Atlanta Falcons Training Camp: How to Go, What to Expect, and Local Tips

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting during the summer, Atlanta Falcons training camp is one of the most accessible ways to get close to the team, see players up close, and enjoy a low-cost football experience.

This guide walks you through how Falcons camp typically works for Atlanta fans: locations, tickets, schedules, parking, what to bring, and how to make the most of your visit.

Where Atlanta Falcons Camp Is Held

In recent years, the Falcons have held training camp practices at:

Atlanta Falcons Headquarters & Training Facility
Address: 4400 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, GA 30542

Flowery Branch is northeast of Atlanta, generally a 35–60 minute drive from central Atlanta depending on traffic. Many fans come from:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta via I‑85 N and I‑985 N
• Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee using I‑85 N
• Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville via surface roads and I‑985

Occasionally, the team also hosts special open practices in Atlanta, such as at:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  (This is sometimes branded as a “Fan Day” or special open practice.)

The exact location and schedule can change year to year, so it’s important to check the current season’s details before you go.

When Falcons Training Camp Usually Happens

NFL teams generally hold training camp in late July and August. For Atlanta fans, that usually means:

• Report date: Late July
• Open practices: Late July through mid‑August
• Joint practices / special events: Often tied to preseason opponents
• Preseason games: Mid‑ to late August

While the precise dates and times change each season, the overall window is consistent: high summer, often in very hot and humid conditions around Atlanta.

How Tickets and Entry Typically Work

Falcons training camp is generally designed to be fan‑friendly and accessible, but crowd size is capped, especially at the Flowery Branch facility.

Common patterns Atlanta fans see:

• Tickets:

  • Many practices are free but require a ticket or registration.
  • Special events (like an open practice at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium) may have low‑cost tickets or structured seating.

• How to get tickets:

  • Tickets are typically released in advance and can “sell out” (hit capacity) quickly for popular days like weekends or joint practices.
  • You may need to create or log into a team ticket account to claim digital tickets.

• Entry policies:

  • Expect security checks similar to a game day, but usually a bit quicker.
  • A clear bag policy is commonly used, especially for stadium events.
  • Children often don’t need a separate ticket up to a certain age, but always verify the current policy.

For Atlanta locals, it’s wise to grab tickets as soon as the team announces them, especially if you’re aiming for:

• Weekend dates
• Days with joint practices vs. another NFL team
• Special theme days (Family Day, Kids Day, etc.)

Getting There from Around Atlanta

Driving to Flowery Branch

From central Atlanta:

• Take I‑85 North
• Merge onto I‑985 North
• Follow signs toward Flowery Branch / Falcon Parkway

Typical drive times in good traffic:

• From Downtown Atlanta: 40–50 minutes
• From Midtown / Buckhead: 40–55 minutes
• From Duluth / Norcross: 25–40 minutes

In rush hour or on weekends with other Lake Lanier traffic, your drive can be much longer, so plan extra time.

Driving to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for Open Practices

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Accessible by:

• I‑20, I‑75, and I‑85
• Surface streets from Downtown, Castleberry Hill, Vine City, and Westside neighborhoods

If you’re coming from inside the perimeter (ITP), you may find it easier to use MARTA and walk.

Parking: What Atlanta Fans Should Know

Flowery Branch Facility

• Parking is typically free or low‑cost in team‑designated lots.
• On high‑demand days, lots can fill up, and you may have to walk a bit.
• Pay attention to:
  • Signs directing you to authorized parking areas
  • Whether ride‑share pick‑up/drop‑off zones are designated

If you’re coming from Atlanta, allow time for:

• Traffic on I‑85 / I‑985
• Walking from your car to the practice fields
• Passing through security and ticket scans

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

If the Falcons host a camp practice in the stadium, parking works much like a game day:

• Multiple paid lots and decks around the stadium
• Prices can vary by event and lot
• Street parking is limited and heavily enforced in surrounding neighborhoods

Many Atlanta residents choose to park at a MARTA station and ride transit to avoid stadium traffic and downtown parking costs.

Using MARTA and Transit Options

For Flowery Branch, public transit from Atlanta is limited and not very practical for most fans. Driving or carpooling is usually the default.

For a training camp event at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, MARTA is often the easiest route:

• Rail stations near the stadium:
  • Vine City Station (West Line) – short walk to the stadium
  • GWCC / CNN Center Station – connected pedestrian routes to the stadium

From areas like Midtown, Brookhaven, Decatur, College Park, and much of the East/West/North lines, it’s straightforward to ride MARTA and walk.

What to Expect at Falcons Camp

Falcons training camp has a different feel than a regular season game: more casual, closer to the action, and very practice‑focused.

