How To Watch Atlanta Falcons Games: A Local Fan’s Guide

Whether you live in Atlanta, are in town for the weekend, or just want to follow the Falcons like a local, there are several reliable ways to watch every Atlanta Falcons game. This guide walks you through how to watch at home, on the go, and around the city—plus where to catch the best game-day atmosphere.

Key Ways to Watch Atlanta Falcons Games (Quick Overview)

1. Watching Falcons Games on Local TV in Atlanta

If you’re in the Atlanta TV market, you can see most Falcons games on traditional broadcast TV.

Main Channels for Falcons Games in Atlanta

Most regular-season Falcons games are carried on one of these major networks:

• FOX 5 Atlanta (WAGA) – Primary home for NFC games and many Sunday Falcons matchups.
• CBS 46 Atlanta (WANF) – Sometimes carries Falcons games, especially when they play AFC opponents.
• 11Alive Atlanta (WXIA – NBC) – Often carries Sunday Night Football.
• WSB-TV Channel 2 (ABC) – May carry Monday Night Football games when they air on ABC.
• ESPN / ABC – For selected prime-time games, especially Monday Night Football.

Because schedules can change, always check the weekly game listing for:

• Which network is airing the game
• Kickoff time in Eastern Time
• Whether the game is local or national

Using an Antenna in Atlanta

If you live in or near the metro area, a basic indoor digital antenna often picks up major stations like FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC.

This is useful if:

• You don’t have cable or streaming.
• You live in town (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, etc.).
• You want free access to local broadcasts.

Signal strength can vary by neighborhood and building, so it’s worth testing placement near a window and scanning for channels before game day.

2. Watching the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If you’re in Atlanta for a home game, attending in person is one of the best ways to follow the team.

Stadium Details

• Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Location: Downtown Atlanta, near the Vine City and Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center MARTA stations.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• MARTA Rail:
  • Take the Blue or Green Line to Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center or Vine City stations.
  • This is often the simplest option on busy game days.
• Driving:
  • Parking lots and decks around the stadium typically require reservations for major events.
  • Expect heavy traffic before and after games, especially on Northside Drive and nearby interstates.

What to Know for Game Day

• Plan to arrive early for security screening and to explore the stadium.
• The stadium offers large video boards, so even higher-level seats usually still provide a good view.
• Food and beverage options are spread throughout the concourses with clear signage.

If you live in Atlanta, keeping an eye on the official Falcons or stadium channels for home game dates, kickoff times, and ticket options can help you plan ahead.

3. Watching Falcons Games at Sports Bars and Restaurants in Atlanta

Atlanta has a strong sports culture, and many bars and restaurants prioritize Falcons games, especially on Sundays.

What to Expect at Local Sports Bars

Many venues across Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, and the Battery Atlanta typically:

• Show the Falcons game on multiple large screens.
• Run game-day food and drink specials.
• Turn up the game audio, particularly for Falcons or prime-time NFL games.

Common patterns in the city:

• Midtown and Buckhead spots tend to draw bigger crowds of young professionals and groups.
• Downtown locations near major hotels see a mix of locals, business travelers, and visiting fans.
• Neighborhood bars in places like Grant Park, East Atlanta, Virginia-Highland, and Inman Park often have a more casual, local-fan feel.

If watching with a group, it’s wise to:

• Arrive early—especially for 1:00 p.m. Sunday kickoffs.
• Call ahead to confirm they’ll have the Falcons audio on if multiple games are scheduled.

4. Watching Falcons Games at Home in Atlanta

If you prefer watching from your couch in Atlanta, you have a few core options.

Cable or Satellite TV

Traditional cable or satellite packages in the Atlanta area generally include:

• Local channels (FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC)
• ESPN and other national sports networks, depending on the tier

This setup covers most:

• Sunday day games (local networks)
• Sunday night games (NBC)
• Monday night games (ESPN/ABC)
• Selected Thursday night games, depending on the season’s TV arrangement

Streaming Services (General Overview)

Many Atlanta residents use internet-based TV services instead of cable. These typically offer local channels and live sports, depending on your package and address. To use them effectively in Atlanta:

• Confirm you’re recognized as being in the Atlanta DMA (Designated Market Area) so you receive local FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC.
• Check that your internet speed is sufficient for HD streaming, especially during peak evening hours.

These services often:

• Work on smart TVs, streaming sticks, and mobile devices.
• Allow watching at home, at Atlanta hotels, or anywhere you have a stable connection.

Because streaming lineups and rights can change, it’s smart to review channel lists to make sure key networks (FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, ESPN) are included before relying on a single service for the entire season.

5. Watching on the Go in Atlanta (Mobile and Apps)

Life in Atlanta often means you’re moving: on MARTA, at the airport, or out around town. If you can’t be in front of a regular TV, mobile options can help you follow the game.

