Atlanta Falcons Home Games: How to Make the Most of Gameday in Atlanta

Atlanta Falcons home games are a major part of fall and winter in the city. Whether you live in Atlanta, you’re here for a weekend, or you’re planning a trip around a Falcons game, understanding how home games work at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium will make your experience smoother, cheaper, and a lot more fun.

Where the Falcons Play: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Basics

The Atlanta Falcons play all home games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, located in Downtown Atlanta:

• Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Downtown / Vine City / Castleberry Hill area
• Main cross streets: Northside Dr NW & Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW

The stadium is an indoor venue with a retractable roof, so games are usually played in comfortable conditions regardless of weather—helpful if you’re planning around Atlanta’s heat or rain.

Seating & sections to know:

• Lower bowl: Closest to the field, great for atmosphere.
• Club & suite levels: Premium seating with upgraded food and lounge access.
• Upper level: Most budget-friendly seats with a full-field view.
• End zones vs. sidelines: End zones often have more energy from fans and can be cheaper; sidelines give a more traditional TV-style view.

If you’re bringing kids, older adults, or anyone with mobility needs, look for accessible seating options when you buy tickets. The stadium has elevators, ramps, and ADA seating throughout.

Falcons Home Game Schedule: What Atlantans Should Know

The regular season runs from early September through early January, with:

• 8–9 home games each season (depending on the year’s schedule)
• Mostly Sunday games, with some Monday, Thursday, or occasional Saturday games in prime-time
• Preseason home games in August (usually 1–2)

To find the exact dates and opponents for this season’s Atlanta Falcons home games, check the current schedule through official NFL or team channels. Schedules can change, especially late-season games that are moved for national broadcasts, so Atlantans often re-check game time and date in the week before kickoff.

Getting to Falcons Home Games: Transportation Options in Atlanta

Driving and Parking Near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Driving is common for many Atlanta-area fans, but traffic can be heavy on I‑75/85, I‑20, and the Downtown Connector before and after games.

Main highway exits for the stadium area include:

• From I‑75/85: Williams St, Spring St, Northside Dr
• From I‑20: Northside Dr, Spring St, Windsor St

Parking tips:

• Pre-purchase parking when possible; many lots around the stadium sell parking passes in advance.
• Surface lots and decks are spread across Downtown, Vine City, and Castleberry Hill.
• Expect higher prices the closer you park to the stadium and for night games or rivalry matchups.
• Verify if your lot is “exit last” or “easy exit”—some are quicker to leave after the game.

If you’re visiting from out of town and staying in Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport, compare hotel parking rates with stadium-area parking; sometimes walking or using MARTA is simpler.

Riding MARTA to Falcons Home Games

For many locals, MARTA is the easiest way to get to Falcons games and avoid parking headaches.

Key rail stations near the stadium:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line): Short walk to the stadium’s west side.
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line): Often less crowded and close to the stadium.
• Five Points Station (all lines): Connect here if you’re coming from North, South, or East lines, then switch to Westbound.

Practical MARTA tips:

• Load your Breeze Card or ticket before gameday or arrive early; lines can build.
• Trains generally run more frequently before and after big events.
• If you’re staying in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or near Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport, you can take the Red/Gold line to Five Points, then head west.

Rideshare, Taxi, and Drop-Off

If you don’t want to drive or use MARTA:

• Rideshare zones are typically marked around the stadium area; follow stadium or street signs after the game.
• Expect price surges and slower pickup times right at final whistle—some locals walk a few blocks east or north to request rides for better prices and less gridlock.
• If you’re being dropped off by friends or family, coordinate a specific corner or landmark (for example, near Centennial Olympic Park or a nearby hotel) to avoid confusion with road closures.

Gameday Timing: When to Arrive and What to Expect

Recommended Arrival Times

Fans in Atlanta often plan their day around:

• Tailgating / pregame: 2–3 hours before kickoff
• Stadium arrival: At least 60–90 minutes before kickoff to:
  • Clear security
  • Grab food and drinks
  • Find seats and watch warm-ups

For weeknight games, factor in rush hour traffic on major interstates and surface streets. Many locals will arrive earlier and grab dinner Downtown instead of fighting last-minute traffic.

Security, Bags, and Entry

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium follows the standard NFL clear bag policy. General patterns include:

• Small clear plastic bags up to a certain size
• Small clutch bags roughly the size of a hand
• No large backpacks or non-clear tote bags

Other common rules:

• Walk-through metal detectors at all gates
• Restrictions on certain items (weapons, outside alcohol, some noisemakers)

To avoid delays, Atlantans often:

• Bring only essentials
• Use a clear stadium-approved bag
• Check updated rules through official stadium information before each season

Tickets for Atlanta Falcons Home Games

Where Locals Usually Get Tickets

Common options Atlanta-based fans use:

• Official ticket platforms and primary sellers for face-value seats
• Verified resale platforms for sold-out games or deals close to gameday
• Season tickets for fans going to most home games

Buying early can:

• Improve seat choices
• Offer better pricing for high-demand matchups (division rivals, playoff races, prime-time games)

Choosing Seats: Local Considerations

When picking seats, think about:

• Budget: Upper deck is usually the most affordable.
• Atmosphere: Lower bowl and end zones are often loudest.
• View vs. cost: 200-level corner seats can be a good balance.
• Sunlight: With the roof and design, direct sun is less of an issue than in open stadiums, but early afternoon games can still be brighter near certain ends when the roof is open.
• Getting out quickly: If you want a faster exit, look at sections closer to main concourses and exits.

