Atlanta Falcons Logo: Meaning, History, and Where You’ll See It Around the City

The Atlanta Falcons logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in Atlanta sports. Whether you’re tailgating at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, walking through Downtown, or watching a game from a neighborhood bar, that black, red, and white falcon is everywhere.

Here’s what the logo means, how it’s evolved, and how it shows up in everyday life in Atlanta, Georgia.

What the Atlanta Falcons Logo Looks Like Today

The current Atlanta Falcons logo is a stylized, black falcon in mid‑flight, outlined in white and red.

Key visual details:

• Falcon in motion – angled forward as if attacking, symbolizing speed and aggression.
• Red accents – along the wing and body, giving a sense of power and energy.
• Subtle “F” shape – the overall silhouette hints at the letter F for “Falcons.”
• Team colors – primarily black, red, and white, matching the team’s uniform identity.

You’ll see this logo most prominently:

• On players’ helmets and uniforms
• Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium on the field, walls, and big screens
• On flags, banners, and signs around Downtown and the broader metro area
• On official team merchandise worn all over Atlanta on game days

A Quick History of the Atlanta Falcons Logo

The Falcons have updated their logo a few times since the team was founded, but they’ve always kept the basic concept: a striking, attacking falcon.

Early Years: 1960s–1980s

• The original logo was a more simplified black falcon with a red outline.
• It was more vertical, with sharper edges, still somewhat shaped like an “F.”
• This look became associated with the team’s early history and the move to the old Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, then later the Georgia Dome.

1990s–Early 2000s: Modernizing the Bird

• The logo received a more polished and stylized design, with extra detail in the wing and tail feathers.
• The shape became sleeker, further emphasizing motion and aggression.
• For many Atlanta residents, this era connects with memorable seasons and players, so the logo has a strong nostalgic pull.

The Current Version

• The latest redesign sharpened lines and added bolder red accents, making the logo look more dynamic and modern.
• It better matches the aesthetic of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and the current uniform style.
• This is the version you see on most gear and signage across Atlanta today.

What the Falcons Logo Represents to Atlanta

For people in Atlanta, the logo is more than just a team mark—it’s a city identity symbol.

What it tends to represent:

• Pride in Atlanta – especially on Sundays in the fall, when you’ll see the logo in every part of town.
• Unity across neighborhoods – from Buckhead to the Westside, the falcon brings fans together.
• Resilience and energy – the attacking falcon fits the city’s image of growth, hustle, and ambition.

If you’re new to Atlanta or just visiting, wearing the Falcons logo is a quick way to feel connected to the local sports culture.

Where to See the Atlanta Falcons Logo in the City

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is the heart of Falcons branding in Atlanta.

You’ll find the logo:

• At midfield during games
• On massive digital boards inside and outside the stadium
• On entryway signage, concourses, and fan zones
• On team shops and pop‑up merchandise stands on game days

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

If you tour the stadium or attend a game, you’ll see how the logo is integrated into almost every design element.

Downtown & Surrounding Areas

On game weekends, especially in Downtown, Castleberry Hill, and the Gulch area, the Falcons logo is highly visible:

• On banners and light poles
• In bar and restaurant decor near the stadium
• On fan gear as people walk to and from the MARTA stations or parking

Nearby MARTA stations commonly used by fans:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station
• Vine City Station

Both stations see a surge of Falcons logos on jerseys, hats, and flags during home games.

Sports Bars & Local Businesses

All around metro Atlanta, especially in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, the Westside, and East Atlanta, the Falcons logo often appears:

• On TV graphics during game broadcasts
• In murals, posters, and décor inside sports bars
• On promotional signs for game‑day specials

Many locally owned shops also incorporate the Falcons colors or stylized birds into Atl‑themed merchandise, even when it’s not official team gear.

Official vs. Unofficial Uses of the Falcons Logo

The Falcons logo is a trademarked symbol, which affects how it can be used in Atlanta.

Official Uses

The logo is used officially by:

• The Atlanta Falcons organization
• The NFL
• Licensed retailers and manufacturers of team merchandise
• Official partners and sponsors authorized to show the logo in ads or events

Unofficial or Fan Uses

Atlanta fans get creative with the logo, especially on:

• Homemade signs, banners, and tailgate setups
• Custom shirts or art used privately or in small fan groups
• Social media graphics supporting the team

However, businesses in Atlanta typically need permission or licensing to use the logo for commercial purposes, such as:

• Selling merchandise with the Falcons logo
• Using the logo in formal advertising campaigns
• Branding a bar, shop, or event around the logo itself

If you own a business in Atlanta and want to use the official logo, it’s generally recommended to seek proper licensing or legal guidance to avoid trademark issues.

Comparing Old and New Falcons Logos

Here’s a simple side‑by‑side style overview to orient you if you’ve seen different versions around Atlanta:

You’ll still see throwback logos at games in Atlanta, especially on fans who’ve followed the team for decades, but all official branding uses the current version.

Buying Atlanta Falcons Logo Gear in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and want legitimate Falcons logo merchandise, you have several reliable options.

At the Stadium

On game days and during some stadium events, you can find official gear at:

• Team store(s) inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Mobile merch stands on the concourse and nearby areas

These typically sell:

• Jerseys, hats, and T‑shirts with the latest logo
• Throwback logo apparel
• Accessories such as flags, towels, and drinkware

Around the City

Across metro Atlanta, the logo commonly appears on items sold through:

• Major sports retailers and athletic stores
• Large department stores with sports sections
• Some airport gift shops at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, helping visitors take home a piece of local sports culture

When shopping in person, look for:

• Official NFL or team branding tags
• High‑quality stitching and accurate colors
• Correct, current logo design

This helps you distinguish official gear from unlicensed knockoffs.

Seeing the Logo on Game Day in Atlanta

If you want the full Falcons logo experience in Atlanta, plan to be in the city on a home game day.

Common patterns:

• Downtown “Falcons takeover” – You’ll see jerseys, car flags, and banners several hours before kickoff.
• Tailgating areas – Parking lots and fan zones near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium are full of tents and grills, often decorated with large Falcons flags and logo displays.
• Public transit and streets – MARTA trains and buses, especially around central stations, are filled with fans wearing the logo.

For visitors, this can be one of the easiest ways to feel the energy behind the logo and understand how deeply it’s embedded in Atlanta’s culture.

Tips for Using or Wearing the Falcons Logo in Atlanta

Here are practical ways Atlanta residents and visitors typically use the logo:

• Show local support: Wearing a Falcons logo hat or shirt is a quick way to connect with locals, especially during the NFL season.
• Game‑day etiquette: In most parts of Atlanta, displaying the Falcons logo is warmly received. Rival team gear is also common, but the home logo tends to spark more friendly conversation.
• Business decor: Many Atlanta businesses decorate with generic football themes and city colors. If you plan to use the exact official logo as part of your business identity, consider seeking legal or licensing guidance.
• Schools and community groups: Some Atlanta youth teams and community organizations use falcon‑themed birds or similar colors without copying the exact team mark, helping them avoid trademark conflicts while still tapping into the local spirit.

How the Falcons Logo Fits into Atlanta’s Sports Identity

Alongside the symbols of other local teams, the Falcons logo is one of the main visual markers of Atlanta’s sports landscape.

In and around the city, you’ll notice:

• The logo on car decals, license plate frames, and bumper stickers in traffic
• Flags and banners flying outside homes, especially in fall and winter
• Co‑branded displays during city events, festivals, and sports‑themed gatherings

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, understanding the Falcons logo is part of understanding how the city expresses pride, loyalty, and community through sports.