New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons: What This Rivalry Means in Atlanta

Few NFL matchups fire up Atlanta quite like New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons. If you live in Atlanta, you’ve probably seen the split jerseys, the heated bar debates, and the packed MARTA trains on game day. This isn’t just another game on the schedule—it’s one of the most intense rivalries in the NFC South and a big part of Atlanta’s sports identity.

Whether you’re a long-time Falcons fan, a New Orleans transplant living in the city, or a visitor curious about the local sports culture, understanding this rivalry helps you plug into Atlanta life fast.

How the Saints–Falcons Rivalry Took Root

The rivalry between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints is often described as a “southern family feud.” Both teams:

• Play in the NFC South
• Entered the NFL only a year apart (Falcons in the 1960s, Saints shortly after)
• Represent major Southern cities with strong regional pride and unique cultures

Over time, that mix of geographic closeness, similar expansion-team histories, and divided fan bases turned their games into can’t-miss events.

In Atlanta, this rivalry shows up in:

• Office trash talk between coworkers with Louisiana roots and Atlanta lifers
• Divided households where one partner wears black and gold, the other red and black
• Neighborhood bars packed with both fanbases, especially when New Orleans visitors are in town

If you’re new to the city, knowing that Saints vs. Falcons week is a big deal will keep you from being caught off guard by the energy around town.

What Game Day Feels Like in Atlanta

When the Saints come to town, Atlanta feels different—especially around Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown.

Around the Stadium

On a typical Saints–Falcons game day in Atlanta, you can expect:

• Heavy foot traffic around:
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1414 Andrew Young International Blvd NW)
  • State Farm Arena area
  • Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center area
• MARTA trains and buses full of fans in jerseys from both teams
• Tailgates in parking lots and nearby spaces with music, grills, and flags

If you’re going to the game:

• 🚇 MARTA: Many locals recommend taking MARTA (typically Five Points or GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center stations) to avoid parking stress.
• 🚗 Driving: Plan for road closures and congestion near Northside Dr NW, Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, and surrounding streets.
• ⏰ Timing: Arrive early—Saints–Falcons games tend to be busier than most regular-season matchups.

Where to Watch Saints vs. Falcons in Atlanta

You don’t have to get a ticket to feel the rivalry. Across the city, bars and restaurants lean Falcons, Saints, or proudly host both.

You’ll typically see:

• Falcons-heavy spots in many parts of the metro area, especially closer to Downtown, Midtown, and the Westside
• Saints-friendly bars in neighborhoods with strong New Orleans transplants or LSU alumni
• Mixed venues that welcome both fan bases and can feel like a home-and-away crowd in the same room

If you’re choosing where to watch:

• Falcons fans often look for places with Falcons decor, game-day food specials, and big screens tuned to the home broadcast.
• Saints fans often search for “Saints bar Atlanta” to find places that cater specifically to New Orleans fans, sometimes with Cajun or Creole food on the menu.
• Mixed groups may prefer more neutral sports bars where both teams get audio and there’s room for large groups.

Because individual bar lineups and fan tendencies can change, many locals call ahead or check recent reviews to confirm which fan base dominates a given place on Saints–Falcons day.

What Atlanta Fans Care About in This Matchup

For Atlanta residents, this rivalry is about more than just one game.

Pride in the City

Falcons fans in Atlanta often see beating the Saints as:

• Protecting home turf against a nearby rival
• Defending Atlanta’s status as a major Southern city
• A chance to answer trash talk from New Orleans friends and family

Meanwhile, Saints fans living in Atlanta may:

• Treat the game as their “home away from home” event
• Organize watch parties and meetups to bring a piece of New Orleans culture into Atlanta
• Wear their jerseys proudly all week around the city

Season Impact

Because both teams are in the NFC South, these games often matter for:

• Division standings
• Playoff tiebreakers
• Momentum late in the season

Locals know: even in a tough year, a win over the Saints (or for Saints fans, over the Falcons) can salvage some pride.

Saints vs. Falcons: Key Things Atlanta Residents Usually Want to Know

Here’s a simple breakdown of how this rivalry plays out from an Atlanta perspective:

Traveling Between Atlanta and New Orleans for the Game

Many fans go back and forth between the cities when the game is on the road.

