new owner, the Falcons had a new practice facility in Flowery Branch, Ga., a new logo and a new direction. It seemed reasonable that the team would explore other summer camp options.
And they did. But in the end, the Falcons determined that their best summer roost was the one they had been using since 1999.
"They had a three-person team that traveled around and visited other NFL teams to see what they were doing.
They also considered hosting the training camp at their new facility and accepted proposals from several organizations that wanted to host the camp," says Chris Colvin, coordinator of the Falcons' training camp. "But in the end they decided that there was no place like Furman."
In April, the Falcons and the university agreed to a two-year contract that will keep them at Furman through 2004. Under the terms of the agreement, the Falcons also have an option to return in 2005. The 2003 camp will be held July 24-August 8. Furman previously hosted the Falcons from 1971-78.
Team managers feel that Greenville is the perfect location for an intense summer football camp. Located two hours away from the distractions of Atlanta, Furman gives players and coaches a chance to get away without being too far from home. The university is also within driving distance for many Falcon fans.
Colvin adds that Flowery Branch, located near Gainesville, does not have a facility that could house players and coaches for an extended time.
"They might build a facility there someday that would allow Flowery Branch to host future camps," says Colvin. "But they've enjoyed their experience here at Furman, and the Falcons have decided to table that decision for two or three years."
Under the terms of the contract, the Falcons are funding a renovation of the Robert B. King football practice fields, which will be completed in late June. The upgrade includes a new irrigation and underground draining system. Colvin says that the improvements should help the fields weather the heavy usage of the late summer and fall months.