Tailgating rules
Tailgating is allowed at the Georgia Dome in the Yellow Lot or Lot A, known as “The Gulch.”
Other lots surrounding the Georgia Dome also allow tailgating.
The marked parking spaces are for vehicles only. Fans cannot use parking spaces for tents, grills, chairs or other items. All vehicles require a valid parking permit.
Loud amplified music or noise is prohibited in any Georgia Dome lots.
Tailgate tents cannot exceed 8-by-10 feet.
Tailgating equipment (grills, coolers and electronics) may not extend beyond the parking space, or interfere with vehicles driving through the lot.
Fun tailgating apps
Read the write-ups and smack-downs leading up to the game and then track the live game action.
Get live audio, NFL videos and game highlights, breaking and headline news, national NFL blogs. For premium subscribers, iPhones also can access live video coverage, including the NFL Network 24/7 and NFL RedZone.
Get breaking news and see real-time statistics. After the game, watch the news conferences and keep up with postgame blogs. View photos and videos of your favorite highlights. This is the app to watch that potential San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh meltdown over and over again.
Before your tailgate party, look at the weather with the Weather Channel’s updated app. Push alerts available. The app will tell you if that pop-up shower will ruin your pregame festivities or if temperatures will spike into the 90s.
For 99 cents, this app will tell you everything you need for the big tailgate. You won’t forget the cheese dip or hot dog buns. It includes a handy shopping checklist you can use over and over again.
For downtown dining options, check out the list that the AJC's John Kessler's created for the Final Four in spring.
Autumn may still be some seven week away but Falcons football season is upon us and it's time for fans to crank up their acts too.
As the games commence, thousands will eat, drink and cheer on their birds. They will deck themselves in red jerseys and, of course, talk trash with those rooting for the other team. All this happens inside the Georgia Dome. But real fans get their game on in the parking lots hours before kickoff.
Break out the grills and coolers. Downtown tailgating started with the Cincinnati Bengals preseason game August 8.
According to the Tailgating Industry Association, tailgating has grown to a $20 million industry that also drives retail business and interest in football markets at all levels.
While longstanding NFL markets like New York, Kansas City and Green Bay are recognized nationally for their tailgate fare, Atlanta has made considerable strides in the past few years.
Atlanta Falcon fan Carolyn Freeman, aka “The Atlanta Falcons' Birdlady,” says there is a correlation between how good the team plays on the field and the quality of tailgating in the parking lots.
“The spirit of fans and the power of the masses flows through the air and gives the players the mojo of the Dirty Bird Nation for sure,” Freeman said. “The players can smell and hear the roar of the support outside the Dome as everyone gathers to tailgate.”
Yes, the players do notice.
Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas enjoys seeing the tailgaters having fun on his way into the Dome and he’s been known to show his appreciation by checking out tailgaters after the game.
“After the game, I go out and visit with everyone and enjoy the good food,” Douglas said. “Giving your time to listen and talk to some of the fans means a lot.”
Longtime Atlanta tailgater Gerard Grimes, a self-described “tailgate geek,” will be back at it this fall and he’s happy to offer some tips.
“Get up early,” Grimes said. “Seven a.m. used to be the time to get there, but now we get (to the Dome) between 4 and 5 a.m. to make sure we get where we want to be.”
Public parking lots officially open five hours before kickoff, but with sellout crowds now the norm, that means more pregame revelers.
Atlanta tailgater Chris “Dipper” Holdib follows the old Boy Scout’s motto when it comes to tailgating: be prepared.
Holdib says his “Fanaholics” group hits the grocery stores on Saturday night to make sure they have everything they need for their menu.
“We love to do theme tailgates,” Holdib said. “It depends on who we are playing. When New Orleans comes to town, it’s a Cajun theme. When a New York team comes, we have a hot dog bar.”
When the Dallas Cowboys came to town last November, Holdib says it was all about the BBQ.
Grimes has noticed that as the Falcons have become more creative with their offensive and defensive game plans on the field, the tailgates have become more creative, too.
“The menus have always featured staples like ribs and chicken, but new additions like turkey sausage, turkey burgers and crab legs,” Grimes said.
As for the grills in use this year, expect to see everything from huge smokers to skewers to even portable grills like the new Pop Up Grill by Rylander. The Pop Up Grill folds up, so it’s easier to transport and set up.
Experienced tailgaters will also advise to keep tabs on the weather and dress appropriately. Not everyone wears a bird costume like the Birdlady. Dress for hot weather in September, bring along a sweatshirt in October and dress warmly in November and December. Veteran tailgaters will always have an umbrella within arm’s reach for that passing shower. Tailgates go on rain or shine.
Tailgating can be hard work, but Grimes says don’t let it take away from your enjoyment of the game.
“Tailgating should enhance the game-day experience,” he said. “Remember to have fun.”
While Falcons fans may disagree on some things — their favorite player, the best meat to grill, the ideal pregame cocktail — they all agree on what would be the ultimate tailgate site for the long-suffering Atlanta football fan.
“It would be in New York at Super Bowl XLVIII,” Freeman said. “I want a Super Bowl, I want fireworks, I want a parade.”
About the Author
