When Is the Atlanta Falcons’ Next Football Game? A Local Fan’s Guide

Wondering when the Atlanta Falcons’ next football game is and how to make the most of it in Atlanta? While exact dates and opponents change week to week, there are reliable ways to find the next game, understand how the schedule works, and plan your day around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or your favorite watch spot in the city.

This guide focuses on how an Atlanta resident or visitor can quickly figure out who the Falcons play next, where, and how to enjoy game day in Atlanta.

How to Find the Atlanta Falcons’ Next Game Fast

Because the NFL schedule changes every week during the season, the most accurate way to know the next game is to check a current schedule source right before you go.

Use one or more of these:

  • Official team schedule: Search “Atlanta Falcons schedule” or “Falcons next game” in your browser and check the official NFL or team page.
  • TV guide or streaming app: Cable guides and major streaming sports apps show the next upcoming Falcons game with kickoff time.
  • Sports sections of major outlets: Most sports apps and news sites have a dedicated “Falcons” page with the next game at the top.
  • Scoreboard apps: Common sports apps show “Next” or “Upcoming” right under the Falcons team name.

Because I do not have live access to current scores or schedules, you should confirm the next game’s date, time, opponent, and channel using one of the options above before you make plans.

Understanding the Falcons’ Season Schedule in Atlanta

Knowing how the NFL schedule structure works makes it easier to plan ahead in Atlanta:

Regular Season Basics

  • The NFL regular season runs from early September through early January.
  • The Falcons typically play once a week, usually on:
    • Sunday afternoon, or
    • Sunday night, Monday night, or Thursday night for nationally featured games.
  • Most weeks they will play either at home (Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta) or away in another city.

Preseason and Postseason

  • Preseason (August):
    Usually three games, often including at least one home game. These are tune-up games, but still draw local fans to downtown.
  • Playoffs (January):
    If the Falcons qualify, dates are set week by week. Home playoff games are hosted at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, turning downtown Atlanta into a high‑energy zone.

Home vs. Away: Where Is the Next Falcons Game?

When you check the schedule, look for:

  • “vs.” or “home” – The game is in Atlanta, at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
  • “@” (at) or “away” – The Falcons are playing in another city.

This matters a lot if you’re planning transportation, parking, or watch parties in Atlanta.

Key Details for Home Games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

If the next Atlanta Falcons game is a home game, here’s what you need to know:

Stadium name: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
Location: Downtown Atlanta, near Vine City and Castleberry Hill
Street address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Getting to the Stadium

You have several Atlanta‑friendly options:

  • MARTA (recommended for big games):

    • Rail Stations Nearby:
      • GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (walk to the stadium)
      • Vine City Station (short walk on the west side)
    • Taking MARTA helps you avoid heavy game‑day traffic and parking costs.
  • Driving and Parking:

    • There are official and private parking lots around the stadium and Georgia World Congress Center.
    • Rates vary by game and how close you park.
    • Plan to arrive at least 1–2 hours early if you want less stress and time to find your seats, grab food, or enjoy pregame activities.
  • Rideshare and Taxis:

    • Designated rideshare pick‑up and drop‑off zones are typically marked around the stadium.
    • This can be easier than parking, but expect surge pricing and some traffic after the game.

Typical Game‑Day Timing

Exact times vary, but fans in Atlanta often plan around these rough windows:

  • Gates usually open about 2 hours before kickoff.
  • Security screening (metal detectors, bag checks) is required on entry.
  • Atlanta traffic can be significantly heavier around downtown on game days, especially near:
    • Northside Drive
    • Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd
    • Marietta Street

Arrive early if you don’t want to rush.

What to Know Before You Go: Tickets, Bags, and Safety

Even if you already know when the next Falcons game is, there are a few local details to understand.

Tickets

  • Tickets are typically available through:
    • Official NFL/team ticket platforms
    • Verified resale marketplaces
    • Team box office on non‑game and game days (subject to availability)
  • For popular opponents or prime‑time games, home games can sell out or become expensive close to kickoff. Buying early usually gives more choices.

