Saints vs. Atlanta: How To Experience the Game in Atlanta

When people search for “Saints Atlanta game”, they’re usually talking about the matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons—one of the NFL’s most heated rivalries. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are planning a trip around this game, there are a few things you’ll want to know to make the most of it.

This guide walks you through how the Saints–Falcons game works in Atlanta, where it’s played, how to get there, what to expect on game day, and how to enjoy the matchup even if you don’t have tickets.

Where the Saints vs. Atlanta Game Is Played

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium: Home of the Falcons

When the Saints play in Atlanta, the game is almost always held at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, the home stadium of the Atlanta Falcons.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

• Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta / Vine City
• Primary team: Atlanta Falcons (NFL)

The stadium is a major landmark in downtown Atlanta and is designed for large crowds, with an enclosed, climate-controlled environment. That means you don’t have to worry much about weather conditions, even for late-season games.

How Often Do the Saints Play in Atlanta?

The Falcons and Saints are in the same division (NFC South), so they play each other twice every regular season:

• One game in Atlanta (Saints at Falcons)
• One game in New Orleans (Falcons at Saints)

Occasionally, they could also meet in the NFL playoffs, but those matchups are less predictable and depend on seasonal performance.

To find the exact date and time of the next Saints–Falcons game in Atlanta, fans typically check:

• The NFL’s regular-season schedule
• The Atlanta Falcons’ official schedule
• Local sports news outlets in Atlanta

Buying Tickets for the Saints–Falcons Game in Atlanta

If you want to be inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for the Saints Atlanta game, you have a few options.

Common Ways Atlanta Fans Get Tickets

• Team/official ticket platforms: Many fans start with the Falcons’ official ticket channels for primary sales.
• Verified resale/secondary markets: For sold-out or in-demand games—like Saints vs. Falcons—fans often turn to major, well-known resale platforms.
• Season ticket holders: Some Falcons season ticket holders sell extra seats, especially for rivalry games.

When buying, consider:

• Seating level:
  • Lower bowl (closer to the field, higher price)
  • Mezzanine/club levels (often better amenities)
  • Upper level (more budget-friendly, still solid views in this stadium)
• End zones vs. sidelines: Sideline seats usually cost more but offer a more complete view of the field.
• Rivalry pricing: Saints–Falcons is often treated like a “premium” game, so prices may be higher than for lower-profile opponents.

Getting to the Saints Atlanta Game

Atlanta traffic and parking can be challenging on game days, especially for a rivalry game. Planning ahead makes a big difference.

MARTA: One of the Easiest Options

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is often the simplest way to reach the game.

• Rail stations near the stadium:
  • GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – Short walk via the Georgia World Congress Center area.
  • Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – On the west side of the stadium.
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can take the Red or Gold Line north, then transfer if needed to reach the Blue/Green Lines.

Benefits of using MARTA for the game:

• Avoids event parking costs
• Bypasses the heaviest downtown traffic
• Drops you within walking distance of the stadium

Driving and Parking Near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

If you prefer to drive:

• There are official stadium lots and decks in the surrounding area.
• Many downtown Atlanta parking decks and surface lots offer event parking on game days.
• Rates usually increase for big rivalry games, and space can sell out early.

Tips:

• Arrive well before kickoff if you plan to park close.
• Consider parking a few blocks away and walking, especially if you’re coming in later.
• Check posted restrictions for residential neighborhoods near Vine City and English Avenue to avoid towing.

What Game Day Feels Like in Atlanta for Saints vs. Falcons

The Saints–Falcons rivalry is one of the most emotional in the league, and game day in Atlanta reflects that.

Atmosphere Inside and Around the Stadium

You can typically expect:

• Large crowds of both Falcons and Saints fans
• Tailgating in designated parking areas, especially in lots west of the stadium
• A loud, high-energy environment inside the dome

Because the stadium is in downtown Atlanta, you’ll also see fans filling nearby areas, especially:

• Centennial Olympic Park area
• Around State Farm Arena and the CNN Center area
• Restaurants and bars within walking distance

For visiting Saints fans, it’s common to make a weekend of it and explore local neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or West Midtown before or after the game.

Bars and Spots in Atlanta to Watch the Saints–Falcons Game

You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the Saints Atlanta game. Many Atlantans prefer to watch from sports bars, restaurants, or with home gatherings.

Popular Types of Places to Watch in Atlanta

While specific venues change over time, here are the kinds of spots locals often choose:

• Downtown Atlanta sports bars: Convenient if you want to be close to the stadium but not inside.
• Midtown sports bars and restaurants: Central location, many screens, easy to reach via MARTA.
• Neighborhood bars in places like Buckhead, West Midtown, or East Atlanta: Often more relaxed, with a mix of Falcons fans and out-of-town fans.

