Atlanta Falcons Parking: How To Park Smart at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Finding Atlanta Falcons parking can be easy if you plan ahead. Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting for a game, knowing your options around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium will save you time, money, and stress on game day.

Below is a practical guide to where to park, what it costs, and how to avoid common headaches.

Where the Atlanta Falcons Play (And Why It Matters for Parking)

The Atlanta Falcons play at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, just west of downtown:

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

The stadium is surrounded by a mix of:

• Official stadium-owned or team-managed lots and garages
• Private lots and garages in downtown and Castleberry Hill
• Street parking (limited, heavily regulated on event days)
• Transit and rideshare zones if you decide not to drive

Most fans either reserve a spot in advance in an official lot or park a bit farther away and walk or use MARTA.

Types of Atlanta Falcons Parking Options

1. Official Stadium Parking Lots & Garages

On Falcons game days, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium uses a network of numbered or named lots and decks around the stadium. These are typically the closest and most straightforward options for out-of-town visitors.

Common official or stadium-adjacent facilities include:

• Red Deck – Next to the stadium, often used for club seat holders and some reserved parking
• Silver Deck – Walkable to the stadium, also used by State Farm Arena
• Blue / Yellow / Orange lots and similar surface lots – Spread around the stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center campus

Key traits of official Falcons parking:

• Pre-purchased parking is strongly recommended.
• Prices are usually higher but predictable, especially in close-in decks.
• Lots typically open several hours before kickoff (often 4–5 hours, but this can vary by event).
• Tailgating is usually allowed only in designated tailgate lots and must follow posted rules.

📝 Tip: For big rivalry games or prime-time kickoffs, close-in official parking can sell out early. Local fans often buy parking as soon as they purchase game tickets.

2. Private Lots & Garages Near the Stadium

The areas around:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Castleberry Hill
• Parts of Vine City and English Avenue

often offer private parking in lots and garages on game days.

These can include:

• Office garages opened for event parking
• Surface lots run by parking operators
• Some small business lots offering game-day parking

Pros:

• Sometimes cheaper than official stadium lots
• Good if official lots are sold out
• Can be easier to exit if you park a little farther away

Cons:

• Pricing can vary widely, especially closer to kickoff
• Quality, lighting, and security may differ lot to lot
• You may walk 10–20 minutes depending on distance

If you live in Atlanta, you might learn a “favorite” garage or neighborhood over time. Visitors usually do better with clearly signed, well‑lit lots closer to major streets.

3. Street Parking Around Falcons Games

Street parking near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is limited and highly regulated on game days.

You’ll see:

• Metered parking in parts of downtown and Castleberry Hill
• Residential permit zones in nearby neighborhoods
• No parking / towing zones clearly marked for event days

If you consider street parking:

• Read every sign carefully. Atlanta enforces towing on event days in many areas.
• Don’t block driveways, crosswalks, or fire hydrants.
• Expect a decent walk and possible uphill/downhill stretches.

For most visitors, street parking is risky unless you know the area well.

4. Accessible / ADA Parking for Falcons Games

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium provides accessible (ADA) parking and accommodation for fans with disabilities.

General patterns:

• Designated ADA spaces are available in several official lots and decks.
• You typically need:
  • A valid ADA parking permit or license plate, and
  • A pre-purchased parking pass for an accessible-capable lot, if available.
• There are accessible drop-off areas near stadium entrances.
• Elevators, ramps, and wheelchair-accessible seating are available inside the stadium.

For the most accurate, current details, contact:

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Guest Services
Phone: (470) 341‑5000

When you call, ask about ADA parking for Atlanta Falcons games, your seating section, and which lot is recommended for the least walking.

5. Tailgating & Parking

Tailgating is part of the Falcons game-day experience, especially for local fans.

Important points:

• Tailgating is usually allowed in specific surface lots, not all decks.
• You must park within the marked space—no taking up extra spots without paying.
• Open flames, grills, and tents may have rules or restrictions depending on the lot.
• Clean-up is required; leaving trash or hot coals can lead to penalties or bans.

If your priority is tailgating, look specifically for tailgate-friendly lots when choosing your parking.

