Saints could be using Falcons’ facilities

If the Saints, the Falcons’ hated rivals, make the Super Bowl, they will practice at the team facilities in Flowery Branch and dress for the game in their locker room at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. What could be discouraging news for Falcons fans was confirmed by Brett Daniels, chief operating officer of the Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee on Wednesday.

Daniels spoke about logistics and arrangements for Super Bowl LIII, which is Feb. 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

When he said the NFC team would practice in Flowery Branch, he was asked, “Even if it’s the Saints?”

“Yes,” Daniels said. “This issue came up last year with Minnesota.”

He noted he understood the Falcons were preparing to replace a lot of carpet that has the Falcons’ logos embedded throughout the practice facility building.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn asked about the prospects of the Saints using the Falcons’ facilities.

“Um, whomever is playing for the championship, I guess I’m most disappointed that we won’t be the ones playing and practicing in our facility,” Quinn said Thursday.

The Vikings reached the NFC title game and would have been the visiting team but wanted to stay in their home locker room.

The NFL has decided it will not change the predetermined sites over facility issues.

The AFC team is set to practice at Georgia Tech and use the visiting locker room. The Saints are currently the No. 1 seed in the NFC and could have home-field advantage for the playoffs.