Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas: How to Watch, Attend, and Enjoy the Game in Atlanta

When people in Atlanta search for “Atlanta Falcons Dallas game,” they’re usually looking for one of three things:
how to watch the game, how to go to the game (home or away), or where to experience it with other Falcons fans around the city.

This guide walks through what Atlanta fans need to know about a Falcons vs. Dallas matchup—from tickets and parking at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to TV options, sports bars, and family-friendly viewing in and around Atlanta.

Understanding the Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Matchup

The Atlanta Falcons–Dallas matchup usually refers to the Falcons playing the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL regular season or playoffs.

• Games alternate between Atlanta (Mercedes‑Benz Stadium) and Dallas/Arlington (AT&T Stadium).
• The exact date, time, and network change each season, so it’s important to confirm the schedule for the current year.

For someone in Atlanta, your experience is very different depending on whether the game is:

• In Atlanta – You’re dealing with downtown traffic, MARTA, stadium entry, and city gameday plans.
• In Dallas – You’re watching from home, a bar, or traveling out of state.

The sections below focus on what matters most locally in Atlanta.

When and Where the Falcons Play Dallas

Checking the Current Season Schedule

The NFL releases the regular-season schedule each year, often in the spring before the season starts. To find the latest Falcons vs. Dallas game details, Atlanta fans typically:

• Look at the Atlanta Falcons season schedule (preseason + regular season).
• Check the week number, date, and kickoff time for the Cowboys game.
• Confirm whether the matchup is listed as vs. Dallas (home in Atlanta) or @ Dallas (away).

Once you know whether the game is home or away, your planning in Atlanta looks very different.

If the Falcons vs. Dallas Game Is in Atlanta

When the game is played in Atlanta, it will almost always be at:

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

This is in the downtown / Castleberry Hill area, close to State Farm Arena and Centennial Olympic Park.

Buying Tickets in Atlanta

For a Falcons–Dallas game in Atlanta, ticket demand is usually high, especially because Dallas has a large national fan base.

Common options Atlanta fans use:

• Season tickets or multi-game packages (if you’re a regular attendee).
• Single-game tickets sold through official ticket platforms.
• Resale/secondary market tickets, especially if it’s close to game day or seats are sold out.

Key tips for Atlanta:

• Buy early for rivalry or high-profile games like Falcons vs. Dallas.
• Make sure your tickets clearly show Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, not AT&T Stadium in Texas.
• Double-check mobile ticketing requirements—entry is typically digital, and it’s wise to have your tickets loaded into your phone wallet before you head downtown.

Getting to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Gameday

MARTA vs. Driving

For locals and visitors, one of the biggest decisions is whether to drive or use public transit.

Taking MARTA 🚆

Many Atlanta fans prefer MARTA for big games because it avoids downtown parking stress.

Closest stations:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Lines) – One of the most commonly used for stadium events.
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Lines) – Also very close to the stadium, especially for certain gates.

Benefits:

• Avoids heavy I‑75/I‑85/I‑20 traffic near downtown.
• Often faster than driving when roads are congested.
• You don’t have to deal with stadium or private-lot parking.

If you’re staying in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or near Hartsfield‑Jackson Airport, you can usually connect to the Blue or Green Line from the Red/Gold lines.

Driving and Parking 🚗

If you decide to drive, plan for:

• Heavy pregame and postgame traffic around Northside Drive, Centennial Olympic Park Drive, and MLK Jr. Drive.
• Either pre-booked parking in official lots or private parking in nearby decks or surface lots.

Common approaches Atlanta drivers use:

• Parking in lots or decks around Castleberry Hill, Vine City, and Centennial Olympic Park and walking to the stadium.
• Arriving 1.5–2 hours early for major games to avoid gridlock and long security lines.

Some Atlanta fans prefer to park a bit farther away (for example, in Midtown or at a MARTA station with parking) and ride MARTA in for the final leg.

Tailgating and Pregame Options in Atlanta

A Falcons–Dallas game often brings a big-game atmosphere downtown.

Tailgating Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Tailgating traditions vary by lot, but in general:

• Many surface lots and parking areas near the stadium allow tailgating, especially those south and west of the venue.
• Rules often cover grilling, open flames, tents, and music volume, so it’s important to check what’s allowed for the specific lot you park in.

Atlanta locals often:

• Meet up in parking lots west of the stadium closer to Vine City.
• Combine tailgating with a trip to nearby bars and restaurants in Castleberry Hill or downtown.

If you’re new to Atlanta, joining friends, coworkers, or local fan groups can make tailgating more straightforward and social.

Inside the Stadium: What Atlanta Fans Should Know

Once inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a Falcons vs. Dallas game, Atlanta fans typically pay attention to a few practical details.

