In Atlanta, Doug Roberson noted Falcons Owner Arthur Blank has "challenged supporters" of his MLS expansion team to "pledge to purchase 29,000 season tickets by year’s end." Membership of the team's Founder's Club was "going to be capped at 5,000 when Blank introduced the franchise earlier this year." But because the "demand remains," Blank last week said that it will be "expanded to 10,000 and he wants the potential new members to pledge to buy 11,000 more tickets before the end of the year." The total of 29,000 "would sell out the lower bowl of the new stadium" (AJC.com, 8/25).
PRETTY BIRDS: ESPN.com's Darren Rovell noted Falcons season-ticket holders this year will be "eligible to get a cheerleader visit at their seat," as part of the team's "Memories Program." Fans can use "memory points," which are awarded "based on longevity of being a season-ticket holder, to stand on the field during the player intros, get a personal visit from the team mascot or receive an autograph from a Falcons player" (ESPN.com, 8/26).
DRONE EVEN TRY IT: In Charlotte, Mark Washburn reports Charlotte-Mecklenburg police yesterday said that a "camera-toting drone flew into Bank of America Stadium" during Thursday’s Chiefs-Panthers exhibition game. Its operator was "detained and, after questioning, the unidentified man was released and the information was forwarded" to the FAA. NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy said that he was "not aware of drones invading any other NFL venues" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 8/27).
