Atlanta, GA – Manhattan, Montana resident Mark Longie performed the National Anthem December 10, 2023 at the Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

“This was the gig of a lifetime,” said Western Skies front man Mark Longie. “I’ve been playing at Mountain Sky for twenty-three years and have gotten to know Mr. Blank well.  He was kind enough to submit me for the Anthem, and I found out I was selected this summer. Being able to represent the West and perform at an NFL game was nothing short of a dream come true.”

Longie is the featured performer at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch located in Paradise Valley, Montana with his band Western Skies. He has been a constant fixture at Mountain Sky for over twenty years, where his weekly performances are a favorite of ranch guests including ranch owner, Arthur M. Blank.

Mr. Blank, owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, suggested Longie to the Falcons anthem selection committee for consideration. After submitting a demo to the committee, Longie was chosen to perform at the Dec. 10 game. Blank personally broke the news of his selection to Longie at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch in July of this year.

Longie, a long-time Atlanta Falcons fan, made the trip to Atlanta with his family on Friday ahead of his Dec. 10 performance. Current Falcons and former Montana State University player Troy Andersen stopped by to say hello, along with Mr. Blank and Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith.