How Many Super Bowls Have the Atlanta Falcons Won? A Local Fan’s Guide
If you live in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard this question at a tailgate, in line at The Varsity, or during a heated bar debate in Buckhead: How many Super Bowls have the Atlanta Falcons won?
Short answer: The Atlanta Falcons have not won a Super Bowl…yet.
They’ve appeared in the Super Bowl twice, but they’ve never brought the Lombardi Trophy home to Atlanta.
Below is a clear breakdown of what that means for Falcons fans in Atlanta, how those Super Bowls went, and how the city embraces its team today.
Falcons Super Bowls at a Glance
Here’s a simple overview of the Atlanta Falcons’ Super Bowl history:
| Season | Super Bowl | Opponent | Result | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | XXXIII | Denver Broncos | Falcons lost | Miami, Florida |
| 2016 | LI | New England Patriots | Falcons lost | Houston, Texas |
Total Super Bowls won by the Atlanta Falcons: 0
Even though the team has not yet won a championship, those seasons and games are a huge part of Atlanta sports culture and are still talked about all over the city—from Mercedes-Benz Stadium to neighborhood sports bars.
A Closer Look at the Falcons’ Super Bowl Appearances
Super Bowl XXXIII (1998 Season)
The Falcons’ first Super Bowl appearance came after the 1998 season.
- Opponent: Denver Broncos
- Final Result: Falcons lost
- What it meant for Atlanta:
- It was the first time the Falcons reached the Super Bowl.
- The run helped bring national attention to Atlanta’s NFL team not long after the city hosted the 1996 Olympics.
- Longtime Atlantans still remember this as the season the Falcons truly stepped onto the national stage.
If you talk to older fans around Downtown Atlanta or tailgating near Northside Drive, they’ll often bring up that 1998 team as a turning point for the franchise.
Super Bowl LI (2016 Season)
The Falcons’ second Super Bowl appearance is one most Atlanta fans remember clearly.
- Opponent: New England Patriots
- Final Result: Falcons lost in overtime after holding a large lead
- Why it’s so memorable in Atlanta:
- The Falcons built a strong lead early in the game.
- The comeback by New England has become one of the most talked-about in Super Bowl history.
- For many Atlanta residents, this game is a mix of pride (making it that far) and disappointment (how close the team came).
Even years later, you’ll still hear this game discussed in Midtown bars, at Atlanta sports radio stations, and among fans walking to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on game day.
Why You’ll Still See So Much Falcons Pride in Atlanta
Even without a Super Bowl win, the Falcons are deeply woven into Atlanta’s identity.
Game Day in Atlanta
If you’re in the city during football season, you’ll see:
- Red and black jerseys all over neighborhoods like Inman Park, West Midtown, and East Atlanta Village
- Crowds heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, near Downtown and Castleberry Hill
- Tailgates in lots around the stadium and along Northside Drive
- Local restaurants and bars turning into unofficial Falcons watch spots
Popular game-day areas in Atlanta include:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- The Home Depot Backyard next to the stadium (often used for tailgating and events)
- Sports bars in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and along the BeltLine
Even visiting fans quickly notice how strongly Atlanta supports its team, win or lose.
How the Falcons Fit into Atlanta’s Sports Scene
If you’re trying to understand Atlanta as a sports city, the Falcons are just one major piece of a bigger picture.
Other Major Teams in the City
Alongside the Falcons, Atlanta is home to:
- Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Truist Park in Cobb County
- Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – State Farm Arena, Downtown
- Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Shares Mercedes-Benz Stadium with the Falcons
Winning a Super Bowl is one of the few big milestones Atlanta sports fans are still waiting on. The Braves and Atlanta United have both won championships in recent years, which keeps the desire for a Falcons Super Bowl victory very strong.
Where to Experience Falcons History and Culture in Atlanta
If you want to go beyond just watching games and really connect with Falcons history in Atlanta, there are a few key places to consider.
1. Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- What you can do:
- Attend Falcons home games
- Take stadium tours when available
- See how the team is presented in displays and fan areas
- Why it matters:
- It’s the center of modern Falcons football in Atlanta.
- The stadium environment highlights the team’s past, present, and hopes for that first Super Bowl win.
2. The Atlanta Falcons Headquarters & Training Facility (Flowery Branch)
While not in the city proper, the team’s training facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia is part of the broader metro area fan experience.
- Fans sometimes visit the area during open training camp sessions (when offered).
- It gives a closer sense of how the team prepares each season to chase that elusive Super Bowl title.
If you’re in Atlanta and want to plan a visit around training camp, checking the official team schedule before driving out is usually necessary.
3. Local Sports Culture Spots
Across Atlanta, you’ll find plenty of places where Falcons history is part of the décor and conversation:
- Sports bars around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Little Five Points, and the Westside
- Neighborhood gatherings for big games
- Community events that feature appearances by team-related mascots or alumni
These are good places to hear firsthand stories from longtime fans about the 1998 and 2016 Super Bowl runs.
What Atlanta Fans Focus On Now
Since the answer to “How many Super Bowls did the Atlanta Falcons win?” is zero, current conversations in Atlanta often focus on:
- When the Falcons might finally win their first Super Bowl
- New players, coaches, and draft picks and how they might change the team’s future
- How the Falcons match up against division rivals during the regular season
- Whether the next strong season could bring another Super Bowl appearance—and this time, a win
For many Atlantans, being a Falcons fan means:
- Recognizing the frustrating moments (like Super Bowl LI)
- Still showing up on Sundays at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or at home watch parties
- Hoping that the first Super Bowl win will be even sweeter because of the long wait
Key Takeaways for Someone in Atlanta
To summarize what matters most if you live in or are visiting Atlanta and wondering about the Falcons’ Super Bowl history:
- Number of Super Bowls won:0
- Number of Super Bowl appearances:2 (1998 and 2016 seasons)
- Impact on the city:
- Both appearances are a core part of Atlanta sports history.
- The lack of a Super Bowl win hasn’t dampened local support.
- Game days still bring major energy to Downtown Atlanta and neighborhoods throughout the metro area.
If you’re in Atlanta on a fall Sunday, you don’t need a Super Bowl trophy to feel how important the Falcons are to the city—you just need to look around and see the red and black everywhere.