The Atlanta Falcons: A Practical Guide for Fans in and Visiting Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a visit, the Atlanta Falcons are a major part of the city’s sports identity. Whether you’re trying to catch a game, plan a downtown weekend around football, or just understand how the Falcons fit into Atlanta life, this guide walks you through what you need to know—locally, practically, and step by step.

Falcons Football in the Heart of Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons are Atlanta’s NFL (National Football League) team, playing home games downtown at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. For locals, Falcons season shapes Sunday traffic, downtown energy, and even neighborhood bar crowds. For visitors, a home game can easily be the centerpiece of a trip.

Key basics:

• Team: Atlanta Falcons
• League: NFL, NFC South division
• Home stadium: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Typical season: Early September through early January (plus playoffs if the team qualifies)

If you’re in Atlanta during football season, you’ll feel the impact of the Falcons across the city—from MARTA trains packed in red and black to watch parties inside the Perimeter and beyond.

Getting to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Location and Neighborhood Context

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium sits on the west side of downtown Atlanta, near:

• State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Centennial Olympic Park

This cluster of venues means game days are busy and walkable, but also that traffic and parking can be challenging if you’re not prepared.

Using MARTA 🚇

For many Atlantans, MARTA is the easiest way to get to a Falcons game.

• Primary station:GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green lines) – short walk to the stadium
• Alternative:Vine City Station (Blue/Green lines) – often less crowded, especially leaving after the game

General MARTA tips:

• Load or reload your Breeze Card before game day if possible.
• Trains usually run more frequently around big events.
• Expect crowds after the game; trains and platforms can be packed for 30–60 minutes.

Driving and Parking

If you drive to a Falcons game, plan ahead:

• Downtown surface lots and decks often sell out or raise prices on game days.
• Pre-booking parking through stadium-affiliated services can help, but confirm your lot’s entrance, exit, and walking distance.
• Traffic can back up on Northside Drive, Ivan Allen Jr Blvd, Marietta Street, and around the Connector (I‑75/85) before and after games.

Common approaches:

• From the north (Buckhead, Sandy Springs, etc.): I‑75/85 South, exit near downtown (Williams St / Ivan Allen / North Ave, depending on your parking).
• From the south (Hapeville, College Park): I‑75/85 North into downtown.
• From the west (Austell, Douglasville): I‑20 East, exit near Northside Drive.
• From the east (Decatur, Stone Mountain): I‑20 West into downtown.

If you’re not used to Atlanta traffic, give yourself at least an extra 30–45 minutes on top of what GPS suggests on game days.

Rideshare and Drop-Off Zones

Rideshare is common for Falcons games, but pickups after the game can be congested:

• Use designated rideshare zones around the stadium (these change over time—check on the day of the game).
• Consider walking a few blocks away from the stadium before requesting a ride to avoid the thickest traffic.

Buying Atlanta Falcons Tickets

Where Local Fans Typically Get Tickets

Many Atlanta-area fans purchase:

• Season tickets through the team
• Single-game tickets through official NFL channels or major, well-known resale platforms
• Corporate or group tickets through employers or organizations

If you’re in Atlanta and want a flexible option, single-game tickets are usually the most practical.

Things to Consider When Choosing Seats

Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium:

• Lower level sideline: Closer to the action, typically higher prices.
• End zone seating: Good view of scoring plays and the big halo video board.
• Upper level: More affordable, still solid views because of the stadium design.
• Club and premium areas: Often include added amenities (lounge access, wider seats, etc.).

If you’re sensitive to crowds or noise, keep in mind:

• The stadium can get very loud.
• Avoid seating too close to the drumline or large fan sections if you prefer a calmer environment.

Digital Tickets and Entry

The Falcons and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium rely heavily on mobile tickets:

• Expect to use your smartphone (via an NFL, Falcons, or ticket provider app) for scanning at the gate.
• Screenshots often don’t work; you usually need the live, in-app ticket.
• Internet around the stadium can slow down on game days, so pull up your tickets in advance.

What to Expect on Game Day in Atlanta

Security and Bag Policy

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, like other NFL venues, uses a clear bag policy:

• Typically clear bags no larger than a set size, plus small clutches, are allowed.
• Backpacks and opaque large bags are generally not permitted.

