Flowery Branch gearing up for the Falcons' return

FLOWERY BRANCH -- With the NFL lockout settled and plans moving ahead for training camps and a new season, lots of people in Flowery Branch are breathing a "sigh of relief."

The Falcons begin practice at their training facility and headquarters in the South Hall town Friday.

Just a few days ago, Janet Upchurch, a gift shop owner in Flowery Branch, was talking with Fox 5 about the impact the team has had on the town in the 10 years since the Falcons complex opened.

"Well, I think the biggest thing the Falcons have done for us is name recognition," Upchurch said. "Nobody had ever heard of Flowery Branch, Georgia."

Mayor Mike Miller told Fox 5 Friday he was hopeful of a settlement "so the players will get back up here and the fans will be coming in."

Thousands of fans flock to the Flowery Branch area each summer when training camp opens to watch the Falcons practice and spend money at shops, restaurants, gas stations and other retail outlets in South Hall.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/7/240603