Atlanta Falcons Football Stadium: Your Guide to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta
If you’re looking for the Atlanta Falcons football stadium, you’re talking about Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, the state‑of‑the‑art home of the Falcons in downtown Atlanta. Whether you live here, are planning a visit, or just want to understand how Falcons games work in Atlanta, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, and how to make the most of game day.
Where the Atlanta Falcons Play
The Atlanta Falcons play their home games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium:
- Stadium name: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta / Vine City area
- Primary uses: Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta United FC (MLS), concerts, major events, college football games, and more
The stadium is just west of downtown’s main business district and is connected to the GWCC/CNN Center and Vine City MARTA stations, making it one of the most accessible major venues in the city.
Quick Facts About Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 2017 |
| Type | Retractable‑roof, multi‑purpose stadium |
| Home teams | Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta United FC (MLS) |
| Seating capacity (football) | Around 70,000 (expandable for major events) |
| Location | Downtown Atlanta, near Georgia World Congress Center and State Farm Arena |
| Notable features | Retractable roof, 360‑degree Halo Board, fan‑friendly food pricing |
Getting to the Atlanta Falcons Stadium
By MARTA (Recommended on Game Days)
For many Atlantans, MARTA is the easiest way to get to a Falcons game, especially when downtown traffic and parking fill up quickly.
Closest MARTA stations:
- GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
- Direct access to the stadium and Georgia World Congress Center
- Follow signs for the stadium once you exit
- Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line)
- Short outdoor walk to the stadium, often less crowded than GWCC/CNN
Tips for using MARTA on game day:
- Load or tap your Breeze Card or contactless payment before the rush.
- Expect trains to be crowded before kickoff and right after the game.
- Allow extra time if you’re transferring from the Red/Gold Line at Five Points.
Driving and Parking
If you’d rather drive, you have several options, but planning ahead matters in Atlanta traffic.
General driving directions:
- From I‑75/I‑85 (Downtown Connector):
- Use exits toward Northside Drive, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, or Williams Street depending on your parking lot.
- From I‑20:
- Use Spring Street or MLK Jr. Drive exits and follow signs toward the stadium.
Parking near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium:
- Multiple official lots and decks surround the stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center.
- On major event days, parking is usually pre‑paid and reserved through official parking systems or apps.
- Some nearby private lots in downtown and Castleberry Hill also open for game parking.
🔹 Local tip: If you’re coming from suburbs like Marietta, Sandy Springs, or Decatur, consider parking at a MARTA park‑and‑ride station (like North Springs, Dunwoody, or Indian Creek) and taking the train in to avoid downtown gridlock.
Stadium Entry, Security, and Gates
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium uses modern security systems and entry procedures similar to other large NFL venues.
Security and Bag Policy
- Clear bag policy: Generally, only small clutches and NFL‑style clear bags of specific sizes are allowed.
- All fans pass through metal detectors and security screening.
- Prohibited items typically include outside alcohol, weapons, large umbrellas, and larger bags.
Because specific rules can change for special events, it’s smart to review current bag and security guidelines for your particular game or event date before heading downtown.
Main Gate Areas
Common entry points on Falcons game days include:
- Gate 1 (Northside Drive side) – popular for those coming from the Northside Drive area
- Gate 2 / Gate 3 – often used for fans arriving from GWCC/CNN Center side
- The Front Porch – large plaza outside the stadium, a handy meeting point
🔹 Local tip: Entry lines can get long 30–45 minutes before kickoff. If you want to catch player warm‑ups or pregame ceremonies, plan to arrive at least an hour early.
Tickets and Seating for Falcons Games
Buying Tickets
Falcons tickets are typically available through:
- Official NFL ticket platforms and team channels
- Reputable online ticket marketplaces
- Resale options, especially for high‑demand games
Prices can vary by opponent, day of week, and seat location. Preseason games tend to be more affordable; rivalry or playoff games will be more expensive and sell out faster.
