The Atlanta Falcons’ Old Logo: A Local Fan’s Guide to the Classic Bird

If you live in Atlanta, you’ve seen the Falcons logo everywhere—on cars sitting in Connector traffic, on MARTA platforms, in barbershops, and on jerseys at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. But when people talk about the Atlanta Falcons’ old logo, they’re usually thinking about that sharp, angular black bird from the early days or the bold version from the Deion Sanders era.

This guide walks through what the old Falcons logos looked like, how they changed over time, and how Atlanta fans still see them around the city today.

Quick Overview: How the Falcons Logo Has Evolved

Here’s a simple breakdown of the main Falcons logos over the years that Atlanta fans usually mean when they say “old logo.”

When most people in Atlanta search for “Atlanta Falcons old logo,” they usually mean either the 1966 original or the 1990s update—the ones tied to older stadiums, throwback jerseys, and childhood memories.

The Original Atlanta Falcons Logo (1966–1989)

What the first Falcons logo looked like

When the Falcons kicked off in 1966, the team introduced its first logo:

• Black falcon, highly angular and sharp
• Positioned upright, wings and tail spread in a way that loosely suggested the letter “F”
• Typically shown on a red background (especially on helmets) with black and white accents

Many Atlanta residents still associate this original logo with:

• Fulton County Stadium
• The early days of pro football in the city
• Classic red helmets and old-school uniforms

If you grew up in Atlanta in the 1970s or 1980s, this is probably the “old Falcons logo” you picture first.

Why Atlanta fans are nostalgic about it

For locals, the original logo connects to:

• Early Atlanta sports identity – when the Braves and Falcons were still establishing the city as a big-league town
• Family memories – parents and grandparents bringing kids to their first NFL game
• Old-school design – simple, bold, and very different from the highly stylized logos today

You’ll still see this logo on throwback hats, vintage T‑shirts, and older bumper stickers around the city, especially in long-established neighborhoods.

The 1990s Falcons Logo (1990–2002)

How the “updated old logo” changed

In 1990, the team updated the bird, but kept the same basic idea:

• Same upright falcon shape, still forming an abstract “F”
• Lines became thicker and bolder
• Details were sharpened to look more powerful and modern at the time
• Still used mostly black, white, and red

Many Atlanta fans remember this version from:

• Georgia Dome opening years
• Deion Sanders, the “Dirty Birds,” and that 1998 Super Bowl run
• The strong black jerseys that defined the ’90s Falcons look

When someone in Atlanta under about 45 says “the old Falcons logo,” they often mean this 1990–2002 version, not the 1960s original.

Why this version still shows up in Atlanta

You’ll commonly spot the 1990s logo:

• On vintage jerseys worn around Downtown, East Atlanta, and the Westside
• At sports bars decorated with old Falcons gear
• On yard-sale or thrift shop finds—trucker hats, starter jackets, and t‑shirts

For many longtime Atlantans, this logo represents:

• The “Dirty Bird” era of the late ’90s
• A period when the Falcons really started to feel like the city’s team
• Big playoff memories tied to the old Georgia Dome

The Modern Falcons Logo (2003–Present) vs. the Old Versions

To understand the “old logo,” it helps to compare it with what you see now.

What changed in 2003

Starting with the 2003 season, the Falcons introduced the current logo:

• Falcon is now tilted forward, in a more aggressive, attacking pose
• The shape still hints at an “F”, but is more stylized
• Added silver/gray accents for depth
• Overall, it looks more sleek and modern than the old upright bird

This is the logo you see:

• On the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium exterior and seats
• On current jerseys, sideline gear, and official merchandise
• Across banners, murals, and street displays around the city

Why some fans still prefer the old logos

Around Atlanta, you’ll hear fans say they love the old Falcons logo because:

• It feels more simple and classic
• It connects to specific eras of Falcons history
• It stands out more on solid red helmets and throwback uniforms

So while the modern logo represents today’s team, the old logos symbolize Atlanta’s football roots.

Where You’ll See the Old Falcons Logo Around Atlanta

If you’re in the city and want to spot or celebrate the old Falcons logo, there are plenty of places where it still lives on—both officially and informally.

