Your Guide to the Atlanta Falcons Preseason: What to Know in Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons preseason is more than just a warm-up for the regular year. In Atlanta, it’s a chance to see new players, test out Mercedes‑Benz Stadium on a budget, and enjoy NFL football with a more relaxed, family-friendly feel.

Whether you live in the city, are visiting Atlanta in August, or just want to understand how preseason works here, this guide walks through what to expect, how to attend, and how to make the most of it.

What Is the Falcons Preseason?

The NFL preseason is a short schedule of exhibition games that take place before the regular season. For the Atlanta Falcons, these games are used to:

• Evaluate rookies and new signings
• Set the depth chart and fine-tune the playbook
• Give starters limited reps while protecting them from injury
• Let coaches test different lineups and special teams units

From a fan’s perspective in Atlanta, preseason games are a lower-cost, lower-pressure way to experience Falcons football and see players who may not get as many snaps once the regular season starts.

When the Falcons Preseason Usually Happens

The Falcons preseason schedule changes year to year, but it typically follows this pattern:

• Timing: Early to late August, leading right into the regular season kickoff in September
• Number of games: Usually three preseason games
• Home vs. away: Typically a mix of home games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and road games in other NFL cities

You can usually expect:

• Preseason Week 1: Early August
• Preseason Week 2: Mid-August
• Preseason Week 3: Late August

The exact opponents and dates are announced in the spring or early summer. Fans in Atlanta usually start planning once the Falcons release their full preseason and regular season schedule, often around April.

Where the Falcons Play in the Preseason

Home Games: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta

Most Falcons home preseason games are played at:

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

This is in the heart of downtown Atlanta, near:

• State Farm Arena
• CNN Center
• Vine City and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods

If you live in the metro area, getting to the stadium is often easier for preseason because crowds can be lighter than big regular-season matchups.

Away Games: Other NFL Cities

Falcons preseason away games are played at the opponent’s stadium. If you’re an Atlanta fan traveling with the team:

• You’ll still follow the Falcons ticketing process but the stadium rules will depend on the host city.
• Many Atlanta fans use preseason away games as a cheaper way to visit nearby NFL cities while still supporting the team.

Why Atlanta Fans Care About the Preseason

Even though the games don’t count in the standings, preseason matters in Atlanta for several reasons:

1. Seeing New Falcons Up Close

Preseason is when you finally see:

• Draft picks in game action
• Undrafted rookies fighting for a roster spot
• New free agents getting integrated into the system

Atlanta fans often use preseason to get a first feel for:

• The new starting quarterback or key offensive players
• Defensive rookies who might become fan favorites
• Special teams players and return specialists

2. Affordable Way to Experience Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Compared to high-demand regular-season games (especially against popular opponents), preseason tickets are often more affordable and more available. For local families in Atlanta, it’s a realistic way to:

• Introduce kids to live NFL football
• Explore Mercedes‑Benz Stadium without the same crowd intensity
• Enjoy the Atlanta atmosphere, from the halo board to local food options

3. Easier Game-Day Experience

Many Atlanta residents prefer preseason games because:

• Parking can be slightly easier to find
• Security lines may be shorter
• The vibe is often more relaxed and family-friendly

You still get live football in downtown Atlanta, but with less of the “all-or-nothing” energy of a playoff push.

Buying Atlanta Falcons Preseason Tickets

Main Ways to Get Tickets

Most Atlanta fans use one of these routes:

• Falcons season tickets: Preseason home games are often included in season ticket packages.
• Single-game tickets: Sold through the Falcons’ official ticketing partner for specific preseason dates.
• Verified resale platforms: If a game isn’t sold out, many season ticket holders resell seats for individual preseason games.

Because demand is typically lower than regular-season marquee matchups, you often have more flexibility in choosing your seat location and price range.

Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• Check early: Once the Falcons announce preseason opponents, tickets usually go on sale soon after.
• Consider club and lower-bowl seats: These can be more accessible price-wise in preseason than during regular season.
• Look at weekday vs. weekend games: Weeknight games in Atlanta can be more affordable but plan around rush-hour traffic.

Getting to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for Preseason

If you’re attending a home preseason game, planning your route in Atlanta makes a big difference.

MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA is often the simplest option, especially for night games.

• Closest stations:
  • GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (now GWCC/CNN) on the Blue/Green Line
  • Vine City Station on the Blue/Green Line

From either station, you can walk to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in a few minutes using marked pedestrian paths.

Why MARTA works well for preseason:

• Avoids downtown traffic and parking fees
• Trains typically add extra service around major events
• Good choice if you’re staying in Midtown, Downtown, or near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Driving and Parking

If you prefer to drive:

• Look for official stadium lots and decks around the Georgia World Congress Center and nearby streets.
• Many fans from suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, and Peachtree City drive in and reserve parking in advance online.

