Who Do the Atlanta Falcons Play Next? Your Up-to-Date Game Guide for Atlanta Fans

Knowing who the Atlanta Falcons play next is more than trivia in this city—it helps you plan your Sunday (or Monday…or Thursday), your MARTA route, your parking, and even your tailgate menu.

Because NFL schedules, kickoffs, and flexed games change during the season, the specific next opponent, date, and time can’t be reliably given in a static article. Instead, this guide explains:

• How to quickly find who the Falcons play next
• How to know whether it’s a home game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or an away game
• The best ways to get to the game in Atlanta
• Local tips for watching from home, at a bar, or with a group

All of this is tailored to what someone in Atlanta, Georgia actually needs to know.

How to Find Who the Atlanta Falcons Play Next

Because schedules update in real time, the surest way to know who the Falcons play next is to check a current schedule source just before you plan.

You can:

• Look at an up-to-date NFL or team schedule on your phone or TV guide
• Use the electronic program guide on your cable, satellite, or streaming service
• Ask a smart assistant (e.g., “Who do the Atlanta Falcons play next?”) for real-time info

When you check, write down the:

• Opponent
• Date
• Kickoff time
• Home or away status
• TV channel or streaming service

From there, the rest of this guide helps you turn that info into a game plan in Atlanta.

Step 1: Is the Next Falcons Game Home or Away?

Once you know who the Falcons play next, the first thing to check is whether it’s:

• Home – played at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta
• Away – played in another NFL city

This changes what you need to do.

How to Tell Quickly

On most schedule listings, you’ll see one of these formats:

• vs. [Team Name] – Falcons are at home (game in Atlanta)
• @ [Team Name] – Falcons are away (game in another city)

For example:

• vs. Saints → Home game in Atlanta
• @ Panthers → Road game, not in Atlanta

Once you know that, use the sections below that fit your situation.

If the Falcons’ Next Game Is a Home Game in Atlanta

Home game in Atlanta? Here’s what locals usually care about most:

• Getting to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Parking vs. MARTA
• What time to arrive
• Where to eat and hang out nearby
• Watching from around the city if you don’t have tickets

Key Facts About Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

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

Primary use: Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), plus major events.

On game days, expect:

• Heavy traffic on Northside Dr, Marietta St, MLK Jr Dr, and North Ave
• Crowds around Downtown, Vine City, and Castleberry Hill
• Street closures and redirected flows near the stadium

Getting to the Next Falcons Home Game

🚆 Taking MARTA (Often the Easiest Option)

For many Atlanta residents, MARTA is the simplest way to get to a Falcons game, especially if you’re coming from:

• Midtown
• Downtown
• Buckhead
• Decatur
• The airport corridor

Nearest MARTA stations to the stadium:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – Walk through the Georgia World Congress Center area to the stadium.
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – Short walk to the west side of the stadium, useful if you’re parking or staying nearby.
• Five Points Station (Red/Gold + Blue/Green) – You can transfer lines here; it’s walkable but a bit farther.

Tips for MARTA on game day:

• Load or refill your Breeze Card ahead of time to avoid lines.
• Aim to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before kickoff to get through security comfortably.
• After the game, expect crowded trains and a wait on the platforms, especially at Vine City.

MARTA customer information (for schedules and service changes):
MARTA Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer info line is typically printed on Breeze kiosks and station signage.

🚗 Driving and Parking for a Falcons Home Game

If you decide to drive to see whoever the Falcons play next:

• Plan your parking in advance for big rivalry or prime-time games.
• Expect higher prices and heavier congestion the closer you get to the stadium.

Common parking approaches near the stadium include:

• Official parking decks and lots around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center
• Private lots in Castleberry Hill and Downtown
• Limited on-street parking where permitted (always read signs carefully)

Game day driving tips:

• Build in extra time for I‑75/85 and I‑20 traffic, especially if you’re coming from Cobb, Clayton, Gwinnett, or DeKalb.
• Consider approaching from less-congested routes (e.g., using surface streets from West Midtown or West End).
• Have a backup parking area in mind in case your first choice fills up.

What Time Should You Get to a Falcons Home Game?

Once you know the kickoff time for the Falcons’ next game, work backwards:

• 2–3 hours before kickoff
  Ideal if you want to:

  • Tailgate
  • Explore The Home Depot Backyard (if open for events)
  • Eat, drink, and browse around the stadium

• 60–90 minutes before kickoff
  Reasonable if you:

  • Just want to get in your seat
  • Need time for security screening, bag checks, and to find your section

• 30–45 minutes before kickoff
  Possible but rushed, especially for big opponents or national TV games.

Simple Game Day Planning Snapshot (Home Game)

If the Falcons’ Next Game Is an Away Game

If the schedule shows “@ [Opponent]”, the Falcons’ next game isn’t in Atlanta—but the city still feels it.

