Atlanta Falcons Football: How to Experience the Falcons in Atlanta

Atlanta Falcons football is more than a Sunday pastime in this city—it’s part of Atlanta’s identity. Whether you live here, just moved to the area, or are planning a visit during the NFL season, understanding how Falcons football works in Atlanta helps you make the most of it.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to watching games, going to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, navigating tickets and parking, and enjoying Falcons culture around the city.

Falcons Football Basics for Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons are Atlanta’s NFL (National Football League) team, playing in the NFC South division. The team’s home base is:

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

The regular season runs roughly from September through early January, with preseason games in August. Home games are typically on Sundays, with occasional Monday, Thursday, or prime-time matchups.

If you’re in Atlanta, Falcons season shapes a lot of the city’s weekend rhythm—especially downtown and around the Westside.

Getting to a Falcons Home Game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Where the Stadium Is and What’s Around It

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium sits on the west side of downtown Atlanta, close to:

• CNN Center
• State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center
• The Westside and Vine City neighborhoods

On game day, the area fills with fans, tailgates, and heavy traffic. Planning ahead makes a big difference.

Transportation Options 🚗🚈

1. MARTA (Recommended for Many Fans)
Using Atlanta’s public transit is often the simplest way to reach Falcons games.

• Rail stations near the stadium:
  • GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – one of the closest
  • Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – popular for west-side entry
  • Five Points Station (Red/Gold & Blue/Green) – a short walk via downtown

You can park at many MARTA Park & Ride lots around metro Atlanta and ride the train in, which helps avoid downtown parking costs and traffic.

2. Driving and Parking

If you drive:

• Expect game-day traffic along Northside Drive, Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, and surrounding streets.
• Stadium-area parking includes official lots and decks near:
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • State Farm Arena
  • Georgia World Congress Center campus

Official stadium and GWCC-managed lots generally allow advanced parking passes, which many fans buy ahead of time for busy matchups.

Driving tip:
Plan your route out before you arrive. Post-game traffic can get very congested, especially if you’re heading to the interstates (I‑20, I‑75/85).

3. Rideshare and Drop-Off

Designated rideshare zones are typically set up around the stadium perimeter for services like taxis and app-based rides. Expect:

• Delays and surge pricing immediately after games
• Crowds near drop-off/pickup areas, especially for night games

If you’re meeting a ride, agree on a landmark a short walk from the heaviest crowds.

Buying Falcons Tickets in Atlanta

Types of Tickets

If you’re planning to attend a game, you’ll usually look at:

• Single-game tickets – ideal for visitors or occasional attendees
• Season tickets – more common for residents and long-time fans
• Club or premium seating – offers upgraded views and amenities

Prices vary widely based on:

• Opponent
• Time of season
• Seat location (lower bowl vs. upper level, sideline vs. end zone)
• Prime-time or special-event games

Digital Tickets and Entry

Falcons home games operate primarily with digital tickets:

• Have your ticket app ready on your phone before you reach the gate.
• Screenshots are often not accepted; the app barcode or QR must be scannable and live.

Many Atlanta residents store tickets in their mobile wallet for faster entry.

What to Expect Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Gate Entry and Security

Security checks typically include:

• Walk-through metal detectors
• Bag size limits (usually a clear-bag policy or small clutch-size bags only)

If you’re visiting from out of town, pack light and check bag rules before you leave your hotel or home.

Seating Layout and Views

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is a modern, enclosed venue with:

• Lower, mezzanine, and upper decks
• End-zone sections often close to the field experience
• Sideline seats with more traditional views of the action

The stadium’s halo video board circles the top of the field area, making it easy to follow plays from almost any seat.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities

One thing Atlanta fans often highlight is the fan-friendly pricing on many basic concessions. While specialty items can be pricier, you can usually find:

• Affordable hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks
• A mix of local and national food options
• Bars and stands scattered throughout concourses

Payment is generally cashless, so bring a card or mobile payment method.

Falcons Game Day Atmosphere in Atlanta

Tailgating and Pre-Game Activities

Many Falcons fans treat game day as an all-day event.

Common pre-game options:

• Tailgating in nearby lots (where allowed)
• Walking around the Home Depot Backyard (public green space next to the stadium that often hosts events and fan activities)
• Visiting downtown or Centennial Olympic Park area bars and restaurants before kickoff

If you prefer a more casual experience, arriving 60–90 minutes before game time gives you enough time to soak in the atmosphere without a full-day commitment.

Families and Kids

Falcons games tend to be family-friendly, especially early-season day games. Inside the stadium, you’ll usually find:

• Team shop areas with youth jerseys and gear
• Designated family restrooms
• Plenty of concourse space for breaks between quarters

For younger kids, consider afternoon games over late-night kickoffs to avoid overtired trips home.

Watching Atlanta Falcons Football Without Going to the Stadium

Not everyone heads downtown every Sunday. In Atlanta, many fans follow the Falcons from home or local spots.

At Home in Atlanta

If you live in or near the city, you can typically follow Falcons games through:

• Broadcast TV for most Sunday afternoon games
• Cable or live TV streaming services that carry the main sports and network channels
• Radio broadcasts for audio-only coverage or when driving

Check your local channel listings in Atlanta ahead of time, especially for:

• Regional Sunday broadcasts
• Nationally televised prime-time games

Sports Bars and Local Watch Spots

Across Atlanta, you’ll find Falcons fans gathering in:

• Neighborhood sports bars in Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, East Atlanta, and the suburbs
• Restaurants that put the Falcons game on multiple screens during football season

If you prefer a more social experience:

• Arrive before kickoff to get a seat, especially for important division games.
• Ask staff which TVs will have the Falcons game with sound; in multi-game windows, sound may be dedicated to one featured matchup.

Falcons Practice Facility and Team Operations in the Metro Area

While games are downtown, the team trains and operates across the metro region.

Training Facility

The Atlanta Falcons headquarters and training complex is located north of the city in Flowery Branch, Georgia, a metro-area community in Hall County.

This facility is not in central Atlanta, but it’s meaningful for local fans who follow training camp and preseason media coverage.

Key Atlanta Falcons Game-Day Info at a Glance

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors Planning a Falcons Game

Here are some practical steps if you’re in Atlanta and want to catch a Falcons game:

1. Check the schedule early. Decide which home game fits your travel or weekend plans.
2. Secure tickets in advance. Prime opponents and late-season games can sell out or increase in price.
3. Decide how you’ll get there.
   • Use MARTA if you want to skip parking.
   • If driving, buy a parking pass ahead of time when possible.
4. Arrive early. Aim to get downtown at least an hour before kickoff to manage security, lines, and enjoy pre-game energy.
5. Review stadium policies. Check bag rules, prohibited items, and digital ticket procedures so entry goes smoothly.
6. Plan your exit. Know which MARTA line, roadway, or rideshare pickup area you’ll use after the game to avoid confusion in the crowds.

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta, Falcons football is one of the city’s core sports experiences—alongside basketball, soccer, and college football. With a bit of planning around transportation, tickets, and timing, you can enjoy NFL action right in the heart of downtown Atlanta.