From Atlanta, typical travel options include:

• Driving: Around 6–7 hours by car, depending on traffic and exact route
• Flights: Nonstop flights from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to New Orleans, often popular on rivalry weekends
• Group Trips: Some fan groups and alumni associations organize bus or car caravans

If you’re planning to travel:

• Book transportation and hotels early for rivalry weekends—availability can tighten quickly.
• Check both team schedules early in the year to see when and where they meet.

Living in Atlanta as a Saints Fan vs. Falcons Fan

Because so many people move between New Orleans and Atlanta for work, school, and family, the city has an interesting mix of allegiances.

If You’re a Falcons Fan in Atlanta

You’ll likely find:

• Strong support just about anywhere in the metro area
• Easy access to team merchandise at major sporting goods stores and kiosks around stadium events
• Occasional team-themed events around the stadium and in local shopping districts when the season is in full swing

Game week against the Saints often means:

• Themed days at workplaces (jersey days, prediction boards, etc.)
• Local media and talk shows focusing heavily on the matchup

If You’re a Saints Fan Living in Atlanta

You may:

• Seek out New Orleans-style restaurants and bars to watch games with fellow fans
• Join social groups or alumni associations that host viewing parties
• Wear your black and gold around town and expect plenty of comments—mostly spirited, sometimes competitive

Many New Orleans transplants describe Atlanta as a place where they can keep their Saints loyalty while still feeling at home in a large, diverse city.

Tips for Visitors in Atlanta on Saints–Falcons Weekend

If you’re visiting Atlanta for the game—whether you support New Orleans or Atlanta—planning ahead helps your trip go smoothly.

Where to Stay

Visitors commonly look at:

• Downtown Atlanta: Walkable access to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, popular with away fans
• Midtown Atlanta: Easy MARTA access and a wide range of restaurants and nightlife
• Nearby suburbs: For quieter stays with easy highway access into the city on game day

Getting Around

• MARTA: Often the most straightforward way to reach the stadium area from the airport or major hotel zones.
• Rideshare and taxis: Widely available, but expect surge pricing at peak times around kickoff and after the final whistle.
• Walking: Many Downtown hotels are within reasonable walking distance of the stadium, though sidewalks and crossings may be crowded before and after the game.

Game-Day Etiquette

In Atlanta, fans from both sides usually mix in the same spaces. To keep things enjoyable:

• Expect good-natured smack talk, but avoid escalating arguments.
• Respect stadium rules on banners, bags, and behavior.
• If you’re in a bar that clearly leans heavily to one team, be prepared for the crowd to react emotionally to big plays.

How Atlanta Businesses Prepare for Saints vs. Falcons

For many Atlanta businesses, especially near Downtown, Saints–Falcons games are high-traffic days.

Common preparations include:

• Extended staff at sports bars, restaurants, and parking operations
• Special game-day menus or drink offerings
• Increased security and crowd management near the stadium and busy intersections

If you run or manage a business in Atlanta, it’s common to:

• Check the NFL schedule at the start of the year
• Mark Saints–Falcons matchups as high-attention dates
• Coordinate staffing, inventory, and hours well in advance

Following the Rivalry from Atlanta Year-Round

Even when it’s not game week, the Saints–Falcons rivalry stays alive:

• Local sports radio and TV often bring it up when discussing draft picks, coach changes, or big performances.
• Fans track both teams’ records, especially when the NFC South race is tight.
• Social media groups and fan clubs keep conversations going throughout the year.

If you’re in Atlanta and want to stay plugged in:

• Many residents follow local sports coverage, team apps, and official league channels for schedules and updates.
• Community meetups, fan clubs, and alumni groups sometimes hold off-season events that keep the rivalry spirit active.

The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons rivalry is woven into everyday life in Atlanta—from what people wear on Fridays to how crowded your commute feels on certain Sundays. Whether you’re rooting for the home team or the visitors, understanding this matchup helps you navigate the city’s sports culture with confidence and enjoy one of the most passionate football atmospheres in the South.