Mobile Viewing Tips

• Many TV and streaming services offer mobile apps where you can watch live channels if it’s included in your plan.
• Some network apps may allow in-market live streaming of games when you log in with your TV provider.
• Using Wi-Fi (at home, at the office, or in hotels) can help you avoid heavy mobile data usage.

Useful scenarios for Atlanta fans:

• Checking in on the game while riding MARTA to or from Downtown.
• Watching from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport if you’re traveling during a game.
• Streaming on a tablet or laptop in your hotel if you’re visiting Atlanta for the weekend.

6. Radio and Audio Options in Atlanta

If you’re driving around the city or can’t watch a screen, radio broadcasts are a practical way to follow every snap.

Local Radio Coverage

The Falcons have an official radio broadcast partner in the Atlanta market (this can change over time, so it’s best to confirm the current flagship station and frequency before the season). Common features include:

• Live play-by-play of every game.
• Pre-game and post-game shows with discussion, analysis, and interviews.
• Coverage that often extends to surrounding metro counties, reaching commuters throughout the region.

You can listen:

• In your car while driving around I-285, I-75, I-85, I-20, or surface streets.
• On standard FM/AM radios at home or work.
• Sometimes through official apps or station websites (subject to rights and blackout rules).

7. Special Game Types: Preseason, Regular Season, and Playoffs

How you watch can vary slightly by part of the season.

Preseason Games

• Often carried on a primary local TV partner in the Atlanta market.
• May not always follow the same network pattern as regular-season games.
• Check local listings closer to the game date for exact channel and kickoff time.

Regular Season Games

Most follow a predictable structure:

• Sunday afternoon games: Usually on FOX (primary) or sometimes CBS.
• Sunday night games: On NBC.
• Monday night games: On ESPN and sometimes simulcast on ABC.
• Certain Thursday or special games: Carried by national partners and may still appear on local TV in Atlanta depending on rights.

Playoff Games

If the Falcons make the playoffs:

• Games are usually on national networks (e.g., FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN/ABC).
• You can typically watch through any provider or setup that already carries those major channels in Atlanta.

8. Tips for Visitors Watching Falcons Games in Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta during football season and want to watch the Falcons like a local:

1. Check your hotel TV lineup
   Most larger hotels in Downtown, Midtown, and near the airport carry major broadcast networks and ESPN.

2. Use streaming on hotel Wi-Fi
   If you already subscribe to a streaming service at home, you can usually sign in from your device while in Atlanta, as long as it’s allowed by your plan.

3. Head to a sports bar or restaurant

   • Downtown (near Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Midtown, Buckhead, and The Battery Atlanta often have multiple venues showing the game.
   • Arrive early for popular matchups, especially on Sundays and during primetime games.

4. Consider transportation

   • If you’re heading Downtown to watch near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, MARTA can be easier than driving and parking.
   • For late games, confirm MARTA service times and plan your return trip before kickoff.

9. Game-Day Planning for Atlanta Residents

If you live in or near Atlanta and want to make the most of Falcons game days:

• 🕑 Know kickoff times: Most Sunday games start in the early afternoon (Eastern Time); plan errands and travel around that window.
• 🚗 Expect traffic near Downtown on home game days, especially on Northside Drive, Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, and surrounding streets.
• 📺 Test your setup before the season:
  • Make sure your antenna pulls in FOX 5, CBS 46, 11Alive, and WSB-TV.
  • Confirm streaming logins and app updates before game time.
• 👥 Plan viewing with friends:
  • Decide early whether you’re hosting, going out, or heading to the stadium.
  • For large groups, call:
    • Sports bars or restaurants to confirm they’ll show the Falcons game with sound.
    • Rideshare or designated driver plans if you expect busy traffic and limited parking.

10. If You’re Unsure Where the Game Is Airing

Because TV rights and schedules change from week to week, you may occasionally wonder, “Which channel is the Falcons game on in Atlanta today?”

Here’s a simple approach:

1. Check the Falcons’ official schedule for opponent, date, and time.
2. Look for the listed TV network (FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, etc.).
3. In Atlanta, tune to the corresponding local station:
   • FOX → FOX 5 Atlanta
   • CBS → CBS 46
   • NBC → 11Alive (WXIA)
   • ABC → WSB-TV Channel 2
4. If you use cable or streaming, search by team name (“Falcons”) in your program guide or app around kickoff time.

By understanding how NFL broadcasts work in the Atlanta TV market, using the city’s transit and entertainment options, and planning ahead for big matchups, you can reliably watch every Atlanta Falcons game—whether you’re cheering from your living room, a local sports bar, or a seat inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.