Falcons Overview

Fast facts

League: NFL

Head Coach: Arthur Smith

Team Mascot: Freddie Falcon

Year Opened: 2017

Capacity: 71000

City / State: Atlanta / Georgia

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Falcons vs Saints

Rival Team: New Orleans Saints

The biggest rival for the Atlanta Falcons are the New Orleans Saints. The rivalry has even garnered the nickname the “Southern Showdown” or “Dixie Championship” due to its importance among the fans. Currently, the Falcons lead the all-time series 49-43, but since Sean Payton and Drew Brees showed up on the scene, the Saints have dominated the series with 13 victories out of the last 17 matchups. These are by far the most intense games for fans to go to as the rivalry is the oldest and most established in the NFC South.

Falcons vs Panthers

Rival Team: Carolina Panthers

The Falcons and Panthers have been members of the same division since the Panthers inception in 1995, which has gone a long way in creating a fierce rivalry between these two Southeast based teams. You’ll find plenty of fans of both teams making the trip when these two NFC South rivals get together as they are only separated by a four-hour trip along I-85.

Falcons Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The tailgate atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is fun and competitive with everyone coming out to show off their tailgating skills. Before the game, there are competitions between tailgaters for titles such as “Best Tailgater” and “Best Barbecue.” Tailgaters make sure to bring their best food and drinks to win these competitions and achieve bragging rights among their fellow tailgaters.

For those of you that aren’t interested in the competitive aspect of tailgating don’t worry walking around and enjoying the tailgate parties and freshly cooked barbecue is also an option. After you grab some food, join some other tailgaters for a game of washers or cornhole to pass the time until the game starts.

With Atlanta being in the south, barbecue is a staple among tailgaters outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. As a result, pork is one of the most abundant foods found at the tailgates here. However, you can still find a lot of tailgates offering a variety of other foods including burgers and dogs. Atlanta knows how to do food meaning no matter what’s on the menu you’ll leave the tailgate feeling full!

You’ll also find plenty to drink at the Falcons fans’ tailgates as well. Falcons fans love to drink but don’t mess around with intricate drinking games. You may catch a game of beer pong here and there, but the majority of tailgaters will be too busy enjoying their beer with their barbecue to have time to play any games.
If you love barbecue, then you’ll love tailgating Falcons style where there is more than enough barbecue to go around for everyone.

Traditions

College Football Hall of Fame

Right outside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the College Football Hall of Fame. If you love football then during your visit to Atlanta make sure to stop by the College Football Hall of Fame to complete your football themed trip.

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Falcons March

Before the game, Falcons fans line up at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and walk to the Falcons Landing with their fellow fans, the Falcons Drumline, Hype Crew, and Freddie Falcon. The Falcon March does an excellent job of bringing Falcons fans together and pumps everyone up before they even enter the stadium creating an amazing game day atmosphere.

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Fan Plaza and Fan Village

Ticketed fans will be able to enjoy a pre and post game village at Fan Plaza. Here you’ll be able to enjoy food and beverages as well as entertainment, so stop by Fan Village before heading into the stadium.

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Falcons Landing

Falcons Landing is the place to be before the game. It opens three hours before the game and is free of charge. Those of you bringing the whole family to the game will have a great time at Falcons Landing before the game where kids can enjoy a variety of activities and even meet Freddie Falcon.

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Where to tailgate

Falcons Stadium Guide

In Game

The state-of-the art-Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the brand new home of the Atlanta Falcons. The gorgeous venue features a slew of amenities, including the largest video board in professional sports, and is a must-see for any NFL fan and is worth the trip to Atlanta all by itself.

If the new stadium isn’t enough of a reason to get you excited about seeing a Falcons game, then the incredible fan support will. Despite being a somewhat inconsistent team over the years, Atlantans still love their Falcons. All throughout the game, you’ll hear fans cheering when the Falcons make a big play. You’ll also see fans adorned in Falcons red and black everywhere you look on game day, so make sure to break out your own red and black to fit right in with the rest of the crowd.

The breathtaking new stadium and loyal Falcons fans make attending a Falcons game a great time for any diehard NFL fan. Don’t hesitate and book your trip now to see the Falcons open their new home this season.

Things to check out

360-Degree Video Halo Board

When attending a Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you’ll be able to see replays on a one of a kind video board you won’t find anywhere else. The 63,000 sq ft video board is the largest in professional sports and a must-see for anyone attending a Falcons game, although we doubt you’ll miss it.

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Affordable Concessions

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is home to the most affordable concessions in professional sports. You can get nachos, waffle fries, or pizza for as low as $3 meaning there is no reason not for you to grab a bite to eat at a Falcons game.

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Falcons Team Store

Stop by the Falcons team store and pick-up a souvenir from your trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The team store has any Falcons gear you could want meaning you won’t leave empty-handed.

Fantasy Football Lounge

If you want to keep up with your fantasy team while attending a Falcons game, then make sure to visit the fantasy football lounge. Here you’ll be able to keep track of all the action going on around the league, so make sure to stop in.

