NFL in Atlanta: Your Guide to Pro Football in the ATL

The phrase “NFL Atlanta” almost always points to one thing: the Atlanta Falcons and everything that comes with NFL football in the city. Whether you live in metro Atlanta, you’re in town for a game, or you just want to understand how the NFL scene works here, this guide walks you through what to know and how to enjoy it.

The NFL in Atlanta at a Glance

Atlanta is home to:

• The Atlanta Falcons (NFL team)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (world-class home stadium)
• A passionate football culture that stretches from pro football to college and high school

If you’re searching “NFL Atlanta,” you’re likely interested in one or more of the following:

• How to attend a Falcons game
• Where the stadium is and how to get there
• Tickets, parking, and tailgating
• Where to watch NFL games around Atlanta
• How NFL season impacts traffic, transit, and downtown activities

Atlanta’s NFL Team: The Atlanta Falcons

Basics

Team: Atlanta Falcons
League: National Football League (NFL), NFC South
Home Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Typical Season: Preseason (August), Regular Season (September–January), Playoffs (January, if qualified)

The Falcons are the centerpiece of NFL Atlanta life. During the season, Sundays (and some Mondays/Thursdays) in the city feel completely different—especially near downtown and along key bar and restaurant corridors.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Home of NFL Atlanta

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

Situated just west of downtown, the stadium is easy to reach from major highways and MARTA. It also hosts major concerts, college football games, and other large events, but on NFL Sundays, it’s all about the Falcons.

Getting to the Stadium

You have several options depending on where you’re coming from:

1. By MARTA (Highly Recommended on Game Day)

MARTA can be the simplest way to navigate NFL game-day crowds.

• Rail Station: GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
• From the station, the stadium is a short, clearly marked walk.
• If you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near the Airport, you can typically transfer to the Blue/Green Line downtown and avoid game-day traffic and parking hassles.

2. By Car

Main access routes include:

• I-20, I-75, and I-85, all converging near downtown
• Exits around Northside Drive, Spring Street, and MLK Jr. Drive

On game days, traffic can be heavy 2–3 hours before kickoff and right after the game ends. Plan extra time if you’re coming from Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, or DeKalb counties.

3. Rideshare and Taxis

There are designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones around the stadium area. These locations are typically marked with signage on event days, and staff often direct traffic.

Tickets and Seating for Falcons Games

Buying Tickets

You can usually purchase single-game tickets, season tickets, and sometimes group tickets. Prices can vary based on:

• Opponent (division rivals and popular teams usually cost more)
• Day/time of game
• Seat location (lower level vs. upper deck, sideline vs. end zone, club seats, suites)

Tip: 🏈 If you live in Atlanta and are flexible on which game you attend, looking at weekday or less high-profile matchups can often be more affordable.

Seating Overview

While layouts can change slightly for special events, most Falcons games have:

• Lower Level: Closest to the field, higher prices, more immersive experience.
• Club & Premium Sections: Often include access to club lounges, special concessions, and sometimes upgraded parking.
• Upper Level: More budget-friendly, still good sightlines due to the stadium’s design.

Parking for NFL Games in Atlanta

Parking at and around Mercedes-Benz Stadium fills up quickly on NFL game days.

On-Site and Nearby Parking

There are official stadium lots and decks as well as independent lots nearby. You’ll find parking around:

• Northside Drive NW
• Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW
• Areas around State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center

Many fans choose to pre-pay for parking to guarantee a spot and know exactly where they’re going.

Tips for Parking on Game Day

• Arrive at least 1–2 hours before kickoff if you’re driving.
• Carefully follow posted event signage; some streets become one-way or restricted near kickoff and after the game.
• If you’re staying at a downtown or Midtown hotel, walking or using MARTA can be easier than dealing with parking altogether.

Tailgating and Game-Day Atmosphere

Tailgating is a big part of the NFL Atlanta experience, especially for home Falcons games.