Bag and Security Rules

Most NFL stadiums, including Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, follow a “clear bag” style policy and limit what you can bring inside. While specifics can change, fans can generally expect:

  • Only small clutches or clear plastic bags of a certain size allowed.
  • Backpacks and large purses are usually not allowed.
  • All fans pass through metal detectors and may have their items inspected.

Before the game, search for the latest “Mercedes‑Benz Stadium bag policy” to avoid being turned away or having to walk back to your car.

Weather Considerations

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium has a retractable roof, so the weather impact is smaller than in an open stadium. Still, consider:

  • You may be outside while walking from MARTA, parking, or tailgates.
  • Atlanta can be hot and humid early in the season, then colder and windier later in the year, especially for night games.

Dress for the walk and wait, not just the climate-controlled inside.

Watching the Falcons’ Next Game in Atlanta Without Going to the Stadium

If the next Falcons game is away or you prefer a more low‑key experience, Atlanta offers plenty of ways to watch:

At Home

Most Falcons games air on major broadcast or cable sports networks, depending on:

  • Day of the week (Sunday, Monday, Thursday)
  • Whether the game is nationally televised
  • Local broadcast agreements

Confirm the channel and kickoff time as part of checking the schedule, then set a reminder or recording.

Sports Bars and Local Watch Spots

Throughout Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, East Atlanta, and the Battery Atlanta area, many bars and restaurants show Falcons games with sound on, especially for:

  • Sunday afternoon games
  • Prime‑time national broadcasts

If you prefer a certain atmosphere—family‑friendly, loud and rowdy, or more laid‑back—call ahead and ask:

  • Will the Falcons game be on with sound?
  • Do they take reservations for game days?
  • Are there specials or crowd surges you should know about?

Planning an Atlanta Day Around the Next Falcons Home Game

For locals and visitors, a home game can shape your whole day. Here are some ways people in Atlanta commonly plan around it.

Before the Game

Many fans:

  • Arrive in downtown early to beat traffic.
  • Walk around Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena area, or the Home Depot Backyard (on select game days).
  • Grab food at nearby restaurants in Castleberry Hill, Marietta Street, or around Centennial Park.
  • Participate in or walk through tailgating areas (if permitted for that game).

After the Game

Depending on kickoff time:

  • Early games sometimes lead into dinner downtown or in Midtown.
  • Night games can push fans toward late‑night food options in downtown, Castleberry Hill, or along Peachtree Street.

If you’re using MARTA, keep an eye on last train times, especially after late games.

Simple Checklist for the Atlanta Falcons’ Next Game

Use this quick reference once you look up the actual next game details:

StepWhat to ConfirmNotes for Atlanta Fans
1Date & kickoff timeCheck close to game day to account for any changes.
2Home or away?“vs” = at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta; “@” = away game.
3OpponentHelps estimate crowd size and interest—popular rivals bring bigger crowds.
4TV / streaming channelUseful whether you’re going or watching from home or a bar.
5Transportation planMARTA vs. driving vs. rideshare; factor in traffic and parking.
6Tickets (if going)Purchase early for better seats and pricing.
7Stadium policiesBag rules, prohibited items, and gate opening times.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta Specifically for a Falcons Game

Visitors often combine the next Falcons home game with nearby attractions. Within walking or short transit distance of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium you’ll find:

  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Restaurants and hotels throughout Downtown and Centennial Park District

Booking a hotel within walking distance or an easy MARTA ride can make game day simpler and reduce your need to drive in unfamiliar downtown traffic.

Quick Recap: How to Know the Next Falcons Game and What to Do in Atlanta

To find the Atlanta Falcons’ next football game, you will need to check a current schedule just before your plans, since game dates and times change weekly. Once you have the opponent, time, and location, you can:

  • Decide whether you’re going to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or watching elsewhere.
  • Plan MARTA, parking, or rideshare to and from downtown.
  • Review stadium policies so you get through security smoothly.
  • Build a full Atlanta day around the game with nearby food, parks, and attractions.

Start by searching for the latest Falcons schedule, then use this guide to turn that next game into a smooth, enjoyable experience in Atlanta.