Who Owns the Atlanta Falcons? A Local Guide for Fans in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or follow local sports closely, you’ve probably heard the name behind the Atlanta Falcons as often as you hear “Rise Up.” When people ask about the Atlanta Falcons owner, they’re usually curious about more than just a name — they want to know who’s steering the franchise, how that affects the team, and what it means for Atlanta as a city.

Here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused breakdown.

The Owner of the Atlanta Falcons

The owner of the Atlanta Falcons is Arthur M. Blank.

Arthur Blank is best known in everyday Atlanta life as:

• Co‑founder and former CEO of The Home Depot
• Principal owner and chairman of the Atlanta Falcons
• Owner of Atlanta United FC (Major League Soccer)
• Founder of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

From a fan’s perspective, this means the same person who helped build a major Atlanta-based retail brand also guides the long-term vision for the city’s NFL team.

Arthur Blank’s Role in Atlanta Sports

Falcons and the City’s Identity

In Atlanta, the Falcons aren’t just a football team; they’re a piece of the city’s identity. Under Arthur Blank’s ownership, the organization has been closely tied to downtown Atlanta and its development.

Some key local impacts:

• Downtown investment: Ownership backed the construction of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, which helped anchor more activity near Vine City, Castleberry Hill, and the Georgia World Congress Center area.
• Community presence: The Falcons often appear at local schools, youth programs, and community events around metro Atlanta, reflecting ownership’s emphasis on civic engagement.
• Stability: Fans in Atlanta have experienced consistent ownership since Arthur Blank bought the team, which influences long-term planning, branding, and local partnerships.

How Long Has Arthur Blank Owned the Falcons?

Arthur Blank purchased the Falcons in the early 2000s from the previous owner. Since then, he has served as:

• Principal owner
• Chairman of the Board for the franchise

For longtime Atlantans, this means most modern Falcons memories — playoff runs, high-profile coaching hires, notable draft picks, and the move to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium — have all happened under his ownership.

The Falcons, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and Atlanta

Home Field in Downtown Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons’ home stadium is:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  1 AMB Drive NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

This stadium is operated under the same broader ownership umbrella led by Arthur Blank. For Atlanta residents and visitors, that has a few practical implications:

• A centralized sports and entertainment district downtown, near State Farm Arena and Centennial Olympic Park
• Year‑round events that go beyond Falcons games, including college football, soccer, concerts, and community events
• An ownership structure that ties the stadium’s operations and the team’s branding closely together

Fan Experience and Local Features

Ownership has emphasized:

• Fan-friendly design elements in the stadium (such as wide concourses and open views of the field)
• A “front porch” presence that aims to make the stadium a gathering place for the city, not just a game-day venue
• Integration with local transit, including proximity to MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center Station and Vine City Station, which many Atlanta fans use on game days

Arthur Blank’s Broader Presence in Atlanta

While the question is specifically “Who owns the Atlanta Falcons?”, many Atlantans notice that the answer connects to several aspects of city life.

Other Teams Under the Same Owner

Arthur Blank also owns:

• Atlanta United FC (MLS), which also plays at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

This shared ownership creates a coordinated sports presence downtown, where Falcons and Atlanta United share facilities, some staff support systems, and infrastructure. For Atlanta fans, this can make it easier to attend multiple types of events in a familiar setting.

Philanthropy and Community Work

Ownership of the Falcons is part of a larger local footprint that includes the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which is based in Atlanta and is known for funding:

• Neighborhood revitalization and youth programs
• Parks, trails, and community spaces
• Initiatives that often directly affect areas near the stadium and around metro Atlanta

While this isn’t the same as team operations, many fans and residents see the Falcons’ ownership as closely linked to these community efforts.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Falcons Ownership at a Glance

How Ownership Affects Atlanta Fans

If you live in or visit Atlanta, here’s how knowing about the Falcons’ owner actually matters to you:

• Game-day experience: Stadium decisions, pricing strategies, and fan amenities are shaped at the ownership level.
• Neighborhood impact: The presence of a major stadium and NFL franchise under stable ownership affects traffic patterns, local businesses, and property development around downtown.
• Community involvement: Many youth football camps, school visits, and charity events connected to the Falcons are influenced by ownership’s emphasis on community engagement.
• Team identity: The way the Falcons brand themselves — from “Rise Up” messaging to community themes — is often guided by ownership vision that emphasizes Atlanta’s culture and diversity.

How to Connect with the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta

If learning about the owner has you wanting to engage more with the team locally, here are practical ways Atlantans usually get involved:

• Attend a home game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.
• Look for Falcons community events, youth camps, and fan days, which are commonly promoted through official team channels and local media.
• Visit the stadium area near Vine City and Castleberry Hill on non-game days, when public events or tours may be available.

For official, up-to-date details on events, tickets, and community initiatives, Atlanta residents typically rely on:

• The Atlanta Falcons’ main office and ticketing channels
• Announcements shared through local news outlets and city-wide event calendars

In summary, the Atlanta Falcons are owned by Arthur M. Blank, a figure deeply tied to both Atlanta’s business history and its modern sports landscape. For people who live in or visit Atlanta, that ownership affects everything from the Falcons’ game-day atmosphere to the ongoing transformation of downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.