The **Atlanta Falcons** are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the National Football Conference (NFC) South division. Founded on June 30, 1965, by Rankin Smith, the team joined the NFL in 1966 as an expansion team, designed to keep Smith from joining the rival American Football League (AFL)[1][2]. **History and Achievements:** - The Falcons have experienced periods of success, with division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016. A notable highlight was their 1998 season, finishing 14-2 and advancing to Super Bowl XXXIII, where they lost to the Denver Broncos[2][3]. - They also appeared in Super Bowl LI in 2017, losing to the New England Patriots in overtime[1]. - The team's first winning season was in 1971 under Coach Norm Van Brocklin, marking a significant milestone in their history[7]. **Current Status:** - The Falcons play their home games at **Mercedes-Benz Stadium**, which opened in 2017 and features state-of-the-art facilities, including the world's largest video board[4][5]. - The team is owned by **Arthur Blank**, who purchased the franchise in 2002[4]. - The Falcons are known for their strong fan base and have been a significant part of Atlanta's sports culture for decades. **Notable Aspects:** - Despite their achievements, the Falcons remain the oldest major professional sports team in the U.S. without a championship[1]. - The team has had notable players throughout its history, including Matt Ryan, who holds several franchise records[5]. - The Falcons are engaged in various community activities and initiatives, reflecting their commitment to both sports and social responsibility. While not primarily a business or technology organization, the Atlanta