Your Guide to the Atlanta Falcons: Team, Tickets, and Game Day in Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons are more than just an NFL team to the city – they’re a major part of Atlanta’s identity, fall weekends, and sports culture. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re visiting for a game, or you’re just trying to understand how the Falcons fit into the city, this guide walks you through what you need to know, locally and practically.

Falcons Football in the Heart of Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons play in the National Football League (NFL) and are based right in downtown Atlanta. The team plays its home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a major landmark near the heart of the city’s entertainment district.

For Atlanta residents and visitors, Falcons games mean:

• Crowds and traffic around downtown on game days
• Packed sports bars across the city
• Extra activity around MARTA stations and parking decks
• A busy but energetic atmosphere that many people plan their weekends around

If you’re planning to experience the team in person, understanding the stadium, transportation, ticket options, and local game-day culture will make your day much smoother.

Where the Atlanta Falcons Play: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Location:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

The stadium sits near:

• Downtown Atlanta
• The Georgia World Congress Center
• State Farm Arena
• The Vine City and Downtown neighborhoods

Getting to the Stadium

You have several Atlanta-specific transportation options:

1. MARTA (Recommended for Many Fans)
Using MARTA can be one of the simplest ways to get to a Falcons game.

• Train stations near the stadium:
  • GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  • Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line)
• Trains tend to run more frequently on event days.
• Many locals park at outer MARTA stations (like Doraville, North Springs, College Park, or Indian Creek) and ride in to avoid downtown parking.

2. Driving & Parking

Parking is available in various decks and lots around the stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center campus. On game days:

• Lots often require advance purchase or reservation.
• Streets around the stadium can close or become one-way to manage traffic.
• Expect heavy congestion before and after the game, especially along Northside Drive, Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, and MLK Jr. Drive.

If you’re coming from:

• North Atlanta / I‑75 or I‑85 North: Expect delays through the Connector and near downtown exits.
• South Atlanta / Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: I‑85 North and the Connector can be slow several hours before kickoff.
• West or East via I‑20: Exits near downtown tend to back up; give yourself extra time.

3. Rideshare and Drop-Off

Rideshare services typically have designated pickup and drop-off zones around the stadium. These areas may shift slightly over time, but they are usually clearly signed and staffed on game days.

Stadium Features Atlanta Fans Care About

Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium you’ll find:

• Wide concourses and indoor plazas that help handle big crowds
• Rooftop views of the downtown skyline in some areas
• Retractable roof, which may be open or closed depending on weather and event needs
• Numerous concessions with a mix of local and standard stadium options

For Atlanta families, a key detail is that the stadium is generally family-friendly, with clear signage, guest services, and accessible routes. Security screening and bag policies are strictly enforced, so check current rules before you go.

Atlanta Falcons Tickets: How Local Fans Usually Buy and Plan

Ticket options for Falcons games in Atlanta typically include:

Single-Game Tickets

Perfect if you:

• Live in Atlanta but only want to attend a few games per year
• Are visiting the city and want one NFL experience
• Are trying the stadium out for the first time before committing to more games

Prices can vary based on:

• Opponent
• Day and time (prime-time games often cost more)
• Seating level (lower bowl vs. upper level vs. club seats)

Season Tickets and Partial Plans

Many metro Atlanta fans choose season tickets if they:

• Want to attend most or all home games
• Enjoy being part of the same section community every year
• Value priority access to other events held at the stadium

Some years, there may also be partial plans or mini-plans that group a few games together.

Club and Premium Seating

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has club levels and suite options that can include:

• More spacious seating
• Access to private clubs or lounges
• Included food or upgraded food options in certain areas

These are often used by Atlanta businesses entertaining clients, families marking a special occasion, or fans who prioritize comfort and amenities.

Game Day in Atlanta: What to Expect

Game day in Atlanta is as much about the atmosphere as the football itself.

Tailgating and Pre-Game Traditions

Before kick-off, you’ll see:

• Tailgating in designated lots near the stadium
• Fans gathering at downtown sports bars and restaurants
• Pre-game activities in and around the stadium plazas

If you’re new to the area, the streets around the Centennial Olympic Park and State Farm Arena often feel especially lively on game days.