Security usually includes:

• Walk-through or hand-held metal detectors
• Visual bag checks

Plan to arrive early (60–90 minutes before kickoff) to avoid long lines, especially at high-profile games.

Food, Drinks, and Concessions

Atlanta fans often mention Mercedes‑Benz Stadium’s approach to “fan-friendly” pricing on many basic items, such as:

• Hot dogs
• Soft drinks
• Popcorn
• Other simple concessions

Options include:

• Standard stadium fare (burgers, fries, pizza)
• Local or regional flavors at select stands
• Alcoholic beverages (ID required, and staff enforce age rules)

You cannot typically bring in outside food or drinks, except under specific, limited rules (for example, sealed water in some cases or specific medical needs). Always check the current stadium policy before you go.

Atlanta Falcons Schedule and Season Rhythm

Preseason, Regular Season, and Playoffs

For an Atlantan, the Falcons schedule shapes fall and early winter weekends:

• Preseason: August – fewer games, often less crowded, good for families testing out a first game.
• Regular season: September to early January – home games roughly every other week.
• Playoffs: January and beyond, only if the team qualifies.

Game times:

• Sunday afternoons are most common.
• Monday night, Thursday night, or prime-time Sunday games do happen, bringing heavier weeknight traffic to downtown.

How Game Days Affect the City

Around downtown Atlanta, you can expect:

• Heavier MARTA ridership on Blue/Green lines and Five Points connections
• Road closures or lane restrictions around the stadium
• Busy nearby areas like Centennial Olympic Park, Marietta Street, and Luckie Street

Neighborhoods with strong Falcons bar scenes (depending on the spot) can include:

• Midtown
• Virginia-Highland
• Old Fourth Ward
• Inman Park
• Areas along the BeltLine

If you’re not attending the game, but you are downtown, plan extra time to navigate traffic and crowds.

Kid-Friendly and Family Considerations

Bringing children to a Falcons game is common for local families, but planning helps:

Things to think about:

• Noise levels: Bring ear protection (earmuffs or plugs) for younger kids.
• Length of game: NFL games often run about 3 hours, plus time for getting in and out.
• Food: Many basic concession options, but consider allergies or sensitivities.
• Restrooms and breaks: Plan easy exit routes from your section for frequent breaks.

Families often choose:

• Daytime games over late-night matchups
• Seats along aisles for easier movement
• Preseason or less high-stakes regular-season games for a more relaxed experience

Where the Falcons Fit in Atlanta’s Sports Landscape

Atlanta is a multi-team sports city:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Truist Park (Cumberland area)
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – State Farm Arena (downtown)
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Also at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

For locals, Falcons season overlaps with:

• End of the Braves regular season and playoffs in early fall
• Start of the Hawks preseason in October
• Atlanta United matches that share the stadium schedule

This overlap can create especially busy days downtown when events line up on the same weekend.

Visiting Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Outside of Game Day

If you’re in Atlanta without a game ticket, you can still experience the Falcons’ home:

Stadium Tours

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium typically offers guided tours that may include:

• Field-level access
• Locker room views (when available)
• Club and suite areas
• The stadium’s extensive art collection

Tours run on non-event days and usually require advance reservations. They’re popular with visitors and local school groups.

Team Store and Falcons Gear

You can find official Falcons merchandise:

• At the stadium team store on certain non-game days
• At sports retailers across metro Atlanta
• At general stores that carry local team apparel

For many Atlanta residents, owning at least one piece of Falcons gear is part of showing local pride, especially during football season.

Practical Info and Contact Points

For the most current, official details on policies, schedules, and services, Atlantans typically rely on:

• Atlanta Falcons front office / ticket office (official channels listed through the team)
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Guest Services, based at:
  1 AMB Drive NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

Guest Services can help with:

• Accessibility questions (wheelchairs, ADA seating, elevators)
• Lost and found
• Game day issue resolution
• Specific entry and bag policy details

If you have accessibility needs or are bringing older adults or guests with mobility concerns, contact stadium services ahead of time to clarify parking, drop-off points, and seating options.

Quick Atlanta Falcons Cheat Sheet for Locals and Visitors

With a bit of planning around transportation, tickets, and timing, enjoying the Atlanta Falcons in person becomes much easier—whether you’re a long-time Atlantian in red and black or a visitor catching your first NFL game in the city.