Types of Seating
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is designed with a mix of seating options:
- Lower‑level sideline seats: Close to the field, most expensive, great for being near the action
- Club sections and suites: Premium seating with access to clubs and upgraded amenities
- Upper‑level seats: More budget‑friendly, still offer a good overall view of the field
- End zone and corner seats: Often mid‑range pricing with a unique perspective on scoring plays
For Atlanta residents looking to attend multiple games, season tickets and partial plans are commonly available directly through the Falcons organization.
Food, Drinks, and Concessions
One feature that sets Mercedes‑Benz Stadium apart is its focus on fan‑friendly concession pricing.
What to Expect
- A range of classic stadium foods: hot dogs, burgers, pizza, nachos, popcorn, pretzels
- Popular local and regional options: Southern‑style items vary by stand and event
- Multiple bars and drink stations, including non‑alcoholic beverages and water refill spots
The stadium has a reputation for keeping many basic food and drink items reasonably priced compared with other major venues, making it more practical for families and large groups.
🔹 Local tip: Concession lines tend to be shorter just before kickoff and during halftime performances, but longer early in the second quarter and late in the third.
Accessibility and Special Accommodations
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is designed to accommodate a wide range of accessibility needs.
Accessibility Features
- ADA‑compliant seating in various sections around the stadium
- Accessible parking spaces in select lots and decks
- Elevators and ramps for easier movement between levels
- Designated drop‑off areas close to stadium entrances
If you or someone in your group needs specific accommodations (such as wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, or service animal information), contact the stadium’s guest services team ahead of time to understand current options and where to enter.
Tailgating and Pre‑Game Atmosphere
Game day around the Atlanta Falcons stadium has a lively atmosphere, especially for divisional matchups and primetime games.
Tailgating Options
- Certain official lots near the stadium permit tailgating, often with clear rules about grills, tents, and open flames.
- Fans also gather in nearby areas of downtown and Castleberry Hill before games.
Because policies and available lots can change by event, always confirm tailgating rules for your specific game so you know which lots allow it and when they open.
Pre‑Game Entertainment
Depending on the game, you may find:
- Fan zones and interactive areas outside the stadium
- Music, games, and sponsor activations in the surrounding plazas
- Local food trucks or special event setups on major game days
If you’re visiting Atlanta, arriving a couple of hours early gives you time to enjoy the game‑day energy, take photos, and explore the stadium surroundings.
Nearby Atlanta Landmarks and Areas
One advantage of the Falcons stadium is its location in the heart of the city. Within walking distance you’ll find:
- Georgia World Congress Center – directly adjacent to the stadium
- State Farm Arena – home of the Atlanta Hawks, just to the east
- CNN Center area – food courts and gathering spots (availability can vary)
- Centennial Olympic Park – green space a short walk away, good for strolling before or after events
For visitors, staying in downtown, Midtown, or the Georgia Tech area offers convenient access to the stadium by car, MARTA, or rideshare.
Rideshare and Drop‑Off Options
Rideshare services are widely used for Atlanta Falcons games.
- Dedicated pick‑up and drop‑off zones are typically set up around the stadium to keep traffic moving.
- After the game, expect price surges and longer waits right as the crowd exits.
🔹 Local tip: If you want to avoid the heaviest crowds, consider walking a few blocks away from the stadium before requesting a rideshare, or wait about 20–30 minutes after the final whistle.
Planning Your Falcons Game Day in Atlanta
To make your experience at the Atlanta Falcons football stadium smoother:
Decide how you’ll get there.
- MARTA if you want to skip parking stress
- Pre‑booked parking if you prefer to drive
Review your tickets and entry gate.
- Know which gate is closest to your section
- Have digital tickets ready on your phone
Check current stadium policies.
- Clear bag rules, prohibited items, and cashless payment details can change
Arrive early.
- Give yourself extra time for traffic, security, and finding your seats
Explore the stadium.
- Look up at the Halo Board, check out different concession areas, and enjoy the architecture and skyline views where available.
Understanding how the Atlanta Falcons stadium works—from transportation to tickets and food—helps you enjoy the game instead of worrying about logistics. Whether you’re a local fan or just experiencing Atlanta on game day, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is one of the city’s standout destinations.