Has Atlanta Ever Won a Super Bowl? A Local’s Guide to the Falcons’ Big-Game History

If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or just cheer for the city from afar, you’ve probably heard this question more than once: “Did Atlanta ever win a Super Bowl?”

Short answer: No.
The Atlanta Falcons have never won a Super Bowl, but they have appeared in the big game twice—and both times are unforgettable parts of Atlanta sports history.

This guide walks through what Atlanta fans should know: the Falcons’ Super Bowl trips, how close the city has come, what game day feels like in Atlanta, and how the city continues to rally around its team.

Has Atlanta Ever Won a Super Bowl?

No, Atlanta has never won a Super Bowl.

The Atlanta Falcons, the city’s NFL team, have:

• 0 Super Bowl wins
• 2 Super Bowl appearances

Those appearances were:

1. Super Bowl XXXIII (1999 season) – vs. Denver Broncos
2. Super Bowl LI (2016 season) – vs. New England Patriots

Both games ended in losses, but they shaped how Atlanta sees its football identity today.

A Quick Look at Atlanta’s Super Bowl Appearances

Here’s a simple overview you can refer to quickly:

Even without a championship, these games are a major part of Atlanta’s sports story.

Super Bowl XXXIII: The Falcons’ First Trip (1999)

How Atlanta Got There

The 1998 Falcons were one of the strongest teams in franchise history. Led by:

• Head coach Dan Reeves
• Star running back Jamal Anderson
• A tough, confident defense

They shocked the NFL by winning the NFC Championship and earning a trip to Super Bowl XXXIII, played in Miami.

What Happened in the Game

In Super Bowl XXXIII, the Falcons faced the Denver Broncos (with Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway).

• The Broncos controlled much of the game.
• The Falcons’ offense struggled to find rhythm.
• Atlanta ultimately lost, missing out on its first Lombardi Trophy.

For long-time fans in Atlanta, that season is still remembered as a turning point—proof that the city could reach the NFL’s biggest stage.

Super Bowl LI: The 28–3 Game Atlanta Will Never Forget

The Season That Electrified the City

The 2016 Falcons had one of the most explosive offenses in the league, powered by:

• Quarterback Matt Ryan
• Wide receiver Julio Jones
• Head coach Dan Quinn’s aggressive style

Atlanta rolled through the season and playoffs, earning a spot in Super Bowl LI, played in Houston.

The Game Itself

Falcons fans across Atlanta packed:

• Sports bars in Downtown and Midtown
• Living rooms and patios from Buckhead to East Atlanta
• Community watch parties all over the metro area

During the game:

• Atlanta built a 28–3 lead late in the third quarter.
• The New England Patriots then mounted a historic comeback.
• The game went into overtime—the first overtime in Super Bowl history.
• The Falcons lost in OT, in one of the most painful endings Atlanta fans have ever experienced.

The phrase “28–3” is now part of NFL culture and a sore spot for many Atlantans, but it also symbolizes how close the city came to finally claiming a championship.

What This Means for Atlanta Fans Today

Even without a Super Bowl win, NFL football is deeply woven into life in Atlanta.

If You Live in Atlanta

You’ll see Falcons fandom all over the city:

• Red and black gear on MARTA trains and around Downtown on game days
• Tailgates in parking decks and lots near the stadium
• Flags on porches in neighborhoods like Grant Park, West End, and Decatur

Many local fans grew up watching the team and have lived through both Super Bowl heartbreaks, so conversations about the Falcons often come with a mix of hope, frustration, and loyalty.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta During Football Season

Even though the city doesn’t have a Super Bowl win to show off, visiting during NFL season can still be a memorable experience. You can:

• Catch a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Join a watch party at a local bar or restaurant
• Explore team-themed events and fan zones near the stadium

Atlanta still celebrates its team like a champion on Sundays.

Game Day in Atlanta: Where the Falcons Play Now

While Atlanta hasn’t won a Super Bowl, it does have one of the most modern NFL stadiums in the country.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

• Home team: Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• Location: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Nearby landmarks: Close to Downtown Atlanta, the CNN Center, and the College Football Hall of Fame

On Falcons game days, you’ll find:

• Fans walking from MARTA’s Vine City and GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center stations
• Food and drink options inside and outside the stadium
• A family-friendly concourse with interactive fan experiences

For locals, the stadium is a central hub for major events, from NFL games to college football championships and concerts.

Has Atlanta Ever Hosted a Super Bowl?

Even though the Falcons haven’t won a Super Bowl, Atlanta has hosted the game multiple times.

Super Bowls Hosted in Atlanta

Atlanta has been the site of the Super Bowl at the old Georgia Dome and the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, bringing in visitors, media, and nationwide attention.

For residents and visitors, this meant:

• Major events and concerts across Downtown and Midtown
• Road closures and enhanced security around the stadium
• A surge in hospitality activity—hotels, restaurants, and nightlife

So while Atlanta hasn’t celebrated a home-team championship, the city has been at the center of the NFL’s biggest event more than once.

How Atlanta Fans Stay Connected to the Team

Whether the Falcons have a winning or losing season, interest in the team stays strong across the metro area.

Popular Ways Atlantans Follow the Falcons

• In person at Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Season ticket holders and casual fans alike
• Local TV and radio – Game coverage and call-in shows where fans share strong opinions
• Watch parties – At sports bars in areas like Buckhead, Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward
• Community events – Youth football camps, charity events, and fan festivals

🏈 Tip for visitors: If you’re in Atlanta during the NFL season and can’t get tickets, ask where locals watch the game in the neighborhood you’re staying—each area tends to have its own “go-to” spots.

Why the Question Still Matters in Atlanta

“Did Atlanta ever win a Super Bowl?” isn’t just trivia here—it taps into how the city sees itself.

For many Atlantans:

• The lack of a Super Bowl win is a motivator, not just a disappointment.
• There’s a sense that the city is “due” for a championship on the NFL stage.
• Each promising season brings renewed hope that Atlanta will finally lift the Lombardi Trophy.

So, while the current reality is:

• No Super Bowl wins (yet)
• Two painful but historic appearances

the story isn’t finished. If you’re part of the Atlanta community—whether you’ve been here for decades or are just visiting—you’re watching a chapter of that ongoing story unfold.

For now, when someone asks, “Did Atlanta ever win a Super Bowl?”, the honest, Atlanta-focused answer is:

Not yet. But the city is still all-in on the Falcons, and game day in Atlanta is very much alive.