For Atlanta residents and visitors, that usually means:

• Watching at home or a hotel
• Meeting friends or family at a sports bar
• Visiting neighborhood spots that put the Falcons game on the big screens

Watching From Home in Atlanta

Once you know:

• Who the Falcons play next
• The kickoff time
• The TV network or streaming service

You can set up:

• Over-the-air antenna (for games on major broadcast networks)
• Cable or satellite channel selection
• Streaming app on your TV, tablet, or phone

Many Atlantans also follow along with second-screen experiences such as:

• Live stats or play-by-play on their phone
• Group chats with friends during big games

Watching the Falcons Game at a Bar or Restaurant in Atlanta

Around the city, many spots set up TVs and sound for Falcons games, especially:

• Downtown
• Midtown
• Buckhead
• West Midtown
• Popular suburban areas in the metro region

When choosing a place, consider:

• How early they fill up on game day
• Whether they turn the sound on for the Falcons game
• Seating options for larger groups or families

Calling ahead earlier in the week or the morning of the game can help you confirm:

• Game will be shown
• Reservation or waitlist options
• Parking situation near the venue

Understanding the Falcons Schedule in Atlanta Terms

Even if you already know who the Falcons play next, it helps to understand the bigger schedule pattern so you can plan ahead during the season.

Preseason vs. Regular Season vs. Playoffs

• Preseason (August)
  Games may be home or away, but:

  • Starters may not play as many snaps
  • Kickoff times can vary across weekdays and weekends
  • Tickets are often easier to find

• Regular Season (roughly September–January)
  This is when most Atlantans follow closely:

  • Games mostly on Sundays, with some Mondays, Thursdays, or Saturdays
  • Mix of home and away games
  • More tailgating, packed MARTA trains, and busy sports bars

• Playoffs (if the Falcons qualify)
  Playoff games can have:

  • Higher ticket prices
  • Bigger national attention
  • Shorter notice for exact dates and times

Because playoff scheduling is flexible, Atlantans usually wait for official confirmations before making firm travel or watch-party plans.

Divisional and Rivalry Games

Some opponents feel bigger in Atlanta regardless of the record. When you see that the Falcons play one of these next, expect more energy around the city:

• New Orleans Saints – Longstanding NFC South rivalry
• Carolina Panthers
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers

These games often mean:

• Livelier tailgates around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• More fans in opposing team colors downtown
• Packed bars and restaurants in popular neighborhoods

If your schedule shows one of these as the next opponent, plan ahead a bit more than usual.

Practical Tips for Game Day in Atlanta

Once you’ve identified the next opponent, here’s how to turn that into a smooth day:

1. Check the Weather in Atlanta

Even with the stadium’s roof, weather still affects:

• What you wear to get there
• Tailgating plans
• Pre- and post-game walking around downtown

Look up the forecast for Atlanta the morning of the game, especially for:

• Extreme heat or humidity (early season)
• Rain and storms (common in the South)
• Cold snaps (late season games)

2. Know the Stadium’s Entry Rules

If you’re going to see whoever the Falcons play next in person:

• Check for bag policies (often clear bag rules)
• Note prohibited items like certain umbrellas, large signs, or outside food and drink

This helps you avoid walking back to the car or missing kickoff while sorting out items at security.

3. Plan Food and Drinks Around the Game

For Atlantans and visitors, game day is as much about food as football:

• Near the stadium, you’ll find options in:

  • Downtown
  • Castleberry Hill
  • Areas walkable from MARTA stations

• Around the metro, plenty of:

  • Sports bars
  • Neighborhood restaurants
  • Breweries and taprooms that show Falcons games

If you’re planning a home watch party, shop early to avoid last‑minute crowds at grocery stores close to kickoff.

Quick Checklist for the Next Falcons Game in Atlanta

Use this simple checklist once you’ve verified who the Atlanta Falcons play next:

1. Opponent & Type of Game

   • [ ] Opponent: ______________________
   • [ ] Preseason / Regular Season / Playoff

2. When & Where

   • [ ] Date: __________________________
   • [ ] Kickoff Time: __________________
   • [ ] Home (Mercedes‑Benz Stadium) or Away: ____________

3. How You’ll Watch

   • [ ] At the stadium
   • [ ] At home / hotel
   • [ ] At a bar or restaurant in Atlanta

4. Transportation (if going out)

   • [ ] MARTA route and station planned
   • [ ] Or parking location chosen and arrival time set

5. Game Day Details

   • [ ] Weather in Atlanta checked
   • [ ] Stadium rules or bar policies reviewed
   • [ ] Food and drink plan set

By combining a current schedule check with these Atlanta-specific tips, you can quickly figure out who the Atlanta Falcons play next and make the most of game day—whether you’re in the stands at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, watching from a Midtown bar, or catching the game from your living room in the metro area.