ATLANTA, GA — The Georgia Dome and Atlanta Falcons proudly announce the unveiling of a Georgia High School Association football helmet display. Located at lower Gate C of the Dome, this expansive display features helmets gathered from GHSA-affiliated high school football teams statewide.
“High school football is an integral part of our sport,” said Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay. “Our recognition of Georgia High School Football allows us to reconnect with the roots of our game, and encourage the next generation of players and coaches.”
"We are thrilled to host the state finals this year and look forward to unveiling the helmet display in time for kickoff of the first game,” said Carl Adkins, Georgia Dome General Manager. “We have a great relationship with the GHSA and are very proud to have this opportunity to salute high school football in the Dome."
In addition to recognition at a Falcons game for schools that contributed a helmet, teams were offered 100 tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis to attend a Falcons home game during the regular season. Also, the Falcons, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and Levy Restaurants, along with Russell and AirTran Airways will host the first annual Salute to High School Football Luncheon for GHSA-affiliated head football coaches Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 11 a.m. The luncheon, held in the Thomas Murphy Ballroom of the Georgia World Congress Center, will feature opening remarks from Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur M. Blank as well as the keynote address from Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith. The Falcons will give away several prizes before presenting the 2008 Divisional Coach of the Year Awards and the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award. In the spring, Coach Smith and his staff will host a special football clinic for high school coaches at the Atlanta Falcons state-of-the-art training facility in Flowery Branch, GA.
The helmet display includes all helmets received by October 30, 2008. Helmets received after October 30 will be added at a later date. Those high schools that have not sent their helmet in and are interested in representation should contact Kendyl Moss, Director of Community Relations for the Atlanta Falcons at 404-367-2064 or kmoss@falcons.nfl.com as soon as possible.
A press conference will be held at the Dome on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. to unveil the helmet display. Speakers will include Carl Adkins, Georgia Dome General Manager, Jim Smith, Atlanta Falcons Vice-President of Marketing and Dr. Ralph Swearngin, GHSA Executive Director.
If you would like to attend the press conference, please contact Ashley Boatman at 404.223.4203 or aboatman@gwcc.com no later than Tuesday, December 9 at 4 p.m.
— www.gadome.com —
