Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants: What Fans in Atlanta Need to Know
When people search for “Atlanta Falcons NY Giants”, they’re usually looking for one of three things:
- details about the next Falcons vs. Giants game,
- ticket and game-day info in Atlanta, or
- background on the history and rivalry between the two teams.
This guide walks through all of that with a focus on what it means for fans in Atlanta, Georgia—whether you live here, are visiting for a game, or planning a trip to see the Falcons on the road.
Falcons vs. Giants: The Basics for Atlanta Fans
The Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants are both NFC teams, so they meet regularly in the NFL’s regular-season rotation and occasionally in the playoffs. For Atlanta residents, this matchup is especially interesting because:
- It often has playoff implications within the NFC.
- It brings a lot of out-of-town Giants fans into Atlanta when the game is at home.
- It usually offers a big-game atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Even if it’s not considered a historic rivalry on the level of an in-division matchup, Falcons–Giants games have produced some memorable moments that local fans still talk about.
How to Find the Next Falcons vs. NY Giants Game
1. Checking the Upcoming Schedule
The first thing most Atlanta fans want to know is: When do the Falcons play the Giants next?
Because the NFL schedule changes every season, the best approach from Atlanta is:
- Look up the Falcons’ official schedule for the current season.
- Scan for New York Giants in the opponents list.
- Note whether the game is labeled HOME (played in Atlanta) or AWAY (played in New Jersey).
When the game is in Atlanta, it will be played at:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
If the game is in New Jersey, it will be at the Giants’ home stadium (commonly known as MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford. For Atlanta-based fans, that often means planning travel, flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and possibly a hotel near the New York/New Jersey area.
Watching Falcons vs. Giants in Atlanta
You don’t have to be in the stadium to experience the energy of a Falcons–Giants matchup. Atlanta offers several ways to watch.
1. Watching at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Home Games)
When the game is in Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the center of everything.
Key things to know:
- Location & Access
- In the heart of downtown Atlanta, near State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center.
- Accessible via MARTA (the city’s rail system).
- Closest stations: GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center and Vine City.
- Parking
- There are multiple event lots and decks around the stadium.
- For big games like Falcons vs. Giants, parking often sells out, so many local fans use MARTA or rideshare.
- Bag Policy & Security
- The stadium follows a clear bag policy and standard NFL security screenings.
- Plan to arrive early to avoid long lines, especially for a high-interest opponent like the Giants.
2. Watching on TV in Atlanta
Falcons–Giants games are typically carried on the major NFL broadcasters (such as the local FOX or CBS affiliate) depending on the time slot and day of the week.
For Atlanta viewers:
- Regular Sunday games are usually carried on local Atlanta broadcast channels that have the NFL rights for that week.
- Prime-time matchups (like Monday or Sunday night) may appear on a national network carried by Atlanta providers.
- Many Atlanta fans with cable, satellite, or live-TV streaming can watch without extra packages when the Falcons are in a standard regular-season window.
If you’re staying in an Atlanta hotel, you can usually watch through the hotel’s main channel package when it includes local stations.
3. Sports Bars and Watch Spots in Atlanta
For those who prefer a crowd:
- Popular sports bars around Downtown, Midtown, West Midtown, Buckhead, and near The Battery Atlanta often show Falcons games on multiple screens, with sound on for major matchups like Falcons vs. Giants.
- On game days, some locations near Mercedes-Benz Stadium set up special viewing areas or game-day specials to attract local and visiting fans.
If you’re a Giants fan living in Atlanta, you’ll often find pockets of New York fans at certain bars, especially in areas with lots of transplants such as Midtown and Buckhead.
Going to the Game: Ticket Tips for Atlanta Fans
1. Buying Tickets for Falcons vs. Giants in Atlanta
Falcons home tickets for games against teams like the Giants can be in higher demand, especially if:
- The Giants are playing well that year.
- The game carries playoff or seeding significance.
- It’s scheduled in a prime-time or nationally highlighted slot.
For Atlanta-based fans:
- Buying early in the season typically gives more seating options.
- Consider whether you want:
- Lower bowl seats for a closer view and louder atmosphere.
- Upper level for a more budget-friendly option.
- Club level or suites if you’re going with a group or client outing.
2. Season Ticket Holders in Atlanta
If you’re an Atlanta resident considering Falcons season tickets, matchups like the Giants are often part of what makes the package appealing:
- NFC opponents, including the Giants, rotate through Atlanta over the years.
- You’ll know ahead of time whether a given season includes a home game vs. New York.