Typical Costs & Distance: What to Expect

Prices change based on:

• Opponent (division rivals and prime games cost more)
• Time of day (night games vs. early Sunday)
• How close your lot is to the stadium

Here’s a rough, general guide for Falcons regular-season games:

Actual dollar amounts vary, but closer = more expensive. Weeknight or playoff games can push prices higher across the board.

Using MARTA and Parking at Stations

Many Atlanta locals combine parking + MARTA to avoid downtown congestion.

How it works

1. Park at a MARTA station with a parking deck or lot.
2. Ride the train to either:
   • GWCC/CNN Center Station (closest west side access), or
   • Vine City Station (short walk on the west side of the stadium).
3. Walk to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium with the crowd.

Commonly used MARTA stations with parking include:

• North Springs Station – 7010 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
• Doraville Station – 6000 New Peachtree Rd, Doraville, GA 30340
• College Park Station – 3800 Main St, College Park, GA 30337
• Lindbergh Center Station – 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

Benefits:

• Often cheaper or free parking at many stations (check posted rules).
• Avoids heavy post-game traffic near the stadium.
• Train rides are usually crowded but direct on game days.

This approach works well if you’re staying near a MARTA line or live in the suburbs and don’t want to navigate downtown driving.

Rideshare, Taxis & Drop-Off Zones

If you prefer not to park at all, rideshare and taxis are common for Falcons games.

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium typically sets up designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones.
• These zones are usually a short walk from the stadium to avoid gridlock right at the gates.
• Prices for rideshare often surge after the game, especially right at the final whistle.

To save time and money:

• Consider walking a few blocks away from the stadium before requesting a ride.
• Split a ride with friends or family if possible.
• Plan a meeting spot on a quieter corner in downtown or Castleberry Hill.

Game-Day Parking Strategy: Step-by-Step

If you’re trying to decide what to do, this simple plan works well for most fans:

1. Decide your priority:

   • Fast exit?
   • Cheapest price?
   • Shortest walk?
   • Best for tailgating?

2. Buy parking in advance if you want:

   • An official stadium lot or deck
   • An ADA space
   • A specific tailgate lot

3. Plan your route:

   • From north of Atlanta: Usually via I‑75/85 South or Northside Dr
   • From south: I‑75/85 North
   • From west: I‑20 East
   • From east: I‑20 West
     Use posted signs near downtown for “Event Parking” and “Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.”

4. Arrive early:

   • Aim to park 1.5–2 hours before kickoff (longer if you want to tailgate).
   • Early arrival reduces traffic stress and gives you time to find your spot.

5. After the game:

   • Expect heavy traffic 30–60 minutes after the final whistle.
   • If you want a faster exit, consider leaving a few minutes early, or hang back in your car or in the area until traffic thins.

Safety & Parking Etiquette

To keep your experience positive:

• Lock your vehicle and don’t leave valuables in sight.
• Use well-lit lots with clear attendants when possible.
• Follow all instructions from parking staff and police around the stadium.
• Be respectful to nearby residents in Castleberry Hill and adjacent neighborhoods—avoid blocking driveways and keep noise reasonable.

If your car is towed from a city street in Atlanta, towing information is typically available through:

Atlanta Police Department – Non-Emergency / Towing Info
Phone: (404) 658‑6666

Have your license plate number, location you parked, and approximate time ready if you need to inquire.

Parking Tips for Different Types of Fans

For local season-ticket holders:

• Consider sticking with the same lot each game so you learn the easiest routes in and out.
• Look for lots with quick access to your preferred highway (I‑20, I‑75/85, etc.) rather than only proximity.

For out-of-town visitors staying downtown:

• If your hotel is walkable (many are within 10–20 minutes), you may not need to drive at all.
• Ask your hotel about game-day parking surcharges or restrictions if you plan to move your car.

For families with kids:

• Prioritize a shorter walk and safe, well-lit lots, even if the price is slightly higher.
• Consider MARTA if your kids enjoy trains and you want to avoid long waits in traffic.

For large groups or tailgates:

• Reserve adjacent or nearby spaces in the same lot if possible.
• Confirm tailgating rules (tents, grills, alcohol policies) for that specific lot.

With a bit of planning, parking for an Atlanta Falcons game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium can be straightforward and manageable, whether you’re a longtime Atlantan or visiting the city for the first time.