Atlanta celebrates astounding season

Justin Bachman

Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1999 | 10:17 a.m.

ATLANTA -- No team has ever played in the Super Bowl with its city as the host, and Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Reeves says that's exactly what his organization plans next season.

The 2000 Super Bowl will be played at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

"That's our goal next year," Reeves said. "We want to be the team."

Reeves made his remarks at the end of a welcome-home parade Monday afternoon as thousands of Falcons fans thronged downtown Peachtree Street to greet the team on its return from a dreadful Super Bowl performance against the Denver Broncos.

Denver won 34-19.

But one loss, even in a forum as large and hyped as the Super Bowl, did not alter the loyalties of fans, an estimated 5,000 of whom turned out on a chilly, mucky afternoon to root for the "Dirty Birds."

This was a day to forget about Miami, to recall the Falcons' 16-2 season and astonishing NFC championship win over the Minnesota Vikings.

"After 33 years, I'm just happy to see them get there so I had something to cheer about," said Al Jones, a self-described "die-hard Falcons fan" and hospital cafeteria cook.

Perched on fire trucks, the team rolled down Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta, many players filming the crowd, savoring the end of a season that amazed football watchers nationwide because of the team's dismal history.

"I'm so proud of them," said Cecelia Hamrick, a Decatur grade school teacher who brought her daughter to the parade and relied on a substitute to cover her class. "The Atlanta Falcons were in the Super Bowl, and I probably won't live long enough to see it again."

Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell said the city would mount a plaque at Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport commemorating the Falcons' winning the 1998 NFC championship. Next year, the city hopes to celebrate a Falcons' Super Bowl victory at the Georgia Dome.

"This is only a temporary sign," Campbell said.

Reeves also made good on his promise to dance the Dirty Bird in downtown Atlanta after the Falcons' improbable win over Minnesota to advance to the Super Bowl. He did the flapping dance twice, the first time while standing on a fire truck.