Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots: What Fans in Atlanta Should Know

When you hear “Atlanta Falcons New England Patriots” in Atlanta, one thing comes to mind: one of the most talked‑about matchups in recent NFL history. Whether you live in the city, are visiting, or are just trying to understand the Falcons–Patriots storyline, this guide breaks down what the rivalry means, how to experience it in Atlanta, and what to expect on game day.

Why the Falcons–Patriots Matchup Matters in Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots matchup is emotionally loaded for many Atlanta fans. The most obvious reason is Super Bowl LI, where the Falcons faced the Patriots in February 2017 and lost a large lead in one of the most dramatic comebacks in NFL history.

For Atlantans, this matchup now represents:

• A major moment in city sports history
• A benchmark game any time the Falcons and Patriots meet again
• A source of pride and motivation when the Falcons get another shot at New England

If you’re new to Atlanta or new to football, knowing this backstory helps explain why this particular matchup feels different in local bars, workplaces, and around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

Quick Snapshot: Falcons vs. Patriots for Atlanta Fans

How Often Do the Falcons Play the Patriots?

The Atlanta Falcons are in the NFC South, and the New England Patriots are in the AFC East. Because they’re in different conferences:

• They do not play each other every season.
• The NFL scheduling format typically brings them together once every four years in the regular season, plus any possible playoff or Super Bowl matchups.
• Home field alternates, so roughly every other meeting is in Atlanta.

If you live in Atlanta and want to catch this matchup in person, it’s worth tracking the Falcons’ yearly schedule early, because Patriots games often draw strong interest and sell quickly when they come to town.

Experiencing Falcons vs. Patriots at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

When the game is in Atlanta, everything centers around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, home of the Falcons.

Location:

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

Getting to the Stadium on Game Day

If you’re heading to a Falcons–Patriots game in Atlanta, transportation planning is key:

MARTA (Recommended for Many Fans)
MARTA rail stations near the stadium:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (closest to stadium gates)
• Vine City Station (walkable on the west side of the stadium)
• Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center is commonly referred to in directions

Using MARTA helps you avoid heavy downtown congestion and high event‑day parking prices. Riders typically:

• Park at a MARTA park‑and‑ride lot outside the city core
• Take the Blue or Green Line into downtown
• Walk a few minutes to the stadium

Driving and Parking

If you prefer to drive:

• Event parking is usually available in stadium‑managed lots and nearby private lots.
• Expect higher prices and heavy traffic, especially for high‑profile games like Falcons vs. Patriots.
• Plan to arrive early—Atlanta interstates (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20) can become very congested before kickoff and immediately after the game.

Buying Tickets for a Falcons–Patriots Game in Atlanta

Because of the Super Bowl history and national interest, Falcons vs. Patriots tickets can be among the more in‑demand games in a season.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors:

• Check early in the offseason or right after the schedule release. Marquee games are often noticed immediately.
• Look at preseason vs. regular season—preseason prices and intensity are usually lower.
• Compare options in different sections:
  • Lower bowl for a closer view
  • Upper levels for more budget‑friendly seating
  • Club or premium seating if you prioritize amenities

Many Atlantans also consider weeknight vs. Sunday games, since traffic and schedules can be very different on a weeknight in the downtown area.

Watching Falcons vs. Patriots in Atlanta Without Going to the Stadium

Not everyone wants to fight downtown traffic or buy tickets, but the game‑day atmosphere in Atlanta is still strong across the city.

Popular Ways Fans Watch Locally

• Sports bars and restaurants in areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the Westside, and around the Old Fourth Ward often show major NFL matchups with sound on.
• Neighborhood watch parties in apartment communities or local community centers.
• Private gatherings at homes or apartment clubhouses, especially for fans who still feel strongly about the Super Bowl storyline.

