How to Watch the Atlanta Falcons Game in Atlanta, Georgia
Whether you’re a die-hard Falcons fan in Atlanta, visiting for the weekend, or just trying to figure out how to catch the game while you’re in town, there are several reliable ways to watch the Atlanta Falcons game. This guide walks you through where and how to watch, from inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium to TV, streaming, and local sports bars around the city.
1. Watching the Falcons Live at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
If you’re in Atlanta on game day, the most direct way to watch the Falcons is in person.
Where the Falcons Play
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
The stadium is in downtown Atlanta, near the Vine City and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods and close to landmarks like the Georgia World Congress Center and State Farm Arena.
Getting to the Stadium
Popular ways Atlanta residents and visitors get to the game:
MARTA Rail:
- GWCC/CNN Center Station (closest for most fans)
- Vine City Station (west side of stadium)
Taking MARTA helps avoid heavy game-day parking traffic.
Driving and Parking:
- Multiple official parking decks and surface lots around the stadium
- Parking often requires pre-purchase, especially for big games
- Be prepared for road closures and added congestion on Northside Dr, Ivan Allen Jr Blvd, and surrounding streets.
Rideshare:
- Designated rideshare zones are usually set up a short walk from the stadium
- Plan to walk a few blocks after the game because pickup areas can get crowded.
What to Expect on Game Day
Security and Entry:
- Clear bag policy is typically enforced
- Allow extra time for security screening and lines
Food and Atmosphere:
- Well-known for fan-friendly concession pricing
- Loud, energetic environment, especially for division games and prime-time matchups
Watching at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is ideal if you want the full Atlanta game-day experience—tailgating nearby, pregame fan activities, and the live crowd.
2. Watching Falcons Games on TV in Atlanta
If you’re staying home, in a hotel, or visiting friends, you can usually watch the Falcons on local broadcast TV or cable available in the Atlanta area.
Common TV Channels for Falcons Games in Atlanta
Falcons regular-season games are typically carried by:
- Local Broadcast (Over-the-Air)
- FOX – Most Sunday NFC afternoon games
- CBS – Some AFC matchups when the Falcons play an AFC team
- NBC – Sunday night games (if Falcons are selected)
- ABC/ESPN – Monday night games (if Falcons are selected; ABC sometimes simulcasts)
Because the Falcons are the home NFL team, their Sunday afternoon games are usually carried on the local FOX affiliate in Atlanta (and occasionally CBS).
Watching with an Antenna
If you’re in the metro Atlanta area, you can often watch many Falcons games free over the air using a TV antenna:
- Works well in most of intown neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, West End, and parts of Buckhead.
- In farther suburbs (e.g., Marietta, Lawrenceville, McDonough), reception depends on terrain and distance from the Atlanta broadcast antennas.
This is a useful option for:
- Residents who don’t have cable
- Visitors staying in short-term rentals without sports packages
3. Streaming the Atlanta Falcons Game in Atlanta
Many Atlanta fans prefer to stream games online rather than rely on traditional cable.
Common Streaming Approaches
You can typically stream Falcons games in Atlanta through:
Live TV streaming services that carry:
- Local Atlanta broadcast stations (FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC)
- Any networks that have national rights to air NFL games
Network Apps and Authentication
- Some network apps allow live streaming of games in the Atlanta market when you sign in with a participating TV provider.
When you’re physically in Atlanta, streaming services usually show you the Atlanta market broadcast of the game, based on your location.
Tips for Visitors Streaming in Atlanta
- Check location permissions:
Many apps use your current location to determine what game to show. - Wi-Fi vs. cellular data:
Hotels and rentals in Downtown, Buckhead, and Midtown usually have strong Wi‑Fi; using cellular data to stream a full game can be data-intensive. - Local blackout rules:
If a game is broadcast locally, streaming might be tied to that local feed. Watch for any restrictions or changes as NFL and broadcasting rights evolve.
4. Watching at Sports Bars and Restaurants in Atlanta
If you want a crowd atmosphere without going to the stadium, Atlanta has plenty of sports bars and neighborhood spots that show Falcons games.
