Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
Georgia Dome 1 Georgia Dome Drive NW Atlanta, GA 30313
Year Opened: 1992
Capacity: 71,228
The Dome is Home
The Georgia Dome has been home to the Atlanta Falcons since 1992. But once the 2017 season begins, the Georgia Dome will be no more as a new stadium will open just south of the dome’s current location.
Over the last 20-plus years, the Georgia Dome has not seen a lot of big games because the Falcons have not achieved consistent success. However, in recent seasons, the Falcons have been in the playoffs four times and as hosted three playoff games including the 2012 NFC Championship Game.
While Atlanta fans are criticized for not supporting their sports teams, more fans have come to support the Falcons over the last few years because of their recent success. And while they have still have a lot of work to do in becoming the best fans in the NFL, there is nothing quite like seeing the Georgia Dome filled with over 70,000 fans cheering the Falcons to victory.
Food & Beverage 4
The food prices at the Georgia Dome are on the expensive side, but the quality is worth the cost. From hot dogs, wings, burgers, popcorn, and fries, there is a wide variety of food to choose from.
I had the chicken tenders and fries the last time I was at the Georgia Dome. It cost me $13 dollars, but they gave me a lot of food so I was not complaining.
The one thing that does stand out is they have a couple a Taco Mac concession stands as well as an actual Taco Mac restaurant inside the dome. So if you want to go to the Brewniversity while watching the Falcons game, you are more than welcome to do so.
Just like any professional football stadium, there are plenty of alcoholic beverages to choose from. And if you want a soda, then Coca-Cola is the beverage of choice because the main headquarters is a few blocks away.
Atmosphere 4
The Georgia Dome is the largest cable supported dome in the world. When you walk into the stadium, it looks a lot bigger than looking at it from the outside.
Over the years, the Falcons have improved to make the dome feel like the home of the Falcons by painting the seats red and black and doing the same thing with the outside walls.
Then there is Falcons Landing which is located right in front of the C Gate of the dome. Fans can play games, get autographs and listen to some of the local sports talk radio host preview the Falcons game.
And once you’re inside the dome, the drumline and the pregame videos and the cheerleaders do a good job getting you ready for kickoff.
Because the team has had some success over the last few years, the dome has more of a big-time NFL feel than in the past. And while they have a ways to go to be a premiere NFL atmosphere, they are on their way.
Neighborhood 5
The Georgia Dome is located in the heart of Atlanta, and there is a ton to do other than just taking in the Falcons game. Right next to the Georgia Dome is Philips Arena where you can see an Atlanta Hawks game as well as a concert.
There is also the CNN Center where you can take a tour of CNN studios and shop at the Atlanta Braves Clubhouse store.
Right around the corner is the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. Both are great places to take kids and are very informative.
But the one thing that will catch the eye of many patrons is the College Football Hall of Fame, which will open in the fall of 2014. This is good place to learn all about the game and its legendary players and coaches.
Fans 4
The fans in Atlanta have been ridiculed over the years because they are not as passionate as some of the other NFL fan bases in bigger markets. But because of the recent success of the team, the fans have been more actively supportive of the Falcons.
The biggest issue is that the fans do show up late, so when the game starts, the dome may look a little emptier than it should be. But that has do with traffic and tailgating, and the fans eventually file in.
There are normally 65,000-70,000 fans per game and they are smart and loud when they need to be. As much as Atlanta loves the Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs, the Falcons have captured their hearts because this team has a chance to do some big things in the next few years.
Access 4
With the Georgia Dome located right off the downtown connector, it’s really easy to get to. And because there are plenty of parking options, getting out of stadium is not a problem either.
And when it comes to moving around the Georgia Dome, that’s a piece of cake as well. However, one of the new things they have done is if you have a 100-level ticket, only those fans can walk around that level.
As far as the restrooms go, they are as clean as you will find in an NFL stadium. But because there are 65,000 fans that attend a game, they can get crowded, so make sure to choose your time to go to the restroom wisely.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets for a game can range from $60-$160 depending on where you want to sit. And parking will range from $20-$60, which is on the high side. But overall, it’s a good investment to make because there are only eight games per season, the food prices are not out of this world, and the product on the field has been solid over the last few years. So it’s worth spending the money to go to the dome on a Sunday afternoon.
Extras 3
The entrance video is as good as it gets. Samuel L. Jackson telling fans to rise up is never old and he’s been doing it for years.
The Falcons Ring of Honor is a great way to remember the best players in Falcons history.
One of the most interesting things the Georgia Dome has is every helmet of every high school team in the state. Even my school was up on the wall which is a very cool thing to see for the many fans visiting from all over the state of Georgia.
Final Thoughts
The Georgia Dome is a good place to take in an NFL game. The officials have made improvements to the stadium to enhance the fan experience, and it has worked because whenever the Falcons are in town, the Atlanta area is always a busy place. But time is running out on the dome because the new Falcons stadium will open in the next few years. So make sure to you get the Georgia Dome before it’s too late.