Your Guide to an Atlanta Falcons Game in Atlanta

Atlanta lives and breathes football, and an Atlanta Falcons game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is one of the city’s biggest shared experiences. Whether you’re a local, a recent transplant, or visiting for a weekend, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, what things cost, and how to make the most of game day in Atlanta.

Where the Atlanta Falcons Play

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

This modern, retractable-roof stadium sits on the west side of downtown Atlanta, next to State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center.

Neighborhood context

You’re right in the heart of the city, near:

• Downtown Atlanta hotels
• Centennial Olympic Park
• CNN Center area
• Vine City and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods

If you’re staying downtown or around Midtown, you can usually reach the stadium quickly by MARTA, rideshare, or a fairly short drive.

Getting Tickets to a Falcons Game

Common ways to buy tickets

Most fans in Atlanta typically get tickets through:

• The NFL’s official ticket platforms
• The team’s official box office (online or via their ticket office at the stadium)
• Resale marketplaces (especially for last-minute or sold-out games)

For single-game tickets, you’ll usually see:

• Preseason: Generally cheaper and easier to get
• Regular season: Prices vary a lot based on opponent, day of week, and time of year
• Premium games: Divisional matchups or marquee opponents often cost more and sell out faster

Where to sit: basic layout

Stadium sections are typically:

• Lower level (100s) – Closest to the field; more expensive
• Club levels – Access to club lounges and upgraded amenities
• Upper level (300s) – More budget-friendly, still good views in this stadium
• End zones – Often less expensive than sideline seats

If you’re bringing kids or first-time visitors, many locals find the lower corners or mid-upper level a sweet spot for both view and price.

Getting to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium from Around Atlanta

MARTA: The most straightforward option

For many Atlantans, MARTA is the easiest way to a Falcons game.

Closest stations:

• GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (W1) – West Line
• Vine City Station (W2) – West Line

From both stations, the walk to the stadium is short and straightforward, with heavy game-day foot traffic and signage.

Tips for MARTA on game day:

• Buy a Breeze Card or load fare before game day if possible.
• Expect crowded trains before kickoff and right after the game.
• If you’re coming from North Atlanta (Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs), you’ll connect from the Red/Gold lines to the Blue/Green line downtown.

Driving and parking

Driving is common for metro Atlanta residents, but game-day traffic can be heavy.

Parking options near the stadium:

• Official Mercedes‑Benz Stadium lots and decks
• Georgia World Congress Center decks
• Private lots and garages in downtown and Castleberry Hill

If you drive:

• Pre-book parking online when possible, especially for big games.
• Plan for delays on I‑75/85 and I‑20 near downtown.
• Consider parking a little farther away and walking 10–15 minutes to avoid the tightest congestion.

Rideshare and drop-off

Rideshare services are widely used on game days.

Common patterns:

• Drop-off zones are usually marked around the stadium perimeter.
• After the game, it may be quicker to walk a few blocks away before requesting a ride, so your driver isn’t stuck in stadium traffic.

When to Arrive and What Game Day Feels Like

Game-day timeline

For a standard Sunday game, many locals plan:

• 2–3 hours before kickoff – Arrive in the stadium district, tailgate or explore.
• 1–1.5 hours before kickoff – Enter the stadium, get food, find seats, watch warmups.
• Postgame – Plan extra time for MARTA lines, traffic, or walking back to cars/hotels.

Night games (Monday/Thursday) can stretch later, so consider MARTA schedules and how you’ll get home if you’re coming from the suburbs.

Tailgating culture

Tailgating in Atlanta has a strong presence, especially for NFC South rivalries and big matchups.

Common spots:

• Official tailgating lots around the Georgia World Congress Center
• Private lots in Castleberry Hill and surrounding areas

Typical expectations:

• Grills, tents, games, and music are common.
• Follow posted rules on grills, open flames, and alcohol in each lot.
• If you’re visiting, you can often just walk through and enjoy the atmosphere—even if you’re not grilling yourself.

Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium: What to Expect

Security and bag policy

Like most NFL venues, the stadium uses:

• Metal detectors
• A clear bag policy (small clutches and clear bags of specific sizes, with exceptions for necessary medical items)

Check the allowed sizes before you go; security can be strict, and bringing an oversized or non-clear bag usually means walking back to your car or using a locker service if available.

Food and drink

The stadium is well-known for its fan-friendly pricing on certain concession items.

You’ll typically find:

• Value-priced basics like hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and soft drinks
• Craft beers and specialty food stands
• Local and regional flavors mixed in with standard stadium fare

You do not usually need to budget as much as at some other NFL venues, but premiums (craft cocktails, specialty items) still add up quickly.

Payment methods

The stadium has moved heavily toward cashless or card-preferred payment, including:

• Credit/debit cards
• Mobile pay options

If you normally use cash, look for reverse ATMs that load cash onto a prepaid card inside the stadium.

Costs to Plan For

Here’s a simple overview of typical cost categories for a Falcons game in Atlanta. Exact amounts change by game and seat location, but this gives you a planning framework.

For locals, it’s common to balance costs by choosing cheaper seats and MARTA, then splurging a bit on food or team gear.

Falcons Game Atmosphere: What Locals Know

The crowd and traditions

At a Falcons home game, you can expect:

• A mix of die-hard season ticket holders, families, and visiting fans
• Chanting, music, and team traditions, especially during big plays
• A high-energy environment that’s still generally suitable for kids, especially earlier in the day

Noise levels can be intense on critical third downs, especially with the closed roof, so ear protection can be helpful for young children or anyone sensitive to loud sounds.

Bringing kids to a game

Families in Atlanta often bring kids to Sunday afternoon games.

Things to consider:

• Look into family-friendly sections or seats away from the very top rows if you’re worried about heights.
• Plan bathroom and snack breaks in less busy parts of the game (end of quarters, TV timeouts).
• Give yourself extra time entering and exiting the stadium with strollers or young kids, and check the stadium’s policies on strollers before you go.

Where to Stay if You’re Visiting Atlanta for a Falcons Game

If you’re coming from out of town, staying near the stadium can simplify your day.

Popular areas to stay

• Downtown Atlanta – Closest to the stadium; walkable to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and nearby attractions.
• Midtown Atlanta – A short MARTA ride away; more restaurants, nightlife, and cultural sites.
• Buckhead – Farther north; upscale area, easy MARTA access on the Red Line with a transfer downtown.

If you stay near any MARTA rail station, you can usually avoid driving and parking entirely.

Safety and Practical Tips

• Stay aware of your surroundings in downtown, especially at night or after late games.
• Stick to well-lit, busy walking routes between the stadium and MARTA stations or parking.
• Keep an eye on weather forecasts; the stadium roof may be open or closed, but your walk to and from the venue is still outdoors.
• For accessibility needs, plan ahead:
  • Accessible seating is available throughout the stadium.
  • Elevators and ramps make most sections reachable.
  • Consider calling the stadium’s guest services in advance if you have specific mobility or seating needs.

Falcons Game Day and the Rest of Your Time in Atlanta

One advantage of going to a Falcons game in Atlanta is how close you are to other major attractions:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This makes it easy to turn a game day into a full downtown Atlanta experience, especially if you’re visiting for the weekend.

Quick Planning Checklist for an Atlanta Falcons Game

• ✅ Buy tickets in advance (choose your budget and section).
• ✅ Decide how you’ll get there: MARTA, rideshare, or pre-booked parking.
• ✅ Review bag and security policies so you’re not turned away at the gate.
• ✅ Arrive 1.5–2 hours early to avoid rushing and enjoy the atmosphere.
• ✅ Budget for food, drinks, and merch based on your group size.
• ✅ If bringing kids or guests from out of town, plan your route and meeting spot inside or outside the stadium.

Handled thoughtfully, an Atlanta Falcons game can be one of the most memorable ways to experience Atlanta—whether you’re a lifelong local in the metro area or visiting the city for the first time.