Freddie Falcon

Freddie Falcon has been inspiring fans to get up and cheer for the Falcons for over 35 years and is a staple of any Falcons game day. His antics are sure to put a smile on your face, so look out for Freddie when attending your next Falcons game.

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Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders

The Falcons cheer squad is made up of 40 members and does an outstanding job of entertaining the crowd and keeping them involved in the game. The Falcons cheerleaders put on some great routines that will get you out of your seat and cheering hard for the team.

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Falcons Bars & Restaurants

  1. The Varsity

    Varsity

    Whether you have a school group out on a field trip, or taking a tour group to see the Braves, The Varsity is the fun, fast, and delicious place to stop.

    61 North Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA

    404-881-1706

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Hooters

    beer

    Sports bar & grill chain famous for chicken wings served by waitresses in short shorts.

    209 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    011-886-22-716-5168

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  3. Park Bar

    Park Bar

    Atlanta's Park Bar is famous for giving Detroit sports fans the most memorable experiences.

    150 Walton St, Atlanta, GA 30303

    404-524-0444

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  4. Hard Rock Cafe

    Hard Rock Cafe

    Rock ’n’ roll-themed chain with a high-energy vibe serving burgers & American classics.

    215 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    407-445-ROCK

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  5. Sidebar

    Sidebar

    Upscale sports bar (known for its Cuban sandwiches) with pool & games playing on multiple TVs.

    79 Poplar St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-588-1850​

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Der Biergarten

    Der Biergarten beer

    Pretzels & other traditional German eats draw a crowd to this spacious beer garden & restaurant.

    300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA

    404-521-2728

    Bar website

    european - $$

  7. Marlow’s Tavern

    Marlows Tavern

    Local bar & grill chain offering a classic setting for American pub fare & sports on TV.

    950 W Peachtree St NW #215, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

    404-815-0323

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  8. Atlanta Braves All Star Grill

    Atlanta Braves All Star Grill

    A one-of-a-kind restaurant, the Braves All Star Grill represents the intersection of Atlanta’s heritage.

    200 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-305-8001

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  9. Elliott Street Deli & Pub

    Elliott Street Deli and Pub

    Pub serving deli sandwiches in turn-of-the-century building with patio & a live venue downstairs.

    51 Elliott St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA

    (404)523-2174

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Smoke Ring

    Smoke Ring hotdog

    Rustic-chic smokehouse offering contemporary barbecue, Southern sides & cocktails in a sleek space.

    309 Nelson St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA

    404-228-6377

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Slice Downtown

    Slice Downtown

    Industrial-chic standby serving inventive NYC-style pizza & Italian bites with beer & wine.

    85 Poplar St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-420-8747

    Bar website

    european - $$

  12. Hudson Grille

    Hudson Grille

    Local sports-bar chain serving a menu of burgers, wings, steaks & seafood in a stylish setting.

    942 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

    404-892-0892

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  13. Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria

    Maxs Coal Oven Pizzeria pizza

    Downtown warehouse-type space where a coal-burning oven turns out crispy pies.

    300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA

    404-974-2941

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  14. White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails

    White Oak Kitchen and Cocktails burger

    Airy, modern-rustic hangout serving Southern-tinged New American fare & specialty cocktails.

    270 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-524-7200

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Alma Cocina

    Alma Cocina

    Inventive Mexican fare with regional influences & Latin-inspired cocktails in a stylish setting.

    191 Peachtree Tower, 191 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-968-9662

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  16. Thrive

    Thrive

    American food, sushi & creative cocktails in a lounge-like dining room & bar with modern decor.

    Centennial Tower, 101 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-389-1000

    Bar website

    american - asian - $$

  17. Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt

    Daddy Dz BBQ Joyn

    Casual Southern destination with a wide variety of barbecue & sides dishes up huge plates of food.

    264 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

    404-222-0206

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  18. Sun Dial Restaurant

    Sun Dial Restaurant

    Spinning hotel restaurant & bar with 360-degree views of the city & frequent live jazz.

    210 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

    404-589-7506

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  19. The Brewhouse Cafe

    Brewhouse

    Atlanta's premier soccer bar.

    401 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA

    404-525-7799

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  20. Dantanna’s Downtown

    Dantannas

    Dantanna’s prepares everything from scratch and only uses the highest quality ingredients to ensure a memorable dining experience.

    3400 Around Lenox Rd #304, Atlanta, GA 30326, USA

    404-522-8873

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  21. No Mas! Cantina

    NoMasCantina

    Mexican food & margaritas are accompanied by that distinct Mexican vibe

    180 Walker St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA

    404-574-5678

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  22. Allora

    Allora

    Boutique hotel restaurant serving seasonal Italian dishes & drinks in a sleek, contemporary setting.

    361 17th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363, USA

    404-961-7370

    Bar website

    italian - cafe - $$

  23. Paschal’s

    Paschal

    The most soulful food just for everyone.

    180 Northside Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA

    404-525-2023

    Bar website

    american - $$