Atlanta Falcons in Georgia: A Local Fan’s Guide to the Dirty Birds 🏈

The Atlanta Falcons are more than just an NFL team to metro Atlanta—they’re a big part of the city’s identity, weekends, and community spirit. Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting for a game, or just want to understand how Falcons football fits into life here in Georgia, this guide walks you through what you need to know.

The Atlanta Falcons and Their Place in Georgia

The Atlanta Falcons are Atlanta’s professional football team in the National Football League (NFL), representing the entire state of Georgia but especially the metro Atlanta area.

For locals, “Falcons season” shapes:

• Weekend traffic patterns
• Downtown crowd levels
• Bar and restaurant business
• Transit usage on game days

If you’re planning anything around downtown Atlanta in the fall and winter, it helps to know when the Falcons are playing at home.

Where the Atlanta Falcons Play: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

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

This stadium sits in the Downtown Atlanta area, near:

• State Farm Arena
• CNN Center
• The Georgia World Congress Center

Getting to the Stadium

If you’re driving:

• Major routes include I‑20, I‑75, and I‑85.
• Parking is mostly in paid lots and decks around the stadium and Georgia World Congress Center.
• Game days often bring heavy traffic near exits into downtown; plan to arrive early.

If you’re using MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system):

• The nearest stations are:
  • GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – Closest walk
  • Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – Also a common game‑day stop
• MARTA is often the easiest option on busy game days to avoid parking and traffic stress.

If you’re walking from nearby hotels in Centennial Olympic Park or downtown, expect crowds but generally clear signage pointing to the stadium.

When the Falcons Play: Schedule Basics

The Falcons’ regular season usually runs from September through early January, with:

• 8 or 9 home games depending on the year’s schedule
• Occasional preseason home games in August
• Possible playoff games if the team qualifies

Schedules are announced in the spring before the fall season. In Atlanta, you’ll see the schedule posted in:

• Local news coverage
• Sports bars and restaurants
• Billboards and digital boards around the city

If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta, checking whether the Falcons have a home game that weekend can help you:

• Decide where to book your hotel
• Plan transportation
• Choose neighborhoods to visit (some will be busier than usual)

Buying Atlanta Falcons Tickets in Atlanta

You can buy Atlanta Falcons tickets in several ways, but most Atlanta‑area fans typically use:

• Online ticket platforms that handle official or resold tickets
• Team or stadium ticket offices, especially on non-game days or for special seating (club, suites, group tickets)

If you’re already in Atlanta and prefer in-person help, look for:

• The Mercedes‑Benz Stadium ticket office on non-event days (office hours vary; checking in advance is recommended)
• Official ticket windows around the stadium on game days (usually open a few hours before kickoff)

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

• Buy early for big matchups. Games against division rivals tend to sell out or become more expensive closer to game day.
• Check seat locations thoughtfully. If you’re sensitive to noise, the lower bowl near the field is loud. Upper‑level seats offer a broad view of the field and the city skyline glimpses.
• Consider transit access. If you’re relying on MARTA, sitting near the side of the stadium closer to your exit path can slightly speed up your exit after the game.

Game Day Experience in Atlanta

Tailgating and Pre‑Game

Traditional tailgating in Atlanta happens in:

• Parking lots and decks surrounding Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Some bars and restaurants in downtown and nearby neighborhoods that host pre‑game events

Common pre‑game areas and patterns:

• Many fans arrive 2–3 hours before kickoff.
• Downtown spots near Centennial Olympic Park and around Marietta Street often see big Falcons crowds.

If you’re visiting with family, arriving earlier can mean:

• Shorter lines entering the stadium
• Easier navigation through crowds
• More time to explore the stadium features (like the large halo video board and fan areas)

Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

The stadium is known for:

• 360-degree “halo” video board above the field
• A variety of food and drink options, including some Atlanta‑style offerings
• Large, covered seating that protects fans from rain and intense sun

Temperature inside is generally more controlled than outdoor stadiums, which is helpful in Atlanta’s late-summer and early-fall heat.