Popular Neighborhoods for Watching the Falcons
While specific businesses can change, certain parts of the city are known for having multiple bars and restaurants tuned to Falcons games:
Downtown & Castleberry Hill
- Walking distance or a short ride from Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Often packed with fans, especially on home game days
Midtown
- Heavier concentration of bars and restaurants along Peachtree St, Crescent Ave, and nearby side streets
- Good choice if you also want to explore nightlife after the game
Buckhead
- Multiple bar and restaurant clusters along Peachtree Rd and Piedmont Rd
- Often a mix of locals, visitors, and hotel guests
West Midtown / Howell Mill Area
- Redeveloped warehouse spaces with breweries, taprooms, and casual food spots that frequently show sports
Eastside Neighborhoods
- Places around Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and East Atlanta Village often have neighborhood bars that show the game with a more local feel.
What to Ask Before You Go
When you call or check ahead, it can help to ask:
- “Will you have the Falcons game with sound on?”
- “Do you accept reservations for game day?”
- “Do you have outdoor seating with TVs?” (helpful in good weather)
- “What time should we arrive for a 1:00 p.m. or 4:25 p.m. kickoff?”
Atlanta bars can fill up quickly for big divisional games or prime-time matchups, especially if the Falcons are in the playoff hunt.
5. Listening to the Falcons on Radio in Atlanta
If you’re driving around Atlanta, tailgating, or working but still want to follow the action, Falcons games are also available via radio.
Why Radio Is Useful
Keeps you up to date while you:
- Navigate I‑75/85, GA 400, or the Perimeter (I‑285)
- Tailgate near the stadium
- Work a shift during the game and can’t watch TV
Provides local commentary focused on the Falcons, which many fans prefer over national broadcasts.
You can often find the primary flagship station for the Falcons on the AM or FM dial within the Atlanta metro. Tune in on a car radio or basic portable radio; this is especially helpful in areas where TV or streaming isn’t convenient.
6. Falcons Game-Day in Atlanta: Practical Tips
Here are some Atlanta-specific pointers to make watching the game easier, whether you’re going downtown or staying in your neighborhood.
🕒 Game Time and Traffic
Early games (1:00 p.m.)
- Expect heavier traffic on key roads into Downtown late morning.
- MARTA trains and platforms can get crowded at GWCC/CNN Center around noon.
Late afternoon and night games
- Downtown events can overlap with concerts, Hawks games, or conventions, especially around State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center.
- Plan extra travel time if you’re coming from suburbs like Alpharetta, Decatur, or Smyrna.
🚗 If You’re Driving
- Downtown parking garages can be expensive and sometimes require booking in advance.
- Many fans use:
- Surface lots in Castleberry Hill
- Garages near Centennial Olympic Park
- Pay attention to temporary game-day parking restrictions on neighborhood streets.
🚆 If You’re Using MARTA
MARTA can be one of the easiest ways to watch the Falcons in person:
- From North Springs or Doraville:
Take the Red/Gold line south and transfer at Five Points if needed. - From Airport:
Take MARTA northbound to Five Points and follow signs to GWCC/CNN Center Station. - Buy or reload Breeze Cards before game day or arrive early to avoid lines.
7. Quick Comparison: Ways to Watch the Falcons in Atlanta
| Option | Best For | Key Needs |
|---|---|---|
| At Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Full game-day experience in person | Ticket, transportation plan, security time |
| Local TV (Antenna or Cable) | Watching at home or in hotel | TV with local Atlanta channels |
| Streaming | Cord-cutters, mobile viewers | Reliable internet, supported device |
| Sports Bars/Restaurants | Social atmosphere, large screens | Seat or reservation, early arrival |
| Radio Broadcast | In the car, tailgating, working during game | AM/FM radio within Atlanta metro |
8. If You’re New to Atlanta or Visiting
If this is your first time in Atlanta for a Falcons game:
- Staying Downtown or Midtown makes it easier to:
- Walk or take a short MARTA ride to the stadium
- Find sports bars airing the game without driving long distances
- If you’re in Buckhead, Perimeter Center, or near the airport, check:
- Whether your hotel TVs carry local Atlanta channels
- Nearby restaurants or bars that regularly show NFL games
For visitors without a car, MARTA plus walking or short rideshare trips is usually the most straightforward way to navigate game day.
By deciding whether you want the live stadium experience, a comfortable watch from home or hotel, or a lively sports-bar atmosphere, you can easily watch the Atlanta Falcons game from almost anywhere in Atlanta. The key is to plan for how you’ll get there, what channel or service you’ll use, and how early you need to arrive—especially when the city is buzzing on game day.