If you’re bringing kids or first-time fans, many locals prefer lower rows of the upper deck or club level for a clearer view of the whole field.

Tailgating and Pre-Game in Atlanta

Tailgating Near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Tailgating is a big part of the Falcons home game culture. You’ll often find tailgaters in lots around:

• Northside Drive
• Vine City area
• Castleberry Hill neighborhood

Common features:

• Grills, tents, and folding chairs
• Music and TV setups
• Friendly game-day atmosphere with plenty of Falcons gear

Always check:

• Lot-specific rules on open flames, tent sizes, and alcohol
• Opening times—some lots open several hours before kickoff

Pre-Game Options Without Tailgating

If you’re not tailgating, there’s still plenty to do nearby:

• Downtown restaurants and bars often run gameday specials.
• Centennial Olympic Park area can be a good spot for walking around beforehand.
• Many Atlantans grab a meal in Downtown or Castleberry Hill, then walk to the stadium 60–90 minutes before game time.

Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium: Food, Drinks, and Experience

One thing that stands out to both locals and visitors is the fan-friendly food and drink pricing on many basic items. You’ll find:

• Concession stands with a more affordable menu for basics like hot dogs, popcorn, and soft drinks
• Specialty stands with local flavors and more premium options
• Bars selling beer, wine, and cocktails (with standard stadium pricing on alcohol)

Other in-stadium features:

• Large video halo board for replays and stats
• Team store locations with Falcons jerseys, hats, and memorabilia
• Family restrooms and nursing rooms in various locations
• Cashless payment across most concessions and stores

If you’re sensitive to noise or bringing younger children, note that Falcons games can be very loud, especially on key defensive plays. Some families bring ear protection for kids.

Weather, What to Wear, and Local Gameday Comfort Tips

Even with a roof, you’ll still walk outside from your car, MARTA, or rideshare, so Atlanta weather matters:

• Early season (Sept–Oct): Hot and humid; light clothing, hats, and hydration matter.
• Mid to late season (Nov–Dec): Cooler, sometimes windy; bring layers or a light jacket.
• Rain: Much of your time will be indoors, but plan for the walk in with umbrellas or rain jackets.

Local fans often:

• Wear Falcons colors (red, black, white) or jerseys.
• Bring a light jacket or hoodie for cooler indoor temps from air conditioning.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you may walk several blocks and climb stadium steps.

Family, Accessibility, and Special Considerations

Bringing Kids to Falcons Home Games

Families in Atlanta often bring kids to:

• Early afternoon kickoffs
• Less crowded preseason games
• Regular season games against lower-profile opponents (usually less intense crowds)

Helpful family tips:

• Look for family restrooms and kids’ menu options.
• Decide on a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.
• Consider ear protection for younger children.

Accessibility and Assistance

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is designed with accessibility in mind, including:

• Elevators and ramps
• Designated ADA seating
• Wheelchair assistance from entry points (request through stadium services)
• Accessible parking spaces in various lots and decks

If you or someone in your group needs accommodations, many locals call ahead to confirm accessible seating, parking, and entry points before gameday.

Cost Planning for Atlanta Falcons Home Games

To plan a realistic budget, think in terms of these main categories:

Locals often keep overall costs down by:

• Using MARTA instead of paying for parking
• Eating a hearty meal before entering the stadium and then buying only a few items inside
• Choosing upper-level seats for budget-friendly tickets
• Going to preseason games or lower-demand home games for cheaper options

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for a Falcons Home Game

For out-of-towners planning a trip built around a Falcons game:

• Consider staying in Downtown Atlanta to walk or take a short MARTA ride to the stadium.
• If staying farther out (Buckhead, Perimeter, Cumberland, or near the airport), check how close you are to a MARTA rail station for a smoother gameday commute.
• Build in time for Atlanta attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or civil rights sites, all a short distance from the stadium area.

It’s common for visitors to arrive in Atlanta the day before a big game, enjoy Downtown or Midtown, then devote most of gameday to the Falcons home game experience.

By understanding how Atlanta Falcons home games work—where to go, when to arrive, how to get there, and what to expect inside the stadium—you can plan a gameday that fits your budget, schedule, and comfort level, whether you’re an Atlanta local or just here for the weekend.