Game-Day Experience in Atlanta: Falcons vs. Giants
1. Tailgating and Pre-Game
For a big opponent like the Giants, downtown Atlanta has a strong game-day feel:
- Fans gather in parking lots around Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the nearby Home Depot Backyard for tailgating.
- Many locals arrive several hours before kickoff to:
- Grill or picnic
- Play cornhole or other games
- Meet friends and family who may also be Giants or Falcons fans
If you’re visiting from out of town, staying near Centennial Olympic Park, Downtown, or Midtown makes it easy to walk or take MARTA to the stadium and enjoy the pre-game environment.
2. Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Falcons vs. Giants games inside the stadium often feature:
- A mix of red-and-black Falcons jerseys and blue-and-white Giants jerseys, especially when many New York fans travel.
- A high-energy atmosphere, especially if:
- The game is close.
- Both teams are in the playoff conversation.
The stadium is known for:
- Wide concourses and multiple food options, including local Atlanta-style offerings.
- A large halo video board that keeps fans updated on replays and other NFL scores.
Quick Comparison: Falcons vs. NY Giants for Atlanta Fans
Below is a simple summary to help Atlanta fans understand the matchup in practical terms:
| Topic | Atlanta Falcons (Home Perspective) | New York Giants (Visiting Team) |
|---|---|---|
| Conference / Alignment | NFC, plays home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium | NFC, plays home games in New Jersey |
| Fan Presence in Atlanta | Large local base; home-field advantage in Atlanta | Strong traveling fan base; many transplants living in Atlanta |
| Typical Game Atmosphere | Loud, energetic, heavy Falcons presence | Noticeable blue jerseys, especially in key seasons |
| Travel Considerations | Easy access via MARTA, local roads | Usually flights into ATL, plus hotel and ground transport |
| Viewing Options | Stadium, local TV, bars, home streaming in Atlanta | Same options, but rooting for the road team |
History of the Falcons–Giants Matchup (From an Atlanta Lens)
While the Falcons’ core rivalries are usually within their division, the matchups with the New York Giants have included:
- Memorable playoff games, where Atlanta fans watched the team travel to New York in high-stakes situations.
- Regular-season games in Atlanta that:
- Drew big crowds of both fan bases.
- Influenced playoff seeding or wild-card races in the NFC.
Long-time Atlanta residents may remember:
- Games where the Falcons’ offensive stars had standout performances against the Giants.
- Tough road games in the Northeast that defined certain seasons.
This background gives the matchup a “big game” feel, even if it’s not officially a traditional rivalry.
Planning Travel: Atlanta to a Road Game vs. the Giants
If you’re an Atlanta-based Falcons fan wanting to follow the team to a road game vs. the Giants, you’ll generally:
- Fly from Atlanta (ATL) to one of the New York-area airports (such as JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark).
- Take public transit, rideshare, or a rental car to the stadium area in New Jersey.
- Consider staying in Manhattan or near the stadium depending on your plans.
Many Atlanta fans turn a road game into a long weekend trip, combining:
- Sightseeing in New York City
- Attending the Falcons vs. Giants game
- Exploring local food and attractions
Tips for Falcons and Giants Fans Living in Atlanta
Atlanta has a large number of transplants, including people from New York and New Jersey. This shapes the Falcons–Giants experience in the city:
- You may see Giants jerseys around town leading up to the game.
- Local workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods can have friendly Falcons vs. Giants debates.
- Some families in Atlanta are split, with one side rooting for the Falcons and the other for the Giants.
If you’re a New York fan who moved to Atlanta:
- You can still enjoy the full game-day experience here, whether at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or a local bar that welcomes out-of-town fan bases.
- You’ll usually find other NFC East or New York team fans gathering in certain parts of the city.
Practical Game-Day Checklist for Atlanta
Here’s a quick checklist to prepare for a Falcons vs. NY Giants game in Atlanta:
- ✅ Check the date and kickoff time on the Falcons’ current schedule.
- ✅ Decide: Home stadium, sports bar, or watch at home?
- ✅ If going to the game:
- Arrange tickets in advance.
- Plan transportation (MARTA, parking, rideshare).
- Review stadium bag and security policies.
- ✅ If hosting or attending a watch party:
- Confirm TV access to the broadcast.
- Plan food and drinks, possibly themed for Falcons vs. Giants.
- ✅ Wear your team colors:
- Falcons: red, black, and white
- Giants: blue, white, and red
Whether you’re a lifelong Atlanta resident, a visitor in town for the weekend, or a New Yorker now living in Georgia, the Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants matchup is a reliably exciting event in the city. With the right planning—tickets, transportation, and a viewing spot that fits your style—you can enjoy the full game-day experience right here in Atlanta.