Common tips from local Falcons fans:

• 🕐 Arrive early: Even in preseason, traffic on the Connector (I‑75/85) and I‑20 can back up near downtown.
• 🚗 Use a pre-booked lot or deck: This helps avoid last-minute parking stress or long walks.
• 📍 Consider parking near a MARTA station (like Lindbergh Center or College Park) and riding in the rest of the way.

What Game Day Feels Like for a Preseason Falcons Home Game

Tailgating and Fan Atmosphere

While preseason tailgating is usually more low-key than big divisional games, you’ll still see:

• Fans meeting in lots around the stadium
• Falcons gear everywhere—jerseys, flags, and face paint
• A mix of hardcore fans and casual visitors

Many Atlanta locals bring out:

• Small grills and coolers (where allowed)
• Cornhole boards and music
• Family, including young kids and older relatives, for an easier intro to game day

Always check current tailgating policies and parking lot rules, as they may shift over time.

Inside the Stadium

Once inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, preseason games still feel like a full NFL experience:

• The halo video board runs replays, graphics, and hype videos.
• Local food options feature well-known Atlanta names and stadium staples.
• Team stores sell Falcons jerseys, hats, and preseason/season merchandise.

Because the intensity is a bit lower, many fans use preseason to:

• Walk around and explore the stadium
• Try different food stands
• Take pictures and enjoy the view from various levels

How Long Starters Play in Preseason

If you’re going mainly to watch specific star players, it helps to know how coaches commonly manage playing time:

• Game 1: Starters may play one or two series, then backups and rookies take over.
• Game 2: Some starters play a bit more, but coaches often stay cautious.
• Game 3: Depending on the coaching strategy, this may be a “dress rehearsal” or another evaluation-heavy game for younger players.

Patterns can vary from year to year, but it’s normal in Atlanta for starters to play limited snaps while the coaching staff evaluates depth players.

Preseason vs. Regular Season: What’s Different for Fans in Atlanta?

Here’s a quick side-by-side view that Atlanta fans often use when deciding whether to attend a preseason game:

For Atlanta residents, preseason can be a good “test run” for:

• Figuring out your best MARTA route
• Testing parking options from your neighborhood
• Learning stadium entry points and your favorite concessions

Watching the Atlanta Falcons Preseason from Home in Atlanta

If you’re not going to the stadium, you still have multiple options in and around the city:

Local TV and Streaming

Preseason games are often:

• Broadcast on local Atlanta TV channels (commonly a local network affiliate)
• Sometimes available through NFL-oriented streaming services, depending on broadcast rights that season

Atlanta-area fans usually check:

• Local TV listings the week of the game
• Their cable or streaming provider’s sports package options

Sports Bars and Restaurants Around Atlanta

Many Atlanta sports bars and restaurants show preseason games, especially in:

• Downtown and Midtown
• The Battery Atlanta near Truist Park
• Buckhead, West Midtown, and popular suburban centers

Common fan favorites include:

• Bars that regularly show NFL Sunday games
• Neighborhood spots with multiple TVs tuned to different preseason matchups

For visitors staying in hotel areas like Downtown or near the airport, front desks often know which nearby spots typically show Falcons games.

Preseason Practices, Training Camp, and Fan Opportunities

In addition to games, the build-up to the Falcons preseason includes:

Training Camp and Open Practices

Some seasons, the Falcons hold parts of training camp open to the public, either at team facilities or designated practice sites. These events often:

• Are free or low-cost, sometimes requiring a ticket reservation
• Let fans get closer to the field than on game day
• Provide autograph opportunities at designated times

Atlanta-area residents often bring:

• Kids and youth football teams
• Cameras and autograph items (within allowed guidelines)
• Sunscreen, water, and hats for outdoor sessions

Details such as location and access can change over time, so fans typically check the latest info each offseason.

Family-Friendly Tips for Falcons Preseason Games in Atlanta

If you’re bringing children or attending as a group, preseason can be ideal. Practical tips often shared by local families:

• Pick an earlier kickoff if possible: Evening games can run late for younger kids on weeknights.
• Arrive a bit early: Gives you time to find your seats, grab food, and let kids take in the stadium.
• Use clear bags: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium generally follows a clear bag policy, so check current guidelines before you pack.
• Plan a meeting spot: Just in case your group gets separated in the concourse.
• Bring layers: The stadium is climate-controlled, but some fans find it cool after walking in from the Atlanta heat.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Fans

If you’re in or visiting Atlanta and curious about the Falcons preseason, here are the main points:

• Preseason is your best low-pressure, lower-cost way to see the Atlanta Falcons live at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
• Games usually happen in August, with a mix of home and away matchups leading into the regular season.
• Expect limited playing time for stars, but plenty of action from rookies and depth players fighting for roster spots.
• For Atlanta residents, it’s a great chance to test out your game-day routine—MARTA, parking, stadium entry—before the stakes go up in September.
• Families and visitors often find preseason a more relaxed, accessible way to experience NFL football in downtown Atlanta.

With a bit of planning around tickets, transportation, and timing, the Atlanta Falcons preseason can be one of the most enjoyable and approachable ways to connect with the city’s NFL team.