Oakland Raiders vs. Atlanta Falcons: What Fans in Atlanta Need to Know

When people search for “Oakland Raiders Atlanta Falcons,” they’re usually looking for one of three things:

1. the history of games between the two teams,
2. what it’s like when the Raiders come to play in Atlanta, or
3. how to enjoy that matchup as a local or visitor in the city.

This guide walks through all of that from an Atlanta-focused perspective—how the rivalry works, what to expect on game day at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and how to make the most of the experience whether you’re a lifelong Falcons fan or a Raiders supporter in town.

Raiders vs. Falcons: A Quick Background (For Atlanta Fans)

First, a key point: the Oakland Raiders are now the Las Vegas Raiders. The franchise moved from Oakland to Las Vegas, but many fans still use “Oakland Raiders” out of habit, especially when talking about older matchups.

From an Atlanta viewpoint:

• The Atlanta Falcons play in the NFC South.
• The Raiders are in the AFC West.
• Because they’re in different conferences, they typically meet in the regular season only once every four years, alternating between home and away games.

That means when the Raiders do come to Atlanta, it feels more like a special event than an every-year rivalry. Longtime Atlanta fans may remember notable matchups at the old Georgia Dome, and more recently at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

When the Raiders Visit Atlanta: What to Expect on Game Day

The Venue: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Home Falcons games are played at:

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

This is right next to Downtown Atlanta, within walking distance of:

• The Vine City and Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center MARTA stations
• Major hotels around Peachtree Street, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Convention Center

For a Raiders vs. Falcons game in Atlanta, you can expect:

• A mix of black-and-silver Raiders fans and red-and-black Falcons fans
• A playoff-like atmosphere, even in a regular season matchup, because it’s such a rare game
• Crowds arriving early to tailgate, explore The Home Depot Backyard, and hang out around Downtown and the Gulch area

Getting to the Game in Atlanta

Using MARTA 🚇

For most fans, taking MARTA is the simplest way to avoid parking stress.

Closest MARTA stations to the stadium:

• Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – short walk to the stadium
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – also very close, especially for certain gates

Tips for a Raiders–Falcons game:

• Load your Breeze Card or Breeze Mobile in advance—game days get very busy.
• Trains after the game can be crowded; expect to wait a train or two during peak exit times.
• If you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport, MARTA runs directly to those areas, so you can avoid driving entirely.

Driving and Parking 🚗

If you prefer to drive:

• The stadium is just off I‑75/85 and I‑20, near Downtown.
• Parking lots and decks around the stadium, the GWCC, and nearby office buildings often offer game-day parking.
• Prices can increase for high-interest matchups like Raiders vs. Falcons, so pre-booking (if offered) is often cheaper and less stressful.

Plan for:

• Heavy congestion on Northside Drive, MLK Jr. Drive, and the streets surrounding the stadium.
• Extra time if you’re coming from suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, Douglasville, or Stone Mountain—I‑285 and the Downtown Connector can back up quickly on game days.

Tickets: Finding Seats for a Raiders–Falcons Matchup

Because the Raiders only visit Atlanta occasionally, tickets can be in higher demand, especially among:

• Raiders fans living in metro Atlanta
• Fans traveling from out of state who want to see their team in a newer stadium
• Local Falcons fans interested in unique matchups outside the NFC South

When you’re comparing seats, think about:

• Lower bowl vs. upper deck: Lower bowl offers closer views and louder atmosphere; upper deck can be more budget-friendly.
• Sideline vs. end zone: Sideline seats give a better view of plays developing; end-zone seats can be great for seeing red-zone action and touchdowns.
• Club and suite levels: These often include added amenities—useful if you’re entertaining clients, bringing family, or want premium concessions.

If you’re local:

• Season ticket holders in Atlanta sometimes resell individual Raiders games at a premium because they know the matchup is rare.
• Buying early usually gives you the best mix of price and seat selection.

Where to Watch in Atlanta if You Don’t Have Tickets

If you can’t get into Mercedes‑Benz Stadium but still want the Raiders vs. Falcons experience, Atlanta has plenty of sports bars and viewing spots.

