The Atlanta Falcons are woven into the fabric of the city as tightly as Peachtree Street and MARTA trains on game day. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting for a weekend, or just want to understand how this franchise became such a huge part of local culture, knowing the history of the Atlanta Falcons helps explain why the city turns red and black every fall.
Below is a clear, era-by-era look at how the Falcons grew from an expansion team in the 1960s into one of Atlanta’s most recognizable institutions.
Atlanta in the 1960s was positioning itself as a modern Southern city. Civic leaders wanted major-league sports to show that Atlanta could compete with older, bigger cities.
The Falcons started play in the 1966 season, giving Atlanta its first NFL team and helping solidify the city’s rise as a regional sports hub.
The team’s first home field was Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, located just south of downtown. The stadium was also home to the Braves, so game days in that part of town became major events.
For longtime Atlantans, this era is remembered for:
The Falcons’ early seasons were tough. Winning seasons were rare, but the team slowly built an identity and a fanbase across metro Atlanta.
In the 1970s, the team became known for tough, physical defense:
Though playoff success was limited, the Falcons laid the groundwork for a loyal local following from places like Decatur, College Park, and Marietta, where fans passed their fandom down through generations.
The Falcons made their first playoff appearance in 1978. For Atlantans, this was a watershed moment:
The 1980s were marked by inconsistency:
Still, game day in Atlanta kept evolving:
The 1990s were a turning point, both for the franchise and for how Atlanta experienced pro football.
In 1992, the Falcons moved from Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium to the Georgia Dome, located directly downtown near what is now the Mercedes-Benz Stadium site.
The Georgia Dome brought:
For many current Atlantans, childhood memories of the Falcons start with walking into the Dome under the big white roof.
In the early ’90s, the Falcons gained national attention:
This was when the Falcons started to feel uniquely “Atlanta” rather than just another NFL team.
For many Atlantans, the 1998 season is still one of the most memorable in Falcons history.
The team, led by head coach Dan Reeves, surprised the league with:
Atlanta fans embraced the swagger:
The Falcons advanced to Super Bowl XXXIII, played in January 1999:
In 2001, the Falcons drafted quarterback Michael Vick, transforming the way the team played and how the city connected with football.
Vick’s style—explosive runs, big throws, and improvisation—fit Atlanta’s rising national profile in music, culture, and entertainment.
For locals, this era meant:
Under Vick, the Falcons:
However, legal trouble eventually ended Vick’s time in Atlanta, leaving the city’s fanbase disappointed and unsure what would come next.
In 2008, the Falcons drafted quarterback Matt Ryan and hired Mike Smith as head coach. This era is remembered for:
This was a period when many new Atlanta residents—people moving in from other states to live in places like Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, and East Atlanta—adopted the Falcons as their team.
The 2016 season was one of the most explosive offensive years in Falcons history.
Under head coach Dan Quinn, with Matt Ryan at quarterback and star receiver Julio Jones, the Falcons:
For Atlanta, this was deeply emotional because it was also:
The Falcons reached Super Bowl LI in February 2017. The game is remembered across Atlanta for:
The result was heartbreaking, but that season solidified the Falcons as a central part of Atlanta’s modern identity.
In 2017, the Falcons moved into Mercedes-Benz Stadium, located at:
Key features that impact the fan experience:
For residents and visitors, the stadium has become:
Recent years have involved coaching changes, roster turnover, and a push to build the next great Falcons team. Even in rebuilding phases, the franchise remains:
If you’re in Atlanta, the Falcons are more than a schedule on TV—they influence traffic, businesses, and community events.
On Falcons home game days, you can expect:
For locals, planning around kickoff times becomes second nature—whether you’re attending the game or just trying to avoid traffic on Northside Drive.
The Falcons’ presence supports:
| Year | Event | Atlanta Local Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | NFL awards Atlanta an expansion team | Signals Atlanta’s arrival as a major-league city |
| 1966 | Falcons begin play at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium | First NFL season in city history |
| 1977 | “Grits Blitz” defense era | Establishes tough defensive identity |
| 1978 | First playoff appearance | City rallies around team for first real postseason run |
| 1992 | Move to Georgia Dome | Indoor football era begins; boosts downtown activity |
| 1998 | First Super Bowl appearance (XXXIII) | Falcons become a national story; city pride surges |
| 2001 | Michael Vick drafted | Sparks new energy and attention around the team |
| 2008 | Matt Ryan era begins | Long stretch of stability and frequent playoff appearances |
| 2016 | NFC champions; Super Bowl LI appearance | Dominant offense; emotional high and painful loss |
| 2017 | Move to Mercedes-Benz Stadium | New downtown landmark and modern era of Falcons football |
For Atlanta residents:
For visitors:
For anyone trying to understand Atlanta:
Knowing this history helps you see that when Atlanta rallies behind the Falcons, it’s not just about football. It’s about a city that’s been building, striving, and cheering together for decades.
