Alas, the slog of the summer NFL offseason has come to an end and it’s time for some real, actual football. The Atlanta Falcons host nine home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this year, kicking off the 2022 season against rival New Orleans Saints.
Heading to The Benz for one of the matchups on this season’s docket? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know for watching Falcons action live on game day.
Traveling to a Falcons home game
You might not be able to participate in Georgia sports betting, but you can certainly still go cheer your favorite team on the old fashioned way.
So, first thing’s first — what’s the best way to get to a game? Well, since you’re in Atlanta, this one’s a no-brainer.
Nobody wants to hit Interstate 85 during a regular afternoon, let alone when it’s jammed with hectic game day traffic.
Your best bet? Find a spot to park downtown, then hop on the MARTA to GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. You can also take MARTA to the Five Points stop and walk west down Marietta Street.
Rideshare programs like Uber and Lyft also offer transportation to the stadium. But keep in mind, you’ll likely still have to brave I-85 traffic with this scenario.
When traveling to the game, a good rule of thumb is:
The less I-85, the better the game day experience.
Should you choose to drive your own vehicle to the stadium, there are a variety of parking options available. Some stadium lots require printed passes, while other lots allow purchases upon arrival.
Tailgating at Mercedez-Benz Stadium
If tailgating is on the menu – and of course, it should be – the Home Depot Backyard Lot at Mercedes-Benz Stadium opens 4-1/2 hours prior to kickoff.
This unique 11-acre greenspace transforms into a tailgating mecca on game days, offering special game-day activities and entertainment. Tailgating packages for this lot can be purchased in advance of each home game.
There’s nothing like barbecue before enjoying an Atlanta Falcons game live.
Leave your cash at home
Mercedes-Benz Stadium — being the paragon of modernity that it is — is a completely cashless venue. All vendors, concessions and retail locations will only accept card or mobile payments.
Should you be tethered to the cash in your wallet, multiple kiosks are available throughout the complex to quickly convert your bills into a pre-paid debit card.
Entry policies at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Before heading into the stadium, you’ll need your ticket (printed or mobile) handy. Tickets are required for everyone entering the stadium — except for your little ones shorter than 33 inches.
There are some things, however, that won’t be permitted inside with you.
Bags are welcome at The Benz but will delay your entry into the stadium due to size requirements and search. Best bet: Leave it in the trunk of your car. Should you elect to bring a bag, take careful note of the stadium’s specific criteria for entry:
- Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. They cannot be tinted with color or include oversized content that prevents visibility.
- Only non-clear bags that are smaller than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches are permitted into the stadium. Exceptions will only be made for medically necessary items after inspection.
- Non-complying bags can also be checked – for a fee – outside of the Gate 1 Box Office and outside of Gate 2.
Have fun at The Benz
Once you get into the game, there’s nothing left to do but enjoy the Falcons’ return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium!
This season will certainly be a challenging one, as the Falcons are a team undergoing and adapting to change on multiple fronts. There’s nothing quite like the energy that comes along with attending a game at the Benz, so grab your tickets and mark your calendar for your next Atlanta outing.
Photo by Gerald Herbert/Associated Press