Atlanta Neighborhoods That Come Alive on Falcons Game Days

If you’re not going to the stadium but still want the atmosphere, certain Atlanta neighborhoods are especially active when the Falcons play:

• Downtown Atlanta – closest to the stadium, with bars and restaurants showing the game
• Midtown – sports bars and grills with strong game‑day crowds
• Westside / West Midtown – growing number of spots where Falcons fans gather
• Buckhead – many sports-focused venues with game audio and screens

This can be helpful if you:

• Want the crowd energy without going into the stadium
• Are visiting Atlanta and looking for a place to watch the game with locals

Understanding Falcons Culture in Georgia

For many Atlantans, the Falcons are a shared citywide experience:

• Offices and schools sometimes adopt Falcons Fridays, where people wear team colors (red, black, and white).
• You’ll see Falcons flags, jerseys, and decals all over metro Atlanta on game days.
• During strong seasons or playoff runs, downtown and midtown often feature team banners and themed lighting on buildings.

If you move to Atlanta or are staying here long-term, following the Falcons is an easy way to:

• Connect with coworkers and neighbors
• Learn the local sports history
• Join in seasonal events and conversations

Practical Tips for Attending a Falcons Game in Atlanta

1. Plan your arrival time.
Aim to get downtown at least 1–1.5 hours before kickoff, especially if:

• You’re unfamiliar with the area
• You’re driving and need to find parking
• You’re bringing children or a larger group

2. Know what you can bring.
NFL stadiums generally follow a clear bag policy and limit bag sizes. Small items like phones, keys, and wallets are typically fine; larger bags may be restricted. Check policies before leaving home to avoid walking back to your car.

3. Use MARTA when possible.
For many residents and visitors:

• Park at a MARTA park‑and‑ride station outside the core of Atlanta.
• Take the Blue or Green Line to GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station.
  This can significantly reduce stress with downtown traffic and post‑game gridlock.

4. Plan your post‑game route.
After the game, downtown streets and MARTA trains are crowded:

• Identify your nearest MARTA station exit beforehand.
• If using rideshare, expect pickup zones to be a bit away from the stadium to manage congestion.
• Consider grabbing a bite to eat downtown or in nearby neighborhoods while traffic clears.

Family and Visitor Considerations

If you’re visiting Atlanta with kids or first-time visitors, Falcons games can be an easy centerpiece for your trip.

Helpful pointers:

• Afternoon games can be more family-friendly if your group doesn’t want a late night.
• The stadium’s indoor environment protects against both hot Georgia afternoons and cooler winter evenings.
• Nearby attractions—like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca‑Cola—are within a short distance and can round out a full day downtown.

How Falcons Games Affect Atlanta Day-to-Day

Even if you’re not a football fan, Falcons home games can impact your plans in the city:

• Traffic: Expect increased volume in and around downtown before and after games.
• Parking prices: Fees at private lots and decks often rise on game days.
• Crowds on MARTA: Trains especially on the Blue and Green Lines can be significantly more crowded around game time.
• Restaurant and bar capacity: Downtown and Midtown venues may have long waits during and after games.

If you’re scheduling other activities downtown—like visiting museums or attending another event—check the Falcons’ home game schedule to avoid surprises.

Falcons in the Wider Georgia Sports Landscape

In Georgia, the Falcons sit alongside:

• Atlanta Braves (MLB)
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – which also plays at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

This means the sports calendar in Atlanta is busy year‑round. In the fall, Falcons games overlap with:

• Late-season Braves baseball (depending on postseason)
• College football games at nearby campuses (such as Georgia Tech in Midtown Atlanta and other universities across Georgia)

For residents, this creates a consistent sports-centric rhythm in the city. For visitors, it offers multiple chances to experience live sports within a short trip radius.

Key Atlanta Falcons Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Quick Reference Overview

Whether you’re settling into life in Atlanta, planning a weekend visit, or simply curious about how the Georgia Atlanta Falcons fit into the city, understanding their stadium, schedule, and game-day culture will help you navigate Atlanta more smoothly—and, if you choose, join in with the local “Rise Up” spirit.