Atlanta Falcons Throwback: Classic Jerseys, Game Days, and Where to Find Them in Atlanta
If you love the Atlanta Falcons throwback look—the classic black helmets, bold red accents, and old-school logos—Atlanta is the best place to dive into that nostalgia. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a game, or just want to understand how throwback gear and themes work specifically in Atlanta, this guide walks you through what to know and where to go.
What “Atlanta Falcons Throwback” Really Means
When people in Atlanta talk about Falcons throwback, they usually mean:
- Retro uniforms from earlier eras (especially the black helmets and red jerseys of the 1970s–1990s).
- Throwback-themed game days at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- Old-school Falcons merchandise—hats, jackets, shirts, and jerseys with older logos and color schemes.
Throwback designs connect strongly to Atlanta history: the early days at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, the “Grits Blitz” defense era, and the tough, blue-collar identity the team built long before today’s high-tech stadium.
A Quick Timeline of Falcons Throwback Styles
You don’t need to be a historian to appreciate throwbacks, but understanding the eras helps when you’re shopping or planning outfits for game day.
| Era | Key Look | What Atlanta Fans Associate With It |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1960s–1970s | Red helmets, simple falcon logo | Expansion years, early identity |
| 1980s | Red jerseys, silver/white pants | Classic NFC West years, tough defenses |
| 1990s | Black jerseys, red trim | Gritty, aggressive look, pre-Super Bowl XXXIII |
| Early 2000s | Modernized falcon logo, black focus | Vick era, dome years identity |
| Modern Throwback Games | Black helmets, retro logo, old stripe patterns | Honoring old eras inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
When you see black helmets with the older falcon logo during a home game in Atlanta, you’re typically watching a planned throwback or alternate uniform game.
Where to Find Atlanta Falcons Throwback Gear in Atlanta
If you’re in Atlanta, you have several options beyond general online shopping. Local stores and stadium shops often carry Atlanta-specific throwback designs you won’t easily find elsewhere.
1. Official Team Store at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Best for: Game-day shopping and official throwback jerseys.
Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1414 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313), the Atlanta Falcons Team Store is the most direct place to look for authentic throwback items, including:
- Throwback-style jerseys (current players in retro designs)
- Classic logo hats and beanies
- Vintage-inspired T-shirts and hoodies
- Collectibles like pennants, patches, and mini helmets
On game days, inventory often expands to include special throwback capsules, especially if the Falcons are wearing retro uniforms that day. If you’re visiting Atlanta and want a guaranteed authentic piece, this is one of the most straightforward options.
2. The Falcons Retail Store at Atlantic Station
Best for: Year-round access without a game ticket.
Atlantic Station, located near Midtown (1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363), often hosts an official Falcons store or partnered retail, where you may find:
- Current and throwback-style jerseys
- Retro hats and lifestyle apparel
- Items tailored to local fans (often with Atlanta-specific slogans or graphics)
This is useful if you’re in town outside of NFL season or don’t have tickets to a game.
3. Sports Retailers Around Metro Atlanta
Several major sporting goods stores and fan shops across metro Atlanta carry Falcons throwback-themed gear. Common options include:
- Large sports retailers in areas like Buckhead, Cumberland, Perimeter, and Gwinnett
- Mall-based fan shops that stock both current and retro designs
If you’re driving through the suburbs—Smyrna, Marietta, Duluth, or Sandy Springs—you’ll often find Falcons sections with at least a few throwback pieces, especially during the season.
What Types of Throwback Falcons Items Can You Get?
In Atlanta, fans tend to focus on a few core categories of throwback gear.
Throwback Jerseys
These are the most visible piece of the throwback culture:
- Replica throwback jerseys of legends and older-era styles
- Alternate jerseys that mix modern player names with retro color schemes
- Some limited runs sold only through the stadium store or official retail partners
If you plan to wear one to a game, be aware that night games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium are indoors and climate-controlled, so a jersey over a lighter layer is usually comfortable.
Vintage-Style Hats and Caps
Look for:
- Black or red caps with the older falcon logo
- Rope hats and snapbacks with retro fonts
- Beanies using classic color blocking (especially popular late in the season)
These are easy souvenirs if you’re visiting Atlanta and don’t want to commit to a full jersey purchase.
Throwback Jackets, Hoodies, and Tees
Around Atlanta, especially in fall and winter, you’ll see:
- Satin-style starter jackets or modern versions of that classic look
- Hoodies with old-school wordmarks like “Atlanta Football” combined with retro birds
- Soft, vintage-wash T-shirts that pair well with jeans or joggers
These are practical for tailgating outside the stadium, walking around Downtown, or hitting nearby neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill before or after games.
Atlanta Game Days: When the Falcons Wear Throwback Uniforms
If you’re planning to be in Atlanta and want to see the throwback uniforms in person, pay close attention to the season schedule and team announcements.
How Throwback Games Typically Work
During the season, the Falcons occasionally:
- Designate certain home games as throwback or retro-themed dates.
- Wear alternate or throwback uniforms (often black helmets and old-style striping).
