Dallas vs. Atlanta Game: How to Experience It in Atlanta, Georgia
When people in Atlanta search for “Dallas Atlanta game,” they’re usually talking about one of two big matchups:
- Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons (NFL, football)
- Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks (NBA, basketball)
Both are high-energy, high-profile games that draw big crowds and plenty of attention in Atlanta. Whether you live here, you’re visiting, or you’re just trying to understand how these games work in the city, this guide walks through what to expect, how to get tickets, where the games are played, and how to plan your game day in Atlanta.
Where the Dallas–Atlanta Games Are Played in Atlanta
NFL: Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons
Stadium:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
This is the home of the Atlanta Falcons and one of the most modern stadiums in the NFL. When the Dallas Cowboys play in Atlanta, this is where the action happens.
Key things to know:
- Located in Downtown Atlanta, near the Gulch and State Farm Arena
- Directly connected to MARTA’s GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station
- Enclosed stadium with a retractable roof, so games happen rain or shine
- Known for fan-friendly concession pricing and a wide variety of food options
Dallas vs. Atlanta games in the NFL don’t happen every single season in Atlanta; the matchup location rotates. When it does come to Atlanta, demand is usually high, especially because Cowboys fans travel well and there are many Cowboys fans living in the Metro Atlanta area.
NBA: Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks
Arena:
State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303
This is the home court of the Atlanta Hawks. When the Dallas Mavericks play in Atlanta, they face off here.
Key things to know:
- Also in Downtown Atlanta, beside Centennial Olympic Park and CNN Center
- Connected to MARTA’s GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station
- Indoor arena with clear sightlines from most seats
- Surrounded by a variety of restaurants, bars, and attractions within walking distance
NBA schedules typically guarantee that the Hawks and Mavericks play at least once in Atlanta each season, but dates and times vary year to year.
How to Find Out When Dallas Plays Atlanta in Atlanta
Because NFL and NBA schedules change every season, the first step is always to check current schedules. In Atlanta, people commonly:
- Look up the Atlanta Falcons schedule to see if the Dallas Cowboys are playing at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium that season
- Look up the Atlanta Hawks schedule to find when the Dallas Mavericks are visiting State Farm Arena
You can usually find:
- Exact date and time of the game
- Home/away designation (to confirm the game is in Atlanta, not Dallas)
- Theme nights or special events tied to that matchup
- Ticket on-sale dates for single-game tickets
Because big-name teams like the Cowboys and Mavericks attract larger crowds, Atlanta game dates against Dallas often become highlight events on the local sports calendar.
Getting Tickets for a Dallas–Atlanta Game in Atlanta
Main Ways Locals Usually Buy Tickets
Most Atlanta-area fans use a mix of:
- Team ticket offices and official websites for face-value or pre-sale tickets
- Verified resale platforms when official tickets are sold out or when they want specific seat locations
- Season ticket holders or personal contacts, especially for Falcons and Hawks games with higher demand
When Dallas comes to town, prices tend to be higher than a typical regular-season game, especially for:
- Lower-level seats
- Club sections at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
- Games scheduled on weekends or holidays
Tips for Better Prices and Seat Choices
- Buy early: Once the schedule drops, games against Dallas often stand out as prime matchups and prices can rise.
- Consider upper-level corners or end zones: For Falcons–Cowboys, corner or end-zone upper-level seats can be more budget-friendly while still offering a good view.
- Weeknight NBA games: If the Mavericks visit on a weekday, prices may be slightly more manageable than a Friday or Saturday matchup.
- Check multiple seating areas: In State Farm Arena, some 200-level sideline sections offer a solid view at a more moderate price than lower bowl sideline seats.
Getting to the Game: Transportation & Parking in Atlanta
Using MARTA
For both football and basketball games, MARTA is one of the most convenient options, especially if you want to avoid traffic and high parking prices.
Key station for both venues:
GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
From this station, you can walk:
- Directly to State Farm Arena for Hawks vs. Mavericks
- A few minutes to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for Falcons vs. Cowboys
Many fans park at outlying MARTA stations with park-and-ride lots and ride the train into downtown to avoid congestion.
Driving & Parking
If you prefer to drive:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium:
- Several surface lots and garages in the Home Depot Backyard and surrounding areas
- Prices can be higher for Cowboys games due to demand
- Pre-booked parking is often recommended for major matchups
State Farm Arena:
- Garages and lots around the arena, CNN Center, and Centennial Olympic Park area
- Walkable to nearby downtown hotels if you’re staying overnight
Traffic on I‑75/85 and I‑20 can be heavy on game days, particularly around downtown and connector interchanges, so build extra time into your plans.
