Atlanta Falcons: Your Complete Guide to Atlanta’s Home Team

If you search for “Falcons Atlanta,” you’re almost certainly looking for information about Atlanta’s NFL team, how to see a game, what game day is like in the city, and how the Falcons fit into local life. This guide walks you through everything from tickets and stadium tips to transportation, tailgating, and fan culture—all specifically focused on Atlanta, Georgia.

The Atlanta Falcons at a Glance

The Atlanta Falcons are Atlanta’s professional NFL football team, playing in the NFC South. Their home is the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, right next to State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center.

For locals, the Falcons are a big part of the city’s identity—especially in the fall and winter. Home games affect traffic, transit, nearby businesses, and weekend plans, so even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s helpful to understand how Falcons games shape the city.

Key basics:

• Team: Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
• Home Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  1 AMB Drive NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313
• Typical Season: September–January (preseason in August, possible playoffs into January)

Where the Falcons Play: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta

Stadium Location & Surroundings

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is in the heart of downtown Atlanta, in the Sports & Entertainment District.

Nearby landmarks include:

• State Farm Arena (home of the Atlanta Hawks)
• CNN Center area
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia World Congress Center
• The Vine City and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods

This part of Atlanta gets very busy on game days, so planning how you’ll get in and out is important.

Getting to Falcons Games: Parking & Transportation

You have several options to reach Falcons games in Atlanta:

1. MARTA (Recommended for Many Fans)

MARTA is often the fastest and least stressful way to get to a Falcons game, especially if you’re staying or living near a MARTA line.

• Closest stations:
  • GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – Short walk via signed paths.
  • Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – Another good option, especially for fans coming from the west.
• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can ride the Red or Gold Line north, transfer to the Blue or Green Line downtown, and exit at GWCC/Philips/CNN.

✅ Good to know: On busy game days, trains can be crowded, but service is typically frequent and designed to handle major events.

2. Driving & Parking

If you drive, plan ahead:

• Parking is spread across official Mercedes-Benz Stadium lots and private lots/garages in downtown and nearby neighborhoods.
• Prices vary widely depending on proximity to the stadium and the game’s demand.
• Many fans park a bit farther away (in downtown, Midtown, or Castleberry Hill) and walk 10–20 minutes to avoid congestion right at the stadium.

📝 Local tip: Consider arriving at least 1.5–2 hours before kickoff to avoid rush-hour-style traffic and to enjoy pre-game activities.

3. Rideshare & Drop-off

Rideshare services are common on game day:

• Designated pickup/drop-off zones are usually marked around the stadium area.
• After the game, expect surge pricing and longer wait times, especially for prime-time matchups.

How to Get Falcons Tickets in Atlanta

Ticket Types You’ll See

Falcons ticket prices in Atlanta vary based on opponent, seat location, and time of year. In general, you’ll find:

• Lower-level sideline seats – closer to the field, higher prices.
• End zone and corner seats – more affordable but still a lively atmosphere.
• Upper-level seats – usually the most budget-friendly way to experience a game.
• Club and premium seating – includes access to club lounges and upgraded amenities.

Buying Tickets as an Atlanta Local or Visitor

Common ways Atlanta fans secure tickets:

• Single-game tickets for specific matchups.
• Season tickets for locals who attend multiple games.
• Group tickets for corporate outings, schools, or large families.

If you live in metro Atlanta, season tickets can be appealing if you plan to go regularly, but many residents stick with one or two big games per year, especially rivalry games.

Game Day Experience in Atlanta

When to Arrive and What to Expect

For Falcons games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

• Gates generally open about 2 hours before kickoff.
• Pre-game entertainment, music, and fan activities are common in and around the stadium.
• Security screening is mandatory, including metal detectors and bag checks.

Plan for:

• Lines at security (especially just before kickoff)
• Crowded entrances and escalators
• A festive, loud environment in the plaza and concourses

Clear Bag Policy & What You Can Bring

Like most NFL venues, Mercedes-Benz Stadium follows a clear bag policy for Falcons games. While specifics can change over time, the general pattern includes:

• Permitted:
  • Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to a specified size
  • Small clutch or wallet-type bags (within size limits)
• Typically not permitted:
  • Backpacks
  • Large purses
  • Non-clear bags over the size limit

Atlanta fans often bring:

• Team gear (jerseys, hats, face paint, etc.)
• Light jackets or hoodies in colder months
• Phone and portable chargers

📝 Atlanta tip: Weather can shift quickly. Early-season games can be hot and humid; later games can be chilly, especially if you’re walking from MARTA or a distant parking lot. The stadium itself is climate-controlled.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities at Falcons Games

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is known in Atlanta for fan-friendly pricing on many core concession items compared with typical pro stadiums.