The On‑Field Action

You’ll typically see:

• Position drills: Quarterbacks, receivers, linemen, and defensive backs running focused drills
• Team periods: 7‑on‑7 and 11‑on‑11 scrimmage‑like segments
• Special teams work: Field goals, punts, and kickoffs
• Coaching close‑ups: Position coaches and coordinators actively teaching on the field

You’re often much closer to the players than at a game, especially at Flowery Branch, where fans line the field behind fences and fan areas.

The Fan Experience

Most open practices include:

• Fan zones with games and activities (especially for kids)
• Concessions with drinks and light food
• Team merchandise stands
• Music and announcements to keep the energy up

The atmosphere is generally family‑friendly, relaxed, and very approachable compared with regular season games.

Autographs and Player Interaction

One of the main reasons Atlanta fans go to camp is the chance for autographs and photos.

Common patterns:

• After some practices, players come to the sidelines to sign items for fans.
• Kids often have a better chance at getting autographs, especially in youth‑designated areas.
• Not every day includes widespread autograph sessions; it depends on the schedule and coaching decisions.

To improve your chances:

• Arrive early and find spots near areas where players typically exit.
• Bring small, easy‑to‑sign items (mini‑helmets, footballs, hats, programs).
• Have your marker ready and be respectful of staff directions.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

Atlanta in late July and August is consistently hot and humid, often with strong sun and sudden showers. Planning ahead makes a big difference.

Essentials to Bring

• Digital tickets / photo ID
• Clear bag if required by the event
• Water (check the current year’s policy on outside beverages)
• Sunscreen – Atlanta sun can be intense by late morning
• Hat and sunglasses
• Portable fan or cooling towel 😅
• Light, breathable clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes

For families:

• Stroller for young children (if allowed)
• Snacks (within policy limits)
• Small activities for kids in case they get restless

Items Often Restricted

Policies can change, but commonly restricted items include:

• Large umbrellas
• Coolers
• Alcohol
• Drones
• Large chairs or tents
• Professional camera lenses

Always verify the current bag and prohibited items policy before you leave home.

Sample Day‑of‑Visit Checklist

Here’s a simple, skimmable guide to getting from Atlanta to camp prepared:

Kids, Families, and Accessibility

Bringing Kids from Atlanta

Falcons camp is generally very kid‑friendly:

• Many practices feature kids’ areas or activities.
• The more relaxed environment makes it easier to come and go if children get tired.
• You can often move around to find better sightlines for kids.

If you’re traveling from neighborhoods like East Atlanta, Southwest Atlanta, or the Westside, plan enough time for both traffic and breaks for younger children.

Accessibility Considerations

Facilities typically include:

• Accessible parking areas
• Designated seating or viewing areas for fans with mobility needs
• Ramps and paved walkways in primary fan zones

If you or someone in your group needs accommodations, you may want to contact the Falcons organization or venue ahead of time to ask about:

• Exact accessible entry points
• Drop‑off locations close to the entrance
• Availability of wheelchair seating or companion areas

Weather and Heat: Atlanta‑Specific Considerations

Atlanta summers regularly bring:

• High heat and humidity (feels‑like temps often in the 90s)
• Sudden thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon
• Strong sun exposure even on partly cloudy days

Falcons practices may be:

• Shortened, moved, or canceled due to storms or extreme conditions
• Relocated indoors (in which case fan access might be limited or changed)

For anyone attending from within the city:

• Check the morning forecast before leaving neighborhoods like Midtown, Grant Park, or Sandy Springs; weather can shift quickly as you move north.
• Plan for shade and hydration even if the car ride feels comfortable with air conditioning.

How Early Should You Arrive?

For fans coming from various parts of Atlanta, a good rule of thumb:

• Aim to arrive at the parking area 45–60 minutes before practice starts, especially on weekends.
• If there’s a special event, joint practice, or theme day, add extra time.

Arriving early helps you:

• Find better parking
• Secure a good viewing spot along the fence or in the stands
• Navigate security and bag checks without rushing
• Settle in, get concessions, and check out fan activities

Making the Most of Falcons Camp as an Atlanta Resident or Visitor

To get the best value from the experience:

• Combine the trip with other north‑metro activities

  • If you’re already driving from Atlanta, you can pair the day with stops near Lake Lanier, Buford, or Mall of Georgia.

• Try different types of practices

  • A quieter weekday morning can be completely different from a packed weekend or stadium practice.

• Use it to introduce kids or new fans to football

  • Training camp is often less overwhelming than a full NFL game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, both in cost and intensity.

• Stay flexible

  • Weather, schedule changes, and player workloads can all affect what you see on any given day.

By planning your route from Atlanta, understanding how tickets and access work, and preparing for the city’s summer weather, you can turn an Atlanta Falcons training camp visit into a memorable, close‑up NFL experience—without the full cost and crowds of a regular season game.