Atlanta and the Super Bowl: Local Guide to Big Game History, Events, and Watch Spots

When people search for “Atlanta Super Bowl,” they’re usually looking for one of three things:

• Atlanta’s history hosting the Super Bowl
• What to do in Atlanta when the Super Bowl is happening, even if it’s in another city
• Where to watch the game, celebrate, or enjoy football culture around the city

This guide walks through all of that from an Atlanta-focused point of view.

Atlanta’s Super Bowl History at a Glance

Atlanta has hosted the Super Bowl multiple times and is considered one of the major football cities in the United States.

Super Bowls Hosted in Atlanta

Atlanta has hosted the big game three times:

These games cemented Atlanta’s reputation as a major event city, combining world-class venues with easy air travel access through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Super Bowl

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1414 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) is the home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC. It’s known for:

• Its retractable roof and circular video “halo” board
• A central downtown location, walkable from many hotels
• Being integrated into the Downtown Atlanta entertainment district with nearby attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia World Congress Center, and State Farm Arena

Even when the Super Bowl is not in Atlanta, the stadium often hosts:

• College football championships
• Major bowl games
• Large football-related fan events and viewing opportunities

If the Super Bowl returns to Atlanta in the future, it will almost certainly be held here.

What Happens in Atlanta When the Super Bowl Is Elsewhere?

Even when the game is played in another city, Super Bowl Sunday in Atlanta still feels like a major event.

Common Local Game-Day Traditions

In Atlanta, you’ll typically see:

• Bars and restaurants running game-day specials
• Neighborhood gatherings in areas like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Kirkwood, West Midtown, and Old Fourth Ward
• Big-screen viewing parties at sports-focused venues
• Churches and community centers occasionally organizing family-friendly watch parties

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, you won’t have trouble finding a place to watch the game, from laid-back neighborhood spots to high-energy sports bars.

Where to Watch the Super Bowl in Atlanta

Specific businesses can change or close over time, but there are consistent areas and types of venues that are popular year after year.

1. Downtown & Centennial Park Area

This area is ideal if you’re staying near Mercedes-Benz Stadium or one of the large downtown hotels.

Common advantages:

• Walkable between hotels, restaurants, and bars
• Close to major transit at MARTA Five Points Station, GWCC/CNN Center Station, and Peachtree Center Station
• Often hosts bigger watch parties and themed events during major sporting weekends

You can expect a lively atmosphere, especially if there is also a major convention or college event in town.

2. Midtown Atlanta

Midtown is one of the city’s busiest nightlife and dining hubs, and it usually has:

• Sports bars with multiple screens
• Rooftop or patio spots that turn into watch parties
• Easy access via MARTA Midtown Station and Arts Center Station

Midtown is a good fit if you want to mix the game with nightlife, since many places stay open late after the final whistle.

3. Buckhead

Buckhead is known for its mix of upscale and relaxed venues. On Super Bowl Sunday, residents and visitors often:

• Watch the game at large sports-focused restaurants and pubs
• Stay around Peachtree Road, Piedmont Road, and the Buckhead Village area
• Combine shopping or daytime activities with evening game-watching

This is a solid option if you prefer a slightly more polished, less rowdy scene than some other neighborhoods.

4. Intown Neighborhood Spots

If you live in Atlanta or are staying in an Airbnb or short-term rental, you may want more local, neighborhood-style places. Popular football-watching neighborhoods include:

• Virginia-Highland
• Inman Park
• Old Fourth Ward (near the Eastside BeltLine Trail)
• Grant Park
• West Midtown / Howell Mill Road area

These areas tend to offer:

• Smaller, regulars-heavy bars and restaurants
• Places that feel more like “your local” than a big event venue
• Good options if you want to avoid big crowds but still be around fans

Getting Around Atlanta on Super Bowl Weekend

Whether Atlanta is hosting the Super Bowl or you’re just in town for the game, transportation is a key part of planning.

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

MARTA is often the simplest way to move around congested areas on big game days.