Security and Entry

Expect:

• Security screening: metal detectors, bag checks, and a clear bag policy.
• Longer lines for prime-time or major opponent games like Dallas.

To speed things up:

• Use a small or clear bag within the stadium rules.
• Arrive earlier than you think you need to—especially if you plan to get food, take photos, or visit team stores before kickoff.

Food, Drinks, and Cashless Payments

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is known for:

• Concession stands with widely known menu items and relatively straightforward pricing.
• A cashless payment environment—credit/debit cards and mobile pay are commonly used.

Atlanta locals often:

• Eat at the stadium if they’re arriving close to game time.
• Or grab a pre-game meal in Castleberry Hill, Downtown, or the Gulch area and then head in.

Watching the Falcons vs. Dallas Game on TV in Atlanta

If you’re not going to the stadium, many people in Atlanta just want to know how to watch the Falcons vs. Dallas game from home.

Broadcast and Streaming Basics

Depending on the day and time, the Falcons vs. Dallas game may air on:

• Local over-the-air TV (such as broadly accessible network affiliates in Atlanta) for many Sunday afternoon games.
• National networks for prime-time or nationally featured games.
• Cable or satellite sports packages.
• Streaming services that carry NFL broadcasts, Sunday games, or prime-time matchups.

To watch in Atlanta, most fans either:

• Use a TV antenna to pick up local network channels within the metro area, or
• Subscribe to a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming service that carries NFL games.

If you’re staying in a downtown or Midtown hotel, ask whether your room TV includes the major sports and network channels that usually carry NFL games.

Where to Watch the Falcons vs. Dallas Game Around Atlanta

If you want more energy than just your living room, there are plenty of ways to watch around the city with other fans.

Sports Bars and Restaurants

Across metro Atlanta, you’ll find many sports bars and restaurants that show Falcons games, especially big matchups like Falcons vs. Dallas.

Common areas where locals gather:

• Downtown & Castleberry Hill – Popular for fans who want to be close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium during home games.
• Midtown – Known for bars and restaurants that prioritize live sports on weekends.
• Buckhead – Often busy with game-watch crowds on Sundays.
• Suburban hubs like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Marietta, and Decatur, where local sports bars often make Falcons games a central part of their weekend.

Before heading out, Atlantans often:

• Call ahead to confirm that sound will be on for the Falcons vs. Dallas game (not just on a side TV).
• Ask if there are table reservations for big games.
• Confirm age policies if bringing kids.

Family-Friendly Viewing Options

If you have kids or prefer a quieter atmosphere:

• Many casual restaurants with TVs across Atlanta will show the game without the full sports‑bar environment.
• Some families also gather at friends’ homes, apartment community rooms, or neighborhood clubhouses in areas like West Midtown, East Atlanta, Smyrna, or Brookhaven.

Radio and Audio Options for Falcons Fans in Atlanta

If you’re driving across Atlanta during the game—maybe on I‑285, GA‑400, or through Cobb or DeKalb counties—you might prefer to listen instead of watch.

Falcons games are typically carried on local radio in the Atlanta market, so you can:

• Tune in from your car.
• Listen from a basic radio at home or work.
• Use radio apps that stream local sports broadcasts (when available).

This is especially helpful if you’re tailgating, working, or on the road during the Falcons vs. Dallas game but still want live play‑by‑play.

Planning If You’re Traveling From Atlanta to Dallas for the Game

Some dedicated Falcons fans in Atlanta choose to travel to Texas when the game is played at AT&T Stadium.

Common steps they consider:

• Flights from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to the Dallas area.
• Hotels near the stadium or in central Dallas/Fort Worth.
• Ground transportation to AT&T Stadium in Arlington on gameday.

Many Atlantans:

• Coordinate with friends or fan groups to travel together.
• Build a weekend trip around the game, often flying out the day before and returning the day after to avoid same‑day travel stress.

Quick Reference: Falcons vs. Dallas Game Options for Atlanta Fans

Below is a simple overview of your main choices depending on where the game is played:

Practical Tips for Atlanta Fans on Gameday

A few final pointers that matter specifically in and around Atlanta:

• Check kickoff time in Eastern Time. NFL coverage often lists times in Eastern, but if you see Central or other zones, make sure you convert correctly.
• Weather matters for travel. Even though Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a roof, heavy rain or storms can slow I‑20, I‑75/I‑85, and I‑285 and affect MARTA timing.
• Give yourself buffer time. Atlanta traffic is unpredictable, especially on Sundays near major event venues.
• Know your route home. Whether you’re leaving downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead after the game, having a planned route or MARTA plan can save time and stress.

By checking the current Falcons schedule, confirming whether the Dallas game is home or away, and choosing the right viewing or attendance option for your situation, you can enjoy the Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas matchup in a way that fits how you live, work, and move around Atlanta.