Where Tailgating Happens

Tailgating often occurs in:

• Stadium-adjacent parking lots and decks authorized for tailgating
• Select private lots within walking distance

Policies can vary by lot, but common rules include restrictions on:

• Open flames or grills in certain areas
• Glass containers
• Sound equipment

Tip: 🔊 Check posted lot rules when you arrive; attendants often answer questions about what’s allowed.

What to Expect Around the Stadium

On NFL game days, the area around Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park can be lively, with:

• Fans in jerseys lining the streets
• Street vendors and food options
• Live entertainment or DJ setups for some games
• A noticeably increased presence of Atlanta Police Department and event security

NFL Watch Spots Around Atlanta

If you’re not going to the stadium, Atlanta still offers many ways to enjoy NFL Sundays.

Popular areas for watching games include:

• Buckhead: Sports bars and restaurants with multiple screens
• Midtown: Lively spots with both Falcons games and out-of-market matchups
• Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park area: Good if you’re staying near major hotels or convention centers
• West Midtown, East Atlanta, and other neighborhoods: Smaller, neighborhood-style venues showing games

Most places that focus on NFL viewing:

• Show the Falcons game by default, especially on local broadcast channels
• Often carry multiple games at once when possible, especially during the early Sunday slate

If you’re visiting, ask ahead whether they:

• Show out-of-market games
• Have audio on for specific matchups (usually the Falcons)

NFL Season Timing and How It Affects Atlanta

The NFL regular season typically runs from early September through early January, with some preseason games in August and potential playoff games in January.

Impact on Traffic and Transit

If you live, work, or are staying near downtown:

• Expect heavier traffic around the stadium on home game days, especially:

  • Late morning through early afternoon for day games
  • Late afternoon and evening for night games

• MARTA trains can be more crowded, especially around:

  • Airport, College Park, Midtown, Five Points, and GWCC/CNN Center stations

If you’re not interested in the game but need to be downtown, it may help to:

• Allow extra travel time
• Use MARTA instead of driving, if possible
• Plan errands or outings away from stadium-adjacent streets during peak times

Quick Reference: NFL Atlanta Essentials

Visiting Atlanta for an NFL Game

If you’re coming in from out of town specifically for a Falcons game, planning around the stadium’s location and game time will make your trip much smoother.

Where to Stay

Common areas visitors choose:

• Downtown: Closest to Mercedes-Benz Stadium; often walkable on game day
• Midtown: Short MARTA ride away; lots of dining and nightlife
• Buckhead: Farther by MARTA or car but with many hotel and restaurant options

From any of these areas, you can typically reach the stadium in 15–30 minutes by MARTA, depending on transfers and timing.

What Else to Do Around Game Day

If you have extra time around an NFL game, downtown Atlanta offers several attractions near the stadium, including:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• Centennial Olympic Park
• State Farm Arena (NBA, concerts, other events)

These can usually be visited before or after a game, depending on schedules and security closures.

Living in Atlanta and Following the NFL

For locals, NFL Atlanta isn’t just about going to games—it's a weekly rhythm during the season.

Common ways Atlantans follow the NFL:

• Watching at home with local broadcasts and subscription services
• Going to sports bars for multi-game viewing on Sundays
• Listening to local sports radio that heavily covers the Falcons and NFL news
• Attending one or two home games per year, even if not season ticket holders

Traffic, parking, and availability of certain downtown venues can be influenced by the Falcons’ home schedule, so many residents keep an eye on the home game calendar even if they’re not attending.

Key Takeaways for “NFL Atlanta”

• NFL in Atlanta = Atlanta Falcons + Mercedes-Benz Stadium + citywide football culture.
• For live games, focus on tickets, transportation (MARTA vs. driving), and parking well ahead of time.
• If you’re not going to the stadium, Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, and downtown offer plenty of places to watch NFL games.
• Game days can significantly affect traffic and transit around downtown, so planning ahead matters for both fans and non-fans.

Whether you’re in the stadium, watching from a local bar, or catching the game at home somewhere in metro Atlanta, NFL Atlanta is a big part of how the city spends its fall and winter weekends.