Key notes:

• Rail lines connect Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some suburbs
• Many major hotels and entertainment districts are near MARTA rail stations
• On big event weekends, MARTA typically runs enhanced service, but schedules should be checked in advance

For general MARTA information, you can contact:

• MARTA Customer Information Center
  Phone: 404-848-5000

Driving and Parking

If you decide to drive:

• Expect higher parking rates near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Downtown, and Midtown
• Many lots are card-only or app-based
• Plan for heavy traffic before kickoff and right after the game ends

Using park-and-ride lots along the MARTA system can be a more relaxed option: park outside the core and ride the train into the city.

Super Bowl Events and Football Culture in Atlanta

Atlanta has a strong football culture anchored by professional, college, and high school programs. Around Super Bowl time, this culture is highly visible.

Local Teams and Venues That Matter

• Atlanta Falcons – NFL team based at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – College football at Bobby Dodd Stadium (located in Midtown)
• Major high school programs throughout Metro Atlanta that feed college and pro teams

While the Super Bowl itself may only visit once in a while, these teams keep football energy strong throughout the year.

When Atlanta Hosts the Super Bowl: What to Expect

In years when Atlanta hosts the Super Bowl (like 2019), the city typically sees:

• Fan festivals around Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center
• Concerts and themed events spread throughout Downtown and Midtown
• Extensive security perimeters and street closures near the stadium
• High hotel demand throughout Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some suburbs along MARTA

If you live in Atlanta:

• Plan for heavy traffic and limited parking near the stadium
• Expect more visitors in restaurants, hotels, and major attractions
• Consider using MARTA, rideshares, or walking if you’re near the core

If you are visiting:

• Book accommodations well in advance when the Super Bowl is scheduled in Atlanta
• Look at hotels along MARTA lines if you want to avoid driving
• Check official city and event websites closer to the date for street closures and event schedules

Watching the Super Bowl at Home in Atlanta

Many Atlantans prefer to host or attend home watch parties instead of going out.

Common local approaches:

• Picking up takeout or catering trays from local restaurants, barbecue spots, or wing places
• Shopping at large grocery stores or warehouse clubs along major corridors like Ponce de Leon Ave, North Druid Hills Rd, Cheshire Bridge Rd, Cobb Parkway, and Roswell Rd
• Combining the game with a cookout if the weather is mild (which it often can be in early February in Atlanta)

If you live in an apartment or condo:

• Some buildings in Atlanta have club rooms or theaters that can be reserved for Super Bowl viewing
• It’s common to coordinate with neighbors to share food and screens

Safety, Crowd Tips, and Local Etiquette

Whether you’re downtown near the stadium or in a neighborhood bar, a few Atlanta-specific tips are helpful.

Safety and Logistics

• Plan your return trip: Know your MARTA schedule, rideshare pickup spots, or designated driver plan before kickoff.
• In crowded areas like Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, keep an eye on personal belongings.
• Check weather conditions; Atlanta can be chilly and occasionally rainy in February.

For city-level public safety information, residents and visitors can refer to:

• City of Atlanta Police Department – Non-Emergency Line: 404-658-6666
• Emergency: 911

Local Football Etiquette

Atlanta is a transplant-heavy city, so you’ll see fans of many teams. Common expectations:

• Passionate cheering is normal, but most spots appreciate respectful behavior toward opposing fans.
• If the Atlanta Falcons ever appear in the Super Bowl again, expect especially intense local emotion—plan ahead if you prefer a quieter place to watch.

Planning Ahead: How to Stay Updated

Because specific Super Bowl events, viewing parties, and policies change year to year, it helps to:

• Check MARTA for schedule and service notices, especially for late evening service
• Look at the City of Atlanta or Mercedes-Benz Stadium for official information if the Super Bowl or major football events are in town
• Call ahead to bars or restaurants if you plan to watch the game at a popular venue, especially in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, the Super Bowl is more than just a game on TV. Whether the big game is being played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or on the other side of the country, Atlanta turns it into an all-city occasion—with packed viewing spots, strong football culture, and plenty of ways to enjoy the day.