The Atlanta Falcons will play their 2026 home opener Sunday, September 20, as they welcome the Carolina Panthers to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for another chapter of the NFC South rivalry.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, with both teams entering Week 2 looking for their first win of the season. Atlanta is coming off a 20-13 road loss to Pittsburgh, while Carolina fell to Chicago in its season opener.
If you’re heading downtown Sunday, V-103 has you covered. From parking and MARTA to tailgating and the stadium’s clear-bag policy, here’s what you need to know before you go.
Falcons vs. Panthers Game Day Schedule
You’ll want to get downtown early. The Falcons have several pregame activities planned before kickoff.
Sunday, September 20
- 8:30 a.m. — Parking lots open
- 11:30 a.m. — Mercedes-Benz Stadium gates open
- 12:30 p.m. — Pregame show begins
- 1 p.m. — Falcons vs. Panthers kickoff
The stadium roof is currently listed as closed for Sunday’s game.
Get There Early: Parking Could Fill Up
If you’re driving, don’t wait until Sunday to figure out where you’re parking.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium says there are more than 20,000 parking spaces within a 20-minute walk, but parking can sell out before major events. The Falcons recommend pre-purchasing your parking pass, and many lots do not allow on-site purchases.
Purchase Falcons game-day parking
Taking MARTA May Be Your Easiest Option
Want to avoid downtown traffic altogether? MARTA may be the move.
A MARTA trip costs $2.50 each way, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium recommends using SEC District Station, formerly known as GWCC/CNN Center Station, for convenient stadium access.
Tailgating Starts at 8:30 A.M.
You don’t have to wait until kickoff to get the Falcons energy started.
The Home Depot Backyard, located at 1 Backyard Way next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, opens its game-day festivities at 8:30 a.m.
Fans can expect a live DJ, entertainment, giveaways, face painting and appearances from Freddie Falcon, Falcons Cheerleaders and Falcons legends. The activities are free and open to the public, even if you’re parked somewhere else.
Join the Dirty Birds Nest March
Want to make an entrance?
The Dirty Birds Nest Tailgate begins at 9:30 a.m. at 127 Northside Drive NW.
Fans will then gather for the Dirty Birds Nest March around 11:45 a.m., heading toward Gate 1 alongside Falcons Cheerleaders, Freddie Falcon, the Falcons Drumline and hundreds of other Falcons fans.
A valid game ticket is required to enter the stadium, and there is no re-entry once you’re inside.
Know the Clear-Bag Policy Before You Leave Home
Don’t be the person who gets all the way to the gate and has to turn around because of your bag.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium strictly enforces its clear-bag policy and recommends leaving bags at home whenever possible.
Permitted clear bags may not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. A one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag is also permitted.
Small non-clear bags are allowed, but they cannot exceed 4.5” x 6.5”. Bags outside those requirements are prohibited.
If you accidentally bring something that isn’t allowed, paid mobile locker locations are scheduled to be available outside Gates 1 and 2 for most major events.
Download Your Ticket BEFORE You Arrive
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is mobile-ticket only.
The Falcons strongly recommend adding your ticket to your phone’s digital wallet before arriving because cellular service can slow down when thousands of fans reach the stadium at the same time.
And don’t rely on a screenshot — screenshots of tickets are not accepted. Tickets must be accessible through your mobile wallet or the Atlanta Falcons app.
Falcons Legends Will Be Around Before Kickoff
Fans arriving early will have several opportunities to see former Falcons players.
Scheduled appearances include William Moore, Jonathan Babineaux, Mike Haynes, Andre Rison, Ovie Mughelli, Michael Turner and Billy “White Shoes” Johnson at different pregame locations around the stadium. Appearances are subject to change.
Can’t Make It to Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
The game will air locally on FOX.
Fans in the Atlanta market can also stream through FOX One and NFL+, subject to their respective availability and subscription requirements.
On radio, the game can be heard on 92.9 The Game, along with Westwood One and La Mejor.
One More Tip: Come Early
Between the home opener, tailgates and thousands of fans converging on downtown Atlanta, waiting until noon to head toward Mercedes-Benz Stadium probably isn’t the best game plan.
Parking lots and The Home Depot Backyard open 4½ hours before kickoff, giving fans plenty of time to park, tailgate and enjoy the atmosphere before heading inside.
Falcons vs. Panthers kicks off Sunday, September 20 at 1 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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