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

When people in Atlanta search for “Atlanta Falcons Patriots,” they’re usually looking for one of three things:

  1. details on a past matchup (yes, including the Super Bowl),
  2. info on the next time the Falcons play the Patriots, or
  3. how to watch, attend, or enjoy the game in Atlanta.

This guide breaks it all down from an Atlanta-focused point of view.

The Falcons–Patriots Matchup in Context

The Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots are in different conferences:

  • Falcons – NFC (National Football Conference), NFC South
  • Patriots – AFC (American Football Conference), AFC East

Because they’re in opposite conferences, they don’t play every season. They usually meet in the regular season about once every four years, rotating home and away, plus any potential preseason or postseason matchups.

For fans in Atlanta, GA, that means:

  • Home games vs. the Patriots will be at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
  • Away games will be in Foxborough, Massachusetts, at the Patriots’ home stadium.

Why Falcons vs. Patriots Matters So Much in Atlanta

The Super Bowl LI Connection

Any Falcons fan in Atlanta hears “Falcons Patriots” and thinks of Super Bowl LI. That game, played in Houston, featured:

  • Falcons vs. Patriots in one of the most talked-about games in NFL history.
  • A huge early lead by Atlanta and a dramatic comeback by New England.

For many Atlanta fans, this matchup has extra emotional weight. When the Patriots appear on the Falcons’ schedule now, it’s about more than just another game—it often feels like a chance at symbolic redemption, even if it’s “just” a regular-season matchup.

How to Find the Next Falcons vs. Patriots Game

Since the teams don’t play every year, the first step is simply finding out when they’re scheduled to meet next.

1. Check the Falcons Season Schedule

You can find the upcoming Falcons schedule:

  • On team and league schedules posted each spring.
  • On printed pocket schedules often available at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and at some local Atlanta businesses during preseason.
  • Through local sports media in Atlanta, which typically break down high-interest games like Falcons vs. Patriots.

Look specifically for:

  • Opponent: New England Patriots
  • Location:
    • “vs. New England Patriots” → game in Atlanta
    • “at New England Patriots” → game in Foxborough

2. Look at Preseason and Primetime Games

Falcons–Patriots could show up as:

  • A regular-season game (most common).
  • An occasional preseason matchup.
  • A primetime game (Thursday, Sunday, or Monday night) if the league expects big national interest.

If you live in Atlanta, these matchups are usually heavily covered locally when announced.

Watching Falcons vs. Patriots in Atlanta

Whether you’re a local or visiting Atlanta on game day, you’ll have several options.

Watching at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If the game is in Atlanta, the main in-person experience is at:

Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

What to know as an Atlanta-based fan or visitor:

  • Ticket Types: Single-game tickets, resale tickets, and sometimes limited club/suite options may be available.
  • Clear Bag Policy: The stadium typically uses a clear-bag policy for safety—plan your bag and belongings accordingly.
  • Transportation:
    • MARTA rail has nearby stations such as GWCC/CNN Center and Vine City, making transit a popular choice on game days.
    • Rideshare pickup zones and on-site/nearby parking lots are usually labeled and staffed, but they can fill quickly for high-interest games like Falcons–Patriots.
  • Arrive Early: For big opponents, security lines and neighborhood traffic near Downtown Atlanta and Vine City can be heavy.

Watching from Home in Atlanta

If you’d rather stay home:

  • Local broadcast TV in Atlanta will typically carry the game if it’s on a major network and the Falcons are playing.
  • Cable and streaming services that offer NFL game coverage are commonly used by local fans.
  • For primetime games, look for national coverage on widely available channels or streaming platforms.

If you’re visiting Atlanta, checking the TV listings for local channels serving metro Atlanta before game day is a simple way to confirm access.

Sports Bars and Game-Day Spots in Atlanta

Around metro Atlanta, many sports bars and restaurants prioritize Falcons games, especially a matchup like Falcons vs. Patriots. Common patterns:

  • Multiple large screens, often with sound on for the Falcons game.
  • Game-day food and drink specials.
  • Crowds of jersey-wearing locals, especially near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and around the Battery Atlanta area.