For big rivalry games like Saints vs. Falcons:

• Many venues turn up the sound, run game-day specials, and encourage fans to wear team colors.
• Some bars may lean more heavily Falcons or Saints depending on their regular clientele, giving a “team bar” feel even without being officially designated.

If you’re visiting from New Orleans, searching for “Saints bar Atlanta” near your hotel or staying area is a common way people find fan-heavy spots, though the mix changes from season to season.

Tailgating and Pre‑Game Options in Atlanta

If you’re going to the game, you may want to get there early and soak in the atmosphere.

Tailgating Near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Tailgating is common in:

• Designated surface lots around the stadium
• Certain parking areas west of Northside Drive NW

Typical tailgate setups include:

• Grills and food spreads
• Portable tents and chairs
• Music, team flags, and team apparel

Before you plan a tailgate, make sure you’re familiar with:

• Parking lot rules for open-flame cooking, tents, and alcohol
• Lot opening times (often several hours before kickoff)

Non‑Tailgaters: Pre‑Game Alternatives

If tailgating isn’t your thing, you can:

• Arrive early and walk around the stadium plaza to take in the fan energy
• Visit nearby restaurants and bars downtown
• Explore local attractions within walking distance, such as Centennial Olympic Park or general areas of downtown, then head to the stadium closer to kickoff

Saints vs. Falcons: Safety, Rules, and What You Can Bring

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium has stadium-specific rules you’ll want to know before you arrive.

Clear Bag Policy

Most NFL stadiums, including the Falcons’ home field, follow a clear bag policy model. While specific rules can be updated, they commonly include:

• Allowing small clear bags up to a certain size
• Allowing small clutch purses of limited dimensions
• Prohibiting larger non-clear bags, backpacks, and oversized purses

Fans often check official stadium guidelines before game day to avoid problems at the gate.

Security and Entry

Expect:

• Metal detectors at entry
• Ticket scanning (mobile tickets are now common)
• Lines that are longer closer to kickoff, especially for high-interest games like Saints vs. Falcons

Arriving 30–60 minutes early is typical for many fans who want to be in their seats before introductions and the opening kickoff.

How to Enjoy the Rivalry if You Live in Atlanta

If you’re an Atlanta resident, the Saints game has a different flavor than a typical home game.

For Falcons Fans in Atlanta

• Many locals treat the Saints matchup as a must-watch rivalry game each season.
• It’s common to host or join home watch parties, often with themed food, team color decorations, and friendly banter.
• Schools and offices sometimes see more team jerseys and gear on rivalry weeks.

For Saints Fans Living in Atlanta

Atlanta has a significant number of New Orleans transplants, so you’re not alone if you’re cheering for the Saints here. Many:

• Seek out bars that attract fellow Saints fans
• Wear team gear around the city leading up to the game
• Coordinate group outings to the stadium when the Saints are in town

This mix of fan bases adds to the energy of Atlanta on game weekend.

Watching the Saints Atlanta Game From Home in the City

If you prefer to stay home, you still have plenty of ways to follow the action.

Broadcast and Streaming Basics

For regular-season games, the Saints–Falcons matchup usually appears on:

• One of the major national broadcast networks that carry NFL games, depending on schedule and time slot
• Cable or satellite packages that include sports channels
• Live TV streaming services that carry NFL broadcasts, commonly used by cord-cutters in Atlanta

Locals often check:

• Which network is carrying the game that week
• Whether they receive that channel via antenna, cable/satellite, or streaming

Planning a Trip to Atlanta for the Saints Game

If you’re coming from out of town—especially from New Orleans—you can structure a full weekend around the Saints at Atlanta game.

Where Visitors Commonly Stay

Popular areas for game visitors include:

• Downtown Atlanta:
  • Closest to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • Walkable or short rideshare distance to the game
• Midtown:
  • Easy MARTA access to downtown
  • Lots of dining and nightlife options
• Buckhead:
  • More of a shopping and nightlife district
  • Easy to reach the stadium via MARTA or rideshare

Getting Around the City

Visitors often use a mix of:

• MARTA rail and bus services
• Rideshare services for direct door-to-door trips
• Walking for short hops around downtown and Midtown

Because game day traffic can be heavier:

• Many visitors plan to arrive downtown early
• Some choose to explore attractions near the stadium before or after the game instead of driving again right away

Quick Atlanta Game‑Day Snapshot

The Saints Atlanta game turns Atlanta into a rivalry hub, whether you’re in the stands at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, posted up at a local bar, or watching from home. With a bit of planning—especially around tickets, transportation, and where you want to experience the game—you can enjoy one of the most intense NFL matchups the city hosts each year.