What to Expect on Game Day in Atlanta
Atmosphere at a Cowboys vs. Falcons Game
When the Dallas Cowboys visit Atlanta, the game-day environment can feel almost like a playoff atmosphere, even in the regular season:
- Large numbers of Dallas fans mixed in with Falcons fans
- Tailgating in designated areas near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
- A loud, energetic crowd, especially for big plays and rivalry moments
Inside the stadium, you’ll find:
- The massive halo video board over the field
- A wide range of food options, from classic stadium fare to local flavors
- Family-friendly areas and team merchandise shops
Atmosphere at a Mavericks vs. Hawks Game
When the Dallas Mavericks come to State Farm Arena, the vibe is more intimate than an NFL game but still intense:
- A strong Hawks home crowd, often with a visible section of Mavs fans
- In-arena entertainment, music, and fan activities during timeouts
- Good visibility even from higher rows because of the compact NBA layout
Downtown Atlanta provides many pre- and post-game options for dining and nightlife, making it easy to make an evening out of the game.
Game-Day Essentials: Security, Bags, and Entry
Most major Atlanta sports venues use similar, strict entry policies:
- Clear bag policies: Small clutches or clear plastic bags usually required; traditional backpacks and large purses are generally not allowed.
- Walk-through metal detectors: Plan for a brief security check.
- Digital tickets: Many events rely on mobile tickets, so charge your phone and have your ticket app ready.
Arriving 30–60 minutes before kickoff or tipoff is usually enough for most regular-season games, but for high-demand matchups like Cowboys–Falcons, some fans arrive even earlier to enjoy the atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Atlanta for a Dallas–Atlanta Game
If you’re visiting Atlanta specifically for the game, staying near the venue makes logistics easier:
For Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Falcons vs. Cowboys)
Look in or near:
- Downtown Atlanta
- Vine City or Castleberry Hill (walkable/short rideshare distance)
Benefits:
- Short walk or quick ride to the stadium
- Easy access to MARTA and downtown attractions
For State Farm Arena (Hawks vs. Mavericks)
Most visitors stay in:
- Downtown Atlanta (closest)
- Midtown Atlanta (a short MARTA ride away)
This gives you:
- Direct access to the arena by foot or train
- Options for restaurants, museums, and parks to fill time before or after the game
Watching the Dallas–Atlanta Game in Atlanta if You Don’t Have Tickets
Not everyone wants to be in the stadium or arena, but many still want that game-day energy.
In Atlanta, it’s common to:
- Watch at sports bars in areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near the Perimeter
- Join fan groups that gather at particular bars or restaurants for Cowboys, Falcons, Mavericks, or Hawks games
- Catch the broadcast at hotel bars or neighborhood spots if you’re staying nearby
When it’s Cowboys–Falcons or Mavericks–Hawks, many Atlanta locations turn up the sound and feature game-day food and drink specials, making it easy to feel part of the event even off-site.
Quick Reference: Dallas vs. Atlanta Games in Atlanta
| Matchup | League | Atlanta Venue | Neighborhood | Typical Season Timing* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons | NFL | Mercedes‑Benz Stadium | Downtown/Vine City | Fall (Sept–Jan, not every year in ATL) |
| Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks | NBA | State Farm Arena | Downtown | Fall–Spring (Oct–Apr, once per year in ATL) |
*Exact dates vary each season; always confirm with current schedules.
Practical Tips for Enjoying a Dallas–Atlanta Game in Atlanta
- Plan ahead: As soon as schedules are released, identify the Dallas–Atlanta matchup and decide whether you want stadium seats or a watch-party environment.
- Use MARTA when possible: It helps avoid downtown traffic and parking stress, especially during peak event times.
- Check local policies before you go: Bag sizes, prohibited items, and ticket formats can change; reviewing them beforehand prevents surprises at the gate.
- Give yourself buffer time: Between Atlanta traffic, security lines, and walking from parking or MARTA, an extra 30 minutes often makes game day much smoother.
Understanding how the Dallas vs. Atlanta game experience works in Atlanta—whether it’s Cowboys vs. Falcons or Mavericks vs. Hawks—helps you pick the right tickets, the right transportation, and the right game-day strategy for a smooth, enjoyable time in the city.