You’ll find:

• Classic stadium food: hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, nachos
• Local favorites: Southern-inspired items, chicken offerings, and regional snacks
• Beverages: fountain drinks, bottled water, beer, and other alcoholic options (ID required)
• Dietary options: Many events include at least some vegetarian and gluten-conscious offerings

Lines can grow around halftime and right before kickoff, so some locals prefer to arrive early, eat before the game, and then grab only quick snacks during play.

Atlanta Falcons Schedule: Home Games, Divisional Rivals, and Key Matchups

Season Structure

The Falcons play:

• Preseason games (often 1–2 at home in August)
• Regular-season home games (generally 8–9 per season, September–January)
• Possible home playoff games if the team qualifies.

Popular Matchups for Atlanta Fans

Some of the most anticipated games for fans in Atlanta typically include:

• Divisional rivals in the NFC South:
  • New Orleans Saints
  • Carolina Panthers
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• High-profile visiting teams with strong national followings

These games can lead to:

• Higher ticket prices
• Heavier traffic and MARTA crowds
• More out-of-town fans staying in downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead hotels

Falcons Culture in Atlanta: Where and How Locals Watch

You don’t have to go to the stadium to feel Falcons energy in Atlanta. On game days, you’ll notice the difference across the city.

Neighborhoods with Strong Game-Day Vibes

Popular areas where the Falcons presence is especially strong include:

• Downtown & Castleberry Hill – Closest to the stadium; many bars and restaurants show the game.
• Midtown Atlanta – Numerous sports-friendly spots and walkable streets, especially along Peachtree.
• Buckhead – Many hotel bars, restaurants, and lounges tune in to Falcons games.
• Eastside neighborhoods (like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and East Atlanta Village) – Plenty of local bars and eateries where residents watch.

Locals often plan:

• Brunch before a 1:00 p.m. kickoff
• Dinner and drinks after late afternoon or night games
• Neighborhood watch parties for big rivalry or playoff games

Tailgating & Pre-Game Activities in Atlanta

Tailgating is a major part of the Falcons’ home-game tradition.

Where Tailgating Happens

Fans gather in and around:

• Official stadium parking lots in the Sports & Entertainment District
• Nearby surface lots and parking areas used for pre-game cookouts and socializing

Typical tailgating activities:

• Grilling and sharing food
• Portable speakers and music
• Cornhole and other simple games
• Group meetups for fan clubs and families

Atlanta’s warmer climate makes early-season tailgates especially popular, but fans show up in all weather.

Simple Overview: Attending an Atlanta Falcons Game

Tips for Locals, Visitors, and New Atlantans

If You Live in Atlanta

• Plan your route: Decide early whether you’ll use MARTA or drive, especially for night games.
• Account for traffic: Falcons home games can affect Downtown Connector (I-75/85), Northside Drive, and surface streets around the stadium.
• Schedule errands accordingly: Avoid downtown grocery runs or appointments near the stadium close to kickoff or immediately after games.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

• Stay near a MARTA station if possible. This makes getting to the game simpler.
• Build your day around the game:
  • Morning: Explore Centennial Olympic Park, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, or the College Football Hall of Fame (all near the stadium).
  • Afternoon/evening: Head to the Falcons game.
• After the game, allow extra time to clear the area, whether by rideshare or transit.

If You’re New to Football or New to Atlanta

• You don’t have to be a football expert to enjoy a Falcons game. Many Atlantans go for:
  • The atmosphere and crowd energy
  • The stadium architecture and views
  • Food, drinks, and socializing
• Watching a home game—either in person or at a local spot—is a quick way to feel connected to the city and experience how Atlanta rallies around its team.

How the Falcons Shape Atlanta’s Weekend Rhythm

On fall Sundays (and some Mondays/Thursdays):

• Downtown feels busier and louder, especially 2–3 hours before and after games.
• MARTA trains are fuller, particularly between the airport, downtown, and city neighborhoods.
• Local businesses—including restaurants, parking lots, rideshare drivers, and hotels—often adjust staffing or hours around Falcons home games.

If you live, work, or stay near downtown, it’s useful to know the Falcons home schedule so you can anticipate:

• When traffic might spike
• When to avoid certain exits or streets
• When you might want to join in the fun instead of trying to work around it

Understanding “Falcons Atlanta” is really about understanding how the Atlanta Falcons fit into the life and rhythm of Atlanta—from hanging out in a neighborhood bar on Sunday afternoon to navigating MARTA with thousands of other fans heading toward Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Whether you’re a lifelong local, a new resident, or a visitor in town for the weekend, the Falcons are a big part of how Atlanta does fall and winter weekends.