SportsBusiness Journal Announces Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC Owner Arthur Blank As Executive Of The Year
Arthur Blank continues to succeed in the city of Atlanta by running two successful sports franchises as he is SportsBusiness Journal’s Executive of the Year.
Arthur Blank has been very successful as the owner of the Atlanta Falcons since 2002 and with most recently, Atlanta United FC. His work with both teams has earned him the honor of Executive of the Year by SportsBusiness Journal.
Blank owns the AMB Group that owns the Falcons and United. They also earned SportsBusiness Journal’s Breakthrough of the Year award for low concession stand prices at Mercedes-Benz Stadium,
"“We’re humbled and honored by this recognition,” said Blank. “It’s an honor for all our businesses, our leadership team, and our associates to be recognized in this way.” (Via ESPN’s Vaughn McClure)"
Blank also helped the city of Atlanta secure their bid to host Super Bowl 53 in 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons remain, contenders, this upcoming season and will look to become the first team ever to win a Super Bowl on their home field.
Since Blank became the owner of the Falcons 16 years ago, the team has seen nine winning seasons under him along with eight playoff appearances. Atlanta also appeared in Super Bowl 50 vs the Patriots with Quarterback Matt Ryan earning the NFL MVP award that season.
Blank bringing MLS to Atlanta was also one of the best moves made in the city’s sports history. Mercedes-Benz Stadium has set home records twice as Atlanta United FC games have become one of the biggest soccer events in the world. In their inaugural season in 2017, Atlanta United finished fourth in the Eastern Conference but fell short to Columbus Crew in the first round of the playoffs. Currently, they stand at first place with an 8-3 record.
Establishing a winning culture in Atlanta sports will continue for a very long time for Mr. Blank. He knows how to bring the proper coaches, management, and talent to both the Falcons and Atlanta United to make them contenders consistently. It would not surprise me to see Blank venture into bringing other sports to Atlanta such as getting an NHL team back to the city. In 2011, the Thrashers relocated to Winnipeg after 12 seasons in Atlanta.
Atlanta United FC is a favorite to win the MLS Cup in December and the Falcons will be expected to return to the playoffs to try to avenge their Super Bowl loss two seasons ago with the hope of winning it all right in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Don’t be surprised to see Blank win another Executive of the Year award a year from now.