When the Falcons play the Patriots, you’ll usually notice:

• Louder reactions and more emotional investment when the Falcons score
• Occasional split crowds if there are visiting New England fans in town
• Plenty of conversation about “that Super Bowl” before and after the game

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want the full local experience, asking for a Falcons‑friendly spot in your hotel’s surrounding neighborhood is a good starting point.

Game‑Day Atmosphere in Atlanta for a Patriots Matchup

When the Patriots come to town, the energy can feel like a playoff game, even in the regular season.

What to Expect Around Downtown Atlanta

On a Falcons–Patriots game day, especially for a regular‑season matchup:

• Heavier downtown foot traffic several hours before kickoff
• Fans in red and black throughout Centennial Olympic Park, The Home Depot Backyard, and nearby blocks
• Food vendors and tailgates in designated areas close to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Visiting Patriots fans mixing in, particularly around large hotels and popular dining areas

If you’re not going to the game but need to be downtown:

• Build extra time into your schedule.
• Expect crowded MARTA trains near the stadium before and after the game.
• Consider routes that avoid the streets immediately surrounding the stadium.

Understanding the Emotional Side for Atlanta Fans

Many Atlanta fans still see the Patriots as a measuring stick game. For people who lived in the city during Super Bowl LI:

• The matchup can bring back frustration and disappointment, but also a sense of unfinished business.
• A win over New England, even in the regular season, often feels more meaningful than a typical inter‑conference victory.
• Younger fans or new residents quickly learn the backstory just by listening to conversations in bars, offices, and family gatherings on game day.

If you’re new to Atlanta and want to connect with local fans:

• Knowing the basics of Super Bowl LI and acknowledging how it felt for the city goes a long way.
• Many Atlantans appreciate optimism about the team’s future more than dwelling only on the past.

Planning a Trip to Atlanta Around a Falcons–Patriots Game

If you’re traveling to Atlanta specifically for a Falcons vs. Patriots game, you can easily build a full weekend around the event.

Where to Stay

Fans commonly look for hotels:

• Downtown – Walkable to the stadium, close to many restaurants and attractions.
• Midtown – A short MARTA ride from the stadium, with more nightlife and cultural venues.
• Near the Airport (Hartsfield‑Jackson) – Convenient for flights and MARTA access, but longer to the stadium.

Other Things to Do Between Game‑Related Events

While in Atlanta for the game, many visitors also check out:

• Centennial Olympic Park area (near the stadium)
• Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
• Neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia‑Highland, or the BeltLine Eastside Trail for food and walking

Planning around the game schedule—especially if it’s a night game—helps you avoid conflicts with kickoffs and post‑game crowds.

How the Falcons–Patriots Matchup Fits into Atlanta Sports Culture

In Atlanta, the Falcons are part of a larger, very active sports scene that includes:

• Atlanta Braves (MLB)
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• Atlanta United FC (MLS, also plays at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium)
• Major college football programs nearby

The Falcons–Patriots storyline often comes up when people talk about:

• Atlanta’s sports heartbreaks and comebacks
• The city’s ongoing push for championships
• How local fans balance loyalty with realistic expectations

Over time, repeated matchups with the Patriots offer Atlanta fans a recurring chance to see how the team has evolved since that defining Super Bowl.

Practical Tips for Atlantans on Falcons–Patriots Game Days

Here are some quick, locally useful pointers:

• Check the schedule early if you want to attend in person—this matchup doesn’t happen every year.
• Use MARTA if you’re going downtown for the game; it often saves time and stress.
• Plan dining ahead of time if you want to eat near the stadium; many places fill up quickly on big NFL game days.
• If you prefer to avoid crowds, steer clear of the stadium area and nearby streets during the hours around kickoff and final whistle.
• For a social but less intense experience, consider neighborhood sports bars outside the immediate downtown core.

Whether you’re a lifelong Falcons fan in Atlanta, a new resident trying to understand the city’s sports conversations, or a visitor planning a trip around the Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots matchup, knowing the history, logistics, and local culture around this game helps you enjoy it more—and navigate the city more easily when it happens.