Neighborhoods that commonly host strong game-day crowds include:

• Downtown & Castleberry Hill – convenient if you want to be near the stadium atmosphere but not inside
• Midtown – a dense mix of bars, restaurants, and hotels
• Buckhead – popular with fans looking for a more upscale bar environment
• West Midtown & the Upper Westside – growing number of brewery-style and warehouse-concept venues

Typical Atlanta game-day bar features:

• Multiple large screens showing the Falcons game as the main focus
• Some bars may cater to visiting fan bases like Raiders supporters, especially in years when Vegas/Oakland fans travel in big numbers
• Game-day food specials and drink deals (check locally for current offerings)

If you’re a Raiders fan:

• Look for bars that advertise themselves as NFL team-friendly or “out-of-town fan” spots; many in Atlanta welcome traveling fan groups, especially for teams with passionate followings like the Raiders.

Raiders vs. Falcons: Matchup History From an Atlanta View

The Falcons and Raiders have had a relatively limited but memorable history. While there isn’t a traditional rivalry like Falcons vs. Saints, Atlanta fans often remember:

• Past high-scoring games where both offenses lit up the scoreboard
• Road trips to the West Coast or Raiders fans bringing a very distinct, intense fan culture to Atlanta
• The contrast between the Raiders’ historic “bad boy” image and the Falcons’ own evolving identity

For fans in Atlanta, a Raiders game can feel like:

• A unique chance to see a different style of football and fan culture
• A good excuse to bring out throwback jerseys—whether that’s Deion Sanders, Matt Ryan, Michael Vick, or iconic Raiders players from the Oakland era

Planning a Game Weekend in Atlanta

If you’re turning a Raiders–Falcons game into a weekend trip, Atlanta offers plenty around the stadium.

Staying Near the Action

Common lodging areas for game attendees:

• Downtown Atlanta – walking distance or a short MARTA hop to the stadium
• Midtown – nightlife, dining, and quick train access to the game
• Buckhead – more upscale, with easy MARTA or rideshare access

Staying near Downtown makes it easy to:

• Walk to Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the Georgia Aquarium
• Avoid driving on game day and just use MARTA or walk

Things to Do Around the Stadium

Before or after a Raiders vs. Falcons game, you can:

• Visit the College Football Hall of Fame, which is very close to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Walk around Centennial Olympic Park and nearby attractions
• Explore Castleberry Hill, a neighborhood just south of the stadium with restaurants, bars, and galleries

Tailgating and Pre‑Game Culture in Atlanta

Game-day culture in Atlanta is strong, especially for featured matchups like a rare AFC opponent.

Common pre‑game options:

• The Home Depot Backyard – a large green space next to the stadium where fans gather, play games, grill, and socialize
• Team-sponsored pre‑game events – often in or near the stadium with music, merch, and fan activities
• Local fan groups hosting meetups in nearby parking lots or bars

For Raiders vs. Falcons:

• Expect a visible Raiders presence in black and silver tailgating alongside Falcons red and black.
• Security and stadium staff usually enforce clear rules on grills, tents, and alcohol, so it helps to check up-to-date tailgating guidelines before you pack your car.

Game-Day Practical Tips for Atlanta Fans and Visitors

Here’s a quick reference checklist tailored to a Raiders–Falcons game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium:

If You’re a Local Atlanta Resident

If you live in Atlanta and want to make Raiders vs. Falcons a recurring part of your football calendar:

• Consider Falcons season tickets or partial plans that include high-demand AFC games.
• Join local Falcons fan clubs that organize tailgates and watch parties.
• Keep an eye on the NFL schedule release each spring; that’s when you’ll learn if and when the Raiders are coming back to Atlanta.

Many Atlanta residents also enjoy:

• Hosting out-of-town Raider fan friends or family for the weekend
• Turning the game into a neighborhood or apartment watch party if they’re not attending in person

If You’re a Raiders Fan Visiting Atlanta

For Raiders fans traveling to Atlanta to see their team:

• Plan your arrival and departure to allow for traffic and MARTA schedules, especially if flying through Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Look for hotels near a MARTA station to minimize the need for rental cars or parking.
• Connect with Raiders fan groups online who may be organizing meetups in Atlanta on game weekend.

Once you’re here, you’ll find that most Atlanta venues are used to welcoming visiting NFL fan bases and that game weekends bring a mix of colors and loyalties throughout Downtown and Midtown.

When you see “Oakland Raiders Atlanta Falcons,” think of it as a rare, high-energy matchup that gives Atlanta football fans—and visiting Raiders supporters—a chance to experience a unique NFL game day in the heart of the city. Whether you’re inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or watching from a local bar, planning around Atlanta’s transit, traffic, and entertainment options will make the day smoother and more enjoyable.