Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta: Your Complete Local Guide

The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game is one of Atlanta’s biggest annual sports events and an unofficial holiday for college football fans across the city. Hosted in Downtown Atlanta, it launches the college football season with a high-profile matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, bringing in fans from all over the country.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting for the game, or are just trying to understand how this event works here, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to plan, and how to navigate game day like a local.

What Is the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game?

The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game is a season-opening college football game (sometimes multiple games) held in Atlanta, Georgia, usually on the first weekend of the college football season.

Key points:

• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Timing: Typically late August or early September
• Teams: Major college football programs, often from the SEC, ACC, or other Power 5 conferences
• Format: Neutral-site game, high energy, bowl-style atmosphere to start the season

For Atlanta, the game is more than just a matchup. It’s:

• A tourism draw, filling nearby hotels and restaurants
• A downtown event that impacts traffic, parking, and transit
• A local tradition for college football fans who circle the date on the calendar every year

When the Kickoff Game Typically Happens

The date changes each year, but you can count on a few patterns:

• Usually scheduled on Labor Day weekend or the weekend just before it
• Often Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday, or Labor Day Monday
• Occasionally features multiple games across the opening weekend

Because dates and matchups change annually, Atlanta locals and visitors usually:

• Check the upcoming season schedule in late winter or early spring
• Start booking hotels and rental cars several months ahead
• Plan around holiday weekend crowds if it falls on Labor Day weekend

Where the Game Is Played: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Basics

The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game is played at:

Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

This is the same stadium used by the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), and it’s right in the heart of Downtown Atlanta.

Getting Your Bearings in Downtown

Nearby landmarks include:

• State Farm Arena (home of the Atlanta Hawks)
• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
• Centennial Olympic Park
• College Football Hall of Fame

This cluster makes the area very walkable on game day, but it also means heavy foot traffic and road closures, especially around Martin Luther King Jr Dr NW, Northside Dr NW, Marietta St NW, and Andrew Young International Blvd NW.

Tickets: How Atlanta Fans Typically Buy and Plan

Ticket details change by year and matchup, but here’s what Atlanta consumers generally experience:

• On-sale timing: Tickets tend to go on sale well before the season, once matchups are announced.
• Sources: Tickets are usually available through official event organizers, team ticket offices, and widely used ticket platforms.
• Price variation: Prices often rise as the game gets closer, especially for high-profile matchups or rivalry games.

Tips for Atlanta Locals

• If you’re flexible, upper-level seats can be more budget-friendly and still offer good views in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• If you want to sit with fans of a particular school, many people look for school-specific sections sold through the universities’ ticket offices.

Getting to the Game: Transportation Options in Atlanta

Atlanta traffic is a real factor on game day, especially for an event this big. Planning how you’ll get to Mercedes-Benz Stadium can make or break your experience.

1. MARTA (Highly Recommended for Game Day)

For most fans, MARTA is the easiest way to get to the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.

Key stations for the stadium:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line): Closest to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line): Short walk on the west side of the stadium
• Five Points Station (Red/Gold + Blue/Green interchange): A central hub; you can walk or transfer

Why locals use MARTA on game day:

• Avoid downtown parking costs and delays
• Trains often run more frequently for major events
• Drops you within walking distance of the stadium

You can buy Breeze Cards at MARTA stations. For up-to-date service details, you can contact MARTA’s main information line at (404) 848-5000.

2. Driving and Parking

Some fans prefer to drive, especially from suburbs or out of town.

Common patterns:

• Parking lots and garages near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and GWCC frequently require advance passes for major events.
• Expect elevated parking prices for a premier game like the Kickoff.
• Road closures and police-directed traffic are common around kickoff and immediately after the game.

If you must drive:

• Aim to arrive in Downtown Atlanta 2–3 hours before kickoff.
• Consider parking slightly farther away (like near Midtown or Northside Drive north of the stadium) and walking or taking MARTA one or two stops.

3. Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare is heavily used for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, but demand can spike:

• Expect surge pricing around game start and immediately after the final whistle.
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium typically has designated rideshare pick-up/drop-off areas; game-day signage and staff often direct people where to go.

Many locals plan to take MARTA in and rideshare home if they want to avoid driving but still prefer door-to-door service late at night.

Tailgating and Fan Activities in Atlanta

The Kickoff Game brings a bowl-game atmosphere into the opening week. The experience around the stadium is a major part of the day for many fans.

Tailgating Near the Stadium

Tailgating options and rules can vary, but typical patterns include:

• Official tailgate areas or fan zones organized by event operators
• Tailgating in designated parking lots around GWCC and nearby lots
• Limits on grills, tents, and open flames depending on the lot and venue rules

If you’re tailgating:

• Plan for high temperatures and humidity; late August and early September in Atlanta can be very hot.
• Bring water, shade (tents/umbrellas where allowed), and sunscreen.

Fan Fests and Pre-Game Events

Many years, there are family-friendly fan events in and around:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• College Football Hall of Fame
• Georgia World Congress Center

Common features:

• Team mascots and bands
• Interactive football activities
• Merch and food vendors

These events often open several hours before kickoff, giving both visitors and locals plenty to do before heading into the stadium.

Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium: What Atlanta Fans Can Expect

Once you’re inside the stadium, the experience is fairly consistent from season to season.

Seating and Atmosphere

• Two main seating levels plus premium and suite areas.
• Large video halo board, making replays and in-game entertainment easy to see from most seats.
• A mix of fan bases, but sections are often grouped to cluster each team’s supporters.

Many fans describe the atmosphere as similar to a major bowl game, with:

• Fight songs and marching bands
• Choreographed team entrances and pre-game shows
• Intense noise levels for big plays and key downs

Food and Concessions

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is known for fan-friendly concession pricing and a wide variety of options, including:

• Classic stadium favorites
• Some local and regional flavors
• Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage options

Lines can be long at halftime; many Atlanta regulars plan to:

• Eat a solid meal before entering the stadium
• Grab snacks early in the game or between quarters instead of at halftime

What to Wear and Bring (Atlanta-Specific Advice)

Late August and early September in Atlanta usually means heat, humidity, and the possibility of afternoon storms, even though the game itself is indoors.

Clothing Tips

• Dress in lightweight, breathable fabrics for walking and pre-game activities.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be walking from transit, parking, or fan zones.
• Once inside, the stadium is climate-controlled, so you may feel more comfortable with a light layer if you get cold in air conditioning.

What You Can Bring

Policies can change, but common expectations at major events include:

• Clear bag requirements or limits on bag size
• Security screening at all entrances
• Restrictions on outside food, beverages, and certain items

Atlanta locals often:

• Use small clear bags for essentials
• Carry a phone, ID, bank card, small portable charger, and keys
• Take screenshots or have offline access to tickets in case of cell network congestion near the stadium

Where to Stay: Hotel Areas for Visitors

If you’re coming from out of town (or if you live in metro Atlanta but want to make a weekend of it), there are several convenient hotel clusters.

Downtown Atlanta (Closest to the Stadium)

Pros:

• Walkable to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Close to Centennial Olympic Park, College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coca-Cola
• Ideal for fans who want to park once and walk the rest of the weekend

Cons:

• Prices usually rise on major event weekends
• Heavier crowd activity late at night

Midtown Atlanta

Pros:

• Direct MARTA access to the stadium via North Avenue, Midtown, or Arts Center stations
• Many restaurants, bars, and nightlife options
• Slightly removed from the game-day congestion of Downtown

Cons:

• Requires a short MARTA ride or ride-share to the stadium
• Still busy and priced higher for major college football weekends

Airport Area (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)

Pros:

• Often more budget-friendly than Downtown and Midtown
• Hotels near MARTA’s Airport Station, making it feasible to ride the train to the game
• Convenient for early morning or late night flights

Cons:

• Longer trip into Downtown for game day activities
• Less walkability to tourist attractions compared to Downtown and Midtown

Local Attractions to Pair With the Kickoff Game

If you’re building a full Atlanta weekend around the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, you’re within a short walk or train ride of several major attractions.

Popular choices:

• College Football Hall of Fame (downtown, near Centennial Olympic Park) – especially fitting for college football fans in town for the game
• Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola – both in the Centennial Park area
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – near the aquarium and park
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – accessible from Midtown or Inman Park for walking, cycling, and dining

Many visitors plan:

• One full day for attractions (often the day before the game)
• Game day reserved primarily for tailgating, fan events, and the game itself

Game Day Timing: A Simple Planning Outline

Here’s a sample game-day timeline Atlanta locals often follow, assuming a late afternoon or evening kickoff:

Adjust this flow based on your kickoff time, but building in extra time is smart in Atlanta’s event-heavy downtown.

Safety, Security, and Practical Considerations

Atlanta typically sees large, energetic but orderly crowds for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, but it’s still wise to plan ahead.

Common local practices:

• Stay with your group, especially in crowded tailgate or bar areas.
• Keep valuables secured and minimal; use a front pocket or zippered bag.
• Pay attention to event staff directions around entrances and exits.

For emergencies, the City of Atlanta Police Department and stadium security are visibly present in and around the event area. In emergencies, dial 911; for non-emergency police issues in Atlanta, residents frequently use (404) 658-6666.

How the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game Fits Into Atlanta’s Sports Calendar

For Atlanta sports fans, the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game is part of a larger annual rhythm:

• Late Summer / Early Fall: Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, start of college football
• Fall:Atlanta Falcons season at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, college football throughout the region
• Winter:Atlanta Hawks in full swing at State Farm Arena
• Spring:Atlanta Braves regular season starts and Atlanta United FC continues at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The Kickoff Game often feels like the moment Atlanta fully shifts into football mode, especially for SEC and ACC fans who live in the metro area.

By understanding how the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game works in Atlanta—where it’s played, how to get there, when to arrive, and what surrounds it—you can navigate game day confidently, whether you’re a local making it an annual tradition or a visitor experiencing Atlanta’s football culture for the first time.