Inside the Stadium

Once inside, expect:

• Security screening at all gates
• Access to a wide mix of food and drinks
• Team shops selling Falcons jerseys, hats, and gear
• Jumbotron features, music, and fan contests that keep the energy high

Atlanta’s fan base includes long-time locals, newer residents, and visitors, so you’ll hear a mix of accents and see a wide range of jerseys—from current players to fan favorites from past decades.

Falcons Culture in Atlanta: More Than Just a Game

The Falcons are woven into Atlanta’s broader identity as a sports and entertainment city.

Connection to Other Atlanta Teams

The Falcons share the city spotlight with:

• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) at State Farm Arena
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) at Truist Park in Cobb County
• Atlanta United FC (MLS), who also play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Because Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts both Falcons and Atlanta United, the building is busy for much of the year, which keeps downtown Atlanta active beyond just football season.

Community Presence

The Falcons organization is often involved in:

• Youth football programs in the Atlanta metro area
• School visits and local charity work
• Events linked with neighborhoods around the city

If you live in metro Atlanta, you may see Falcons branding and outreach in local schools, parks, or community centers, especially during the football season.

Watching the Falcons in Atlanta Without Going to the Stadium

You don’t have to be inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium to feel Falcons energy in Atlanta.

Sports Bars and Restaurants

On game days, many spots across the city turn into Falcons watch hubs, especially in areas like:

• Downtown and Midtown
• Buckhead
• West Midtown and the Upper Westside
• Edgewood, East Atlanta, and Old Fourth Ward

These bars and restaurants may:

• Show the Falcons game on multiple screens
• Offer game-day food or drink specials
• Turn up the sound for the full stadium-like feel

If you prefer a quieter environment, some neighborhood restaurants outside the core (like in Decatur, Smyrna, or East Cobb) may show the games with less crowding.

Watching from Home in Metro Atlanta

Local broadcast coverage of Falcons games is widely available throughout the Atlanta TV market, which extends beyond the city limits into much of North and Central Georgia. For many residents, this makes home viewing the simplest option, especially for evening games.

Tips for Visitors Coming to Atlanta for a Falcons Game

If you’re traveling to Atlanta primarily for a Falcons game, planning your stay around the stadium location will help.

Where to Stay

Common options include:

• Downtown Atlanta: Walking distance or a short ride to the stadium. Convenient if your main focus is the game and nearby attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
• Midtown: A quick MARTA ride away, with more nightlife and dining options while still being relatively close.
• Buckhead: Farther from the stadium, but popular for shopping and dining; you’ll likely use MARTA or rideshare to reach the game.

Combining the Game with Other Atlanta Activities

Because of the stadium’s location, you can often see multiple attractions in one day, such as:

• Visiting Centennial Olympic Park
• Stopping by the Georgia Aquarium or National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Dining at a downtown or Midtown restaurant before or after the game

If you’re staying a full weekend, many visitors also explore neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or the BeltLine for a more local feel.

Practical Info: Contacts and Local Resources

While specific offices and numbers can change, the following are stable, Atlanta-based points that help with logistics around a Falcons game:

MARTA Customer Service (Transit to the Stadium)

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Customer Service (general info):

• Phone: 404‑848‑5000
• Headquarters Address:
  MARTA Headquarters
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324

You can contact MARTA to confirm train schedules, station parking availability, and service changes on game days.

City and Downtown Logistics

For general downtown event conditions, some Atlanta residents and visitors look to:

• City of Atlanta (for road closures and city services related to large events)
• Atlanta Police Department – Zone 1 and Zone 5 (which often cover areas around the stadium)

Non-emergency line for Atlanta Police (for general information, not urgent issues):

• Phone: 404‑614‑6544

For urgent safety concerns, residents and visitors use 911 as usual.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Falcons Game Day Snapshot

Whether you’re a long-time Atlantan, a new resident, or a visitor planning a football weekend, understanding how the Atlanta Falcons team fits into the city’s transportation, neighborhoods, and culture makes it much easier to enjoy the experience. In Atlanta, Falcons season isn’t just about the schedule—it’s part of how the city moves, gathers, and celebrates.