Falcons owner Arthur Blank discusses neutral-site conference championship games

Add Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank to the list of noteworthy people against scheduling neutral-site AFC and NFC Championship Games. 

As shared by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Blank discussed the topic during an appearance on SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio after Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Falcons, could've hosted this year's AFC Championship Game.

"Even though we were selected, I mean, it was a credit to our organization, we were selected out of any number of teams, to use our stadium," Blank said about neutral-site conference title matchups. "But, having said that, I think your point is accurate. The whole year you fight, you do what you can to win games, et cetera, et cetera, and you want to reward your fans by hosting that championship game in your facility." 

Earlier this week, Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt made it known he opposes neutral-site conference championship games even though Lamar Hunt, his famous father, was a fan of the idea. 

"And I know Clark well, obviously I serve on committees with him and he’s a great owner, a great leader in the league, I would agree with him," Blank continued. "I’m sure his dad, if he was with us, he would have some other viewpoints on why it was a good idea but I’m happy with the existing [approach]." 

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II generated headlines last month when he said he hates any plan for moving conference title clashes to neutral stadiums. 

A minimum of 24 owners must vote in favor of a proposal for such a rule to change, so NFL commissioner Roger Goodell may find he has an uphill battle ahead of him regarding this particular subject. But Florio noted Goodell can influence owners by telling them about "all the extra cash they can make by making the change" sooner rather than later. 

Television revenue is one reason the NFL likely will eventually adopt a Sunday-Monday format for conference championships.