The Atlanta Falcons, established in 1965, have called three different stadiums home over their storied history. Each venue marks a distinct era for the franchise and for the city of Atlanta, chronicling the evolution of professional football and stadium architecture in the state.
The Falcons' story began at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the multipurpose venue that brought both the Falcons and the Atlanta Braves to Georgia. From 1966 to 1991, this "cookie-cutter" stadium served as the team's first home, a no-frills setting for the early days of the franchise.
A Shared Home: The stadium was designed to accommodate both baseball and football, which often led to a less-than-ideal seating arrangement for football fans, as the oval design meant some of the best seats were far from the action.
Building a Foundation: Despite the stadium's limitations, it was the site of the team's first home win in 1966 and was where the Falcons secured their first-ever playoff victory in 1978.
By the late 1980s, the Falcons' ownership and the city of Atlanta decided a football-specific venue was needed. The result was the Georgia Dome, a $214 million marvel that opened in 1992 and instantly elevated the fan experience.
A Dome of Their Own: The move to the Georgia Dome marked a new chapter for the franchise, providing a state-of-the-art facility with 71,228 seats, luxury suites, and a massive cable-supported roof.
Legendary Moments: The Dome was the site of some of the franchise's most significant achievements. It hosted two Super Bowls (XXVIII and XXXIV) and was the home field for the team's historic 1998 season, which culminated in a trip to Super Bowl XXXIII. The Falcons played their final game in the Dome in January 2017, a dramatic NFC Championship victory that sent them to Super Bowl LI.
The Falcons' current home is a testament to modern stadium design and a reflection of the team's commitment to providing a world-class experience. Opened in 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a technological and architectural masterpiece.
A New Standard: The stadium's iconic retractable roof, known for opening and closing like a camera lens, and its stunning 360-degree "Halo Board" have made it a destination venue.
Innovation and Sustainability: As the first professional sports venue in North America to achieve LEED Platinum certification, it represents a new era of sustainability in stadium design.
The Falcons' Future: Mercedes-Benz Stadium is now the stage for the Falcons' future, a hub for high-stakes games, and a place where the next generation of memories will be made.