1. At or around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Even though the stadium uses the modern logo, the old logos show up in a few ways:

• Throwback merchandise in team shops inside the stadium
• Fans wearing retro jerseys and hats from older seasons
• Occasional theme days or retro-focused games, where more old logos appear in the crowd

The stadium is located at:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

2. In local sports bars and Falcons hangouts

Many Atlanta sports bars decorate with vintage Falcons gear, including the old logo:

• Old banners, bar signs, framed jerseys, and neon signs
• Helmet displays showing the red throwback helmets with the original bird

Neighborhoods where you’ll often see retro Falcons decor include:

• Downtown & Castleberry Hill – popular pregame spots before walking to the stadium
• Buckhead – long-running bars that have been around since Dome or even Fulton County days
• East Atlanta, Grant Park, West Midtown – spots that lean into retro sports culture

3. On vintage apparel and thrifted finds

Around metro Atlanta, you can often find the old Falcons logo on:

• Vintage starter jackets
• Old snapback hats
• T‑shirts from past seasons or special events

These kinds of pieces frequently show up at:

• Local thrift stores and consignment shops
• Vintage clothing pop-ups and weekend markets
• Neighborhood garage sales in established areas like Southwest Atlanta, Decatur, and Smyrna (just outside the city core, but very common for Falcons fans)

How the Old Logo Connects to Atlanta’s Stadium History

Understanding the old Falcons logo also means understanding where the team played over the years.

Fulton County Stadium era (Original Logo)

• Home field: Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium
• Timeframe: 1966–1991 (Falcons played here through the 1991 season)
• Logo used: The thin, upright original Falcons logo
• This era connects to:
  • Early expansion team struggles and growth
  • The beginning of Atlanta’s modern sports identity

The old logo from this time is often seen on retro photos, framed newspaper covers, and early-season tickets collected by local fans.

Georgia Dome era (Old & Transitional Logo)

• Home field: Georgia Dome
• Timeframe: Opened in 1992, Falcons played there through the 2016 season
• Logos used:
  • Early 1990s: The bolder, updated “old” logo
  • From 2003 onward: The current, slanted modern logo

Many Atlantans tie the ’90s old logo directly to the Dome years, especially:

• The 1998 Super Bowl run
• The rise of big-name players and more national attention
• The unique game‑day feel of the Dome, including its pregame tailgate culture

Old Falcons Logo on Throwback Helmets and Jerseys

Classic helmet designs Atlanta fans remember

Over the decades, the Falcons’ helmets have showcased the old logos in different color schemes:

• Red helmet with black falcon – strongly associated with the 1966 original logo
• Black helmet with old falcon – often seen in later years when uniforms shifted darker

When the Falcons wear throwback uniforms, they sometimes bring back:

• The red helmet with the original upright bird
• Old‑style block numbers and striped sleeves that complete the vintage look

Atlanta fans often watch for schedule announcements to see if a throwback game is on the calendar, since that’s when the old logo returns to the field in an official way.

How Atlanta Fans Use the Old Logo Today

Even though the modern logo is officially standard, the old Falcons logo still plays a big part in local fan life.

On cars and around the neighborhood

Around Atlanta, you’ll see the old logo:

• On faded bumper stickers or tailgate decals
• On flags flying outside houses on game day
• On custom garage or man‑cave decor, especially in older neighborhoods

On fan-made and unofficial items

Locals often use the old logo for:

• Custom t‑shirts for watch parties or reunions
• Home bar setups and basement “Falcons rooms”
• DIY wall art featuring the retro helmet or Fulton County Stadium references

These uses keep the old logo alive as a symbol of Atlanta sports tradition, not just past seasons.

Tips for Someone in Atlanta Interested in the Old Falcons Logo

If you’re in or around Atlanta and want to dig deeper into the old Falcons logo, here are some practical ideas:

• Visit game day near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  Walk the area before kickoff and look for fans in retro jerseys and hats. You’ll see just about every version of the logo represented.

• Check local vintage and thrift shops 🧢
  Browse stores that specialize in vintage sportswear; old Falcons gear often features the original or 1990s logo.

• Look for framed prints or posters
  Many Atlanta-area framing shops and local art vendors sell stadium or team history prints that include the old logo.

• Talk to longtime fans
  Lifelong Atlantans can often tell you exactly which logo era they grew up with—and which they still prefer.

The Atlanta Falcons’ old logo isn’t just a design change; it marks distinct chapters of Atlanta’s sports history—from Fulton County Stadium to the Georgia Dome and into the modern era. Around the city, that upright, angular bird still shows up on hats, helmets, walls, and memories, symbolizing where Atlanta football began and how it grew into what you see at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium today.