- Add throwback branding inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including graphics and music that nod to earlier decades.
Game-week promotions around the city—billboards, social media posts, and radio mentions—usually highlight these games, using phrases like “Throwback Night” or “Retro Uniforms”.
What This Means for Fans in Atlanta
If you live in or visit Atlanta:
- Tickets: Throwback games can be popular, especially against major rivals, so consider buying earlier in the season.
- Outfits: Many local fans coordinate by wearing matching-era throwback gear, creating a more unified look in the stands.
- Photos: The combination of retro uniforms, stadium lighting, and themed graphics makes these nights especially photogenic—useful if you’re planning social media content or family photos.
Where in Atlanta You’ll See Falcons Throwback Culture Outside the Stadium
Atlanta’s football identity shows up all over the city, not just at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Sports Bars and Neighborhood Hangouts
In areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, and parts of East Atlanta, sports bars often:
- Decorate with throwback posters, framed jerseys, and vintage helmets
- Play highlight reels from older Falcons eras on big game days
- Encourage fans to show up in retro gear, especially during primetime matchups
If you’re visiting, asking a local for a “good Falcons bar” will usually get you pointed toward a spot that appreciates the team’s history.
Local Markets and Vintage Shops
Atlanta’s thrift and vintage scene sometimes turns up older Falcons pieces:
- Vintage T-shirts from 1980s or 1990s seasons
- Old snapbacks or foam-front hats with faded logos
- Retro jackets and track suits
Neighborhoods with active vintage and resale scenes, such as portions of Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village, or parts of Midtown, can be promising if you enjoy the hunt for truly old-school items rather than modern reproductions.
Tips for Choosing the Right Falcons Throwback Gear in Atlanta
If you’re shopping in the city, here are some practical ways to pick pieces that make sense for you and the local climate.
1. Match the Era to Your Style
- Love a bold, classic look? Look for red-dominant 1980s or 1990s styles.
- Prefer a modern edge with a retro nod? Seek black jerseys and hats that use an updated cut with the older logo.
Atlanta fans often mix modern streetwear with vintage teams gear, so it’s common to see throwback Falcons items paired with sneakers, joggers, and fitted caps.
2. Think About Weather and Game Environment
- Early season (Sept–Oct): Lightweight T-shirts or jerseys are usually enough for Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- Late season (Nov–Dec): You may want a throwback hoodie or jacket for the walk from parking or MARTA to the stadium, even though the game itself is indoors.
If you’re exploring Downtown Atlanta before or after games—Centennial Olympic Park, the Home Depot Backyard, or local restaurants—layers are helpful.
3. Consider Authenticity vs. Budget
Around Atlanta, you’ll see:
- Officially licensed throwback gear at stadium and team stores—higher price, but consistent quality and current designs.
- Vintage or secondhand pieces at resale and thrift shops—may be more affordable and unique, but sizing and condition can vary quite a bit.
For a one-time visit, a hat or T-shirt can be a cost-effective way to join the throwback theme without investing in a full jersey.
How Visitors Can Make the Most of a Throwback-Themed Trip to Atlanta
If you’re planning a short stay in Atlanta centered around the Falcons and want to lean into the throwback vibe, you can structure your time around the city’s football culture.
Sample Throwback-Focused Day
Morning:
Explore Downtown Atlanta landmarks near the stadium, like Centennial Olympic Park and the surrounding attractions. You’ll often see Falcons imagery woven into the cityscape.Midday:
Stop by the Falcons Team Store at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (often accessible on non-game days during stadium tours) or visit a sports retailer in areas like Atlantic Station. Pick up a throwback hat, T-shirt, or jersey.Afternoon:
Visit a sports bar known for Falcons crowds in Midtown, West Midtown, or Downtown. You’ll typically see older team photos, helmets, and posters decorating the walls.Game Time (on a throwback/uniform-themed date):
Head into Mercedes-Benz Stadium in your throwback gear. Inside, look for:- Retro-branded signage and visual elements
- Fans wearing older-era jerseys and jackets
- Team stores featuring limited throwback capsules
Evening:
After the game, you can walk back through Downtown or take MARTA from GWCC/CNN Center Station, where you’ll see more fans in Falcons gear, often trading compliments on each other’s throwback outfits.
Quick Reference: Falcons Throwback in Atlanta at a Glance
- Core idea: Falcons throwback refers to retro uniforms, logos, and gear tied to earlier eras of Atlanta football history.
- Best place for official gear:
Atlanta Falcons Team Store at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1414 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. - Additional local options:
Official or partnered stores at Atlantic Station and major sports retailers across metro Atlanta. - What to look for:
Black helmets, old-school falcon logos, red-heavy jerseys, vintage-style hats, jackets, and tees. - When to see throwbacks in action:
Select home games in Atlanta, often promoted as throwback or alternate uniform dates. - Where culture lives beyond the stadium:
Sports bars, vintage shops, and local markets around neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Little Five Points.
For anyone in Atlanta—whether lifelong local or weekend visitor—Falcons throwback gear and game days offer a direct connection to the city’s football past, and the city provides plenty of ways to experience that history in person.