If you want a lively environment:

  • Look for places that regularly advertise Falcons watch parties.
  • Arrive early for big games—Falcons–Patriots can draw bigger crowds than a typical regular-season matchup.

Falcons–Patriots Game-Day Logistics in Atlanta

When the Patriots visit Atlanta, planning ahead helps you enjoy the day rather than stress about logistics.

Getting to and from the Stadium

🚗 Driving and Parking

  • Parking lots around Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center campus are commonly used on game days.
  • Expect higher prices and tighter availability for high-demand games. Many Atlanta residents buy parking passes in advance for big matchups.

🚆 Public Transit (MARTA)

MARTA is often the easiest option for many fans in the city:

  • Rail Stations Near the Stadium:
    • GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
    • Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line)

Tips:

  • Load your MARTA card in advance to avoid lines.
  • Trains usually run more frequently on major event days, but trains and platforms can be crowded before and after the game.

🚕 Rideshare and Taxis

  • Designated pickup/drop-off areas are usually established around the stadium.
  • Surge pricing is common just after the game; some local fans walk a few blocks away or wait out the initial rush.

How to Get Tickets in Atlanta

When a Falcons vs. Patriots game comes to Atlanta, tickets can be in higher demand than a typical matchup.

Common Ways Atlanta Fans Get Tickets

  • Season Tickets: Some Atlantans hold season tickets and may sell or transfer specific games.
  • Single-Game Sales: When the schedule is released, a limited number of single-game tickets are usually offered. Falcons–Patriots dates often sell faster.
  • Resale Market: Many fans use authorized resale platforms to buy and sell tickets. Prices often reflect demand—big opponents generally cost more.

For Atlantans:

  • Planning ahead is essential if you know you want to see the Patriots in person.
  • Closer to game day, prices can fluctuate depending on how the season is going for both teams.

Tips for Visiting Patriots Fans Coming to Atlanta

If you’re a Patriots fan traveling to Atlanta for the game:

  • Staying Nearby: Hotels in Downtown Atlanta and near Centennial Olympic Park put you close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and walking distance to many attractions.
  • Pre-Game: The area around the stadium usually has fan activities, and nearby neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill often have bars and restaurants with game-day crowds.
  • Weather: Football season in Atlanta can range from hot and humid early in the season to cool or chilly later on. Pack layers if you’re not used to the Southeast climate.
  • Local Etiquette: Falcons fans are passionate but generally welcoming—wearing Patriots gear is normal and expected, but good-natured banter is part of the experience.

Falcons vs. Patriots History: What Atlanta Fans Remember

While this article focuses on Atlanta-specific, practical info, many local fans like a quick refresher on the on-field history:

  • Super Bowl LI is the most famous meeting and is widely discussed among Falcons fans in Atlanta.
  • Regular-season matchups since then are often framed locally as measuring sticks or emotional touchpoints.
  • Each new game is a chance for the Falcons to build a new chapter in the rivalry from an Atlanta perspective.

For many in the city, future Falcons–Patriots games are about reshaping the narrative as much as the standings.

Quick Atlanta-Focused Summary: Falcons vs. Patriots

QuestionAtlanta-Focused Answer
How often do the Falcons play the Patriots?About once every few years in the regular season, plus any preseason or postseason matchups.
Where is the game in Atlanta played?Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
How do I get there without driving?Take MARTA to GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City stations and walk to the stadium.
Is Falcons–Patriots a big deal in Atlanta?Yes. Super Bowl LI gives the matchup extra emotional weight for many Falcons fans.
How can I watch if I live in Atlanta?Local TV, cable/streaming with NFL coverage, or at a sports bar or restaurant around the city.
Do I need to buy tickets early?Early purchase is wise—high-profile opponents like the Patriots tend to sell faster.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, “Atlanta Falcons Patriots” means more than just another line on the schedule. It’s a high-interest game with deep local meaning, and with a bit of planning—whether you’re heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, catching the game at a bar, or watching from home—you can make the most of it right here in Atlanta.