What to Bring to an Atlanta Falcons Tailgate

Whether you’re a casual fan or a diehard Atlanta Falcons one, attending a tailgate before the big game can be one of the most fun and memorable experiences. From hanging out with likeminded fans to awaiting the start of the game to basking in the smells of hamburgers and hotdogs roasting over a hot grill.

However, for many less experienced tailgaters, the experience can be a daunting one. That’s why, below, we are going to not only review what to bring to an Atlanta Falcons tailgate, but also review just how to tailgate properly.

How and Where to Tailgate at an Atlanta Falcons Game

Unlike many other NFL stadiums throughout the country, the Falcons tailgate is located at The Home Depot Backyard. Located at 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA, 30313, The Home Depot Backyard is a mere 289-feet away from Mercedes Benz Stadium.

A beautiful, 11-acre green space that is filled with unique structures and is capable of hosting a plethora of events and programs, The Home Depot Backyard is centrally located near Mercedes Benz Stadium and allows tailgaters a private, gated community to enjoy themselves.

With ticket prices ranging from $17.95 to $139.99, there are a plethora of available packages and package options for you to enjoy yourself and the time before the start of the game.

However, on gameday, there are a few rules and regulations which must be followed by all tailgaters. We’ve listed all the rules imposed on tailgaters by The Home Depot Backyard below.

• Access to The Home Depot Backyard opens 4.5 hours before the start of the event. This applies to both vehicles and fans and fans should be aware of the timeline before arriving to the tailgate.

• Tailgating is permitted up to 30-minutes after the start of the event. However, fans may remain in or near their vehicles to ensure vehicle safety throughout the game.

• Vehicles are not allowed to be parked overnight at The Home Depot Backyard and any vehicle parked overnight is subject to be towed at owner’s expense.

• The Home Depot Backyard closes two hours after the end of the game.

• Vehicles are only permitted to one parking space per hangtag.

• Oversized vehicles, including RV’s, buses, and trailers, are not allowed at The Home Depot Backyard.

• Parking space reservations are not permitted. If you would like to be parked next to a friend or family member, you should plan on arriving early to ensure ample parking spaces.

• Charcoal grills are prohibited. Tailgaters may only use natural gas or propane grills.

• Glass containers are only allowed to be used for serving purposes only.

• Fans are permitted to bring up to one 10’ by 10’ shade tent per parking space to be used on the grass areas and tailgate spaces within The Home Depot Backyard.

• Sales of any kind are strictly prohibited.

• Non-licensed motor vehicles and unmanned model aircrafts are prohibited.

• Small portable electric generators of 6500W or less are allowed but must be placed atop plywood or decking to prevent burning of the grass.

• In case of emergency, tailgaters are encouraged to contact the Game Day Hotline at 470.341.5020.

Preparing For a Tailgate

Before you can head out to a tailgate, whether one for the Atlanta Falcons or for any other NFL or college football team, it is important to be fully prepared for the tailgate. And while tailgating can be tons of fun, being ill-prepared can dampen the fun and ruin an otherwise memorable experience.

For starters, as tailgating requires bringing a ton of equipment with you to the parking lot or tailgating location, you should ensure that you have a car or vehicle large enough to house all the items. Ideally, having an SUV or pick-up truck will help in transporting, loading, and unloading all the items you plan to bring along.

Further, as tailgating tends to be a lifelong hobby, we highly recommend creating and dedicating a space within your house or garage to keep all the tailgate items organized. A simple, cordoned off area or space within your home or garage should suffice and will allow you to more easily remain prepared and organized for your next tailgate.

Lastly, be sure to always check the weather and traffic conditions before leaving the house. Understanding the weather and traffic conditions will not only help you to prepare for the tailgate but will also ensure you are dressed appropriately and provide yourself a sufficient amount of time to arrive to the tailgate location.

Items to Bring to an Atlanta Falcons Tailgate

Below, we are going to review the full list of items you can bring to a tailgate for the Atlanta Falcons and at The Home Depot Backyard. And while some of these items are necessary, many of them are simply nice-to-have. As such, we will identify items you should absolutely bring along and items which are simply good to have.

Again, there are no specific rules on how to run or organize a tailgate and you can personalize the experience to suit your own needs. However, if you would like some guidance, feel free to use the below list.

Basic Items

• Team Apparel – a nice-to-have item, team apparel isn’t necessarily required, but you will definitely feel more in-tune with the rest of the crowd by wearing Falcons colors and apparel. And while a Falcons jersey is a popular choice, they can be prohibitively expensive for many. Rather, consider a unisex Team Fan Apparel shirt. For slightly chillier days, we definitely recommend the New Era Dri-Tek Long Sleeve Tee, which provides just a bit more warmth.

• Atlanta Falcons Cap – while many NFL teams have specific headwear, i.e. the Green bay Packers cheeseheads, the Falcons are better known for their simple baseball-esque hats. Many fans, both within the stadium and the city in general, will wear a Falcons cap to show their support and fandom for the team and we highly recommend wearing one to the game.

• Atlanta Falcons Tent Canopy – definitely a necessity, having a tent canopy will help to provide you with some protection against the beating Atlanta sun or a light drizzle. And with 10×10 foot tents allowed in The Home Depot Backyard, we definitely recommend bringing one. We personally recommend the Rawlings Atlanta Falcons 10×10 Tailgate Canopy, which also provides a 50+ UPF rating.

• Atlanta Falcons Camp Chairs – with some tailgates lasting multiple hours, camp chairs are definitely a necessity. Sticking with the Falcons theme, we really like the Atlanta Falcons 3-Piece Tailgate Kit, which comes with two camp chairs and a foldable table, all emblazoned with the Falcons logo.

• Coolers – no tailgate is complete without a proper cooler. Useful for keeping your food, drink, and snacks cool and cold, a capable cooler is a must. And while there are a ton of options available, we personally love and use our YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler.

• Ice and Ice Packs – with a cooler, you will need to fill it with both ice and ice packs. Easily available at a nearby supermarket or gas station, filling your cooler with ice will keep your items cool and cold throughout the day and while you’re at the tailgate.

• First Aid Kit – we’ve previously discussed the importance of bringing and carrying a first aid kit with you while camping and the same holds true while tailgating. And while we hope you won’t need to use one, it is better to be prepared. Personally, we are huge fans of the Homestock+ First Aid Kit.  Well-stocked with the most important and necessary items, the Homestock+ First Aid Kit contains a plethora of supplies, each labeled in individualized compartments.  In addition, each supply contains a user-guide, providing you with comprehensive instructions for each item and how to properly use.

Food Items

• Portable Grill – no tailgate is complete without grilled burgers and hotdogs. And as you will be traveling to the tailgate location, you will need a portable grill to get your grill on. We personally love the Coleman RoadTrip 225 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill. Light and extremely portable, you will be able to get your grilling done in style and efficiently.

• Propane Tank – also available at any nearby supermarket or gas station, a propane tank will be needed to light your grill.

• Grill Tools – with a portable grill, you will need grilling tools. Personally, we like to keep our home and tailgate tools separate and love the Falcons 3-Piece Grill Set, which comes with a stainless steel spatula, fork, and tongs, all emblazoned with the Falcons logo.

• Grilling Mitts – likewise, while handling hot food and over a live fire, it’s important to do so with a grilling mitt. We love the Atlanta Falcons Number 1 Fan Mitts!

• Disposable Utensils, Cups, and Napkins – we’re fans of all-in-one sets and with this 175 piece set, you’ll get disposable plates, utensils, cups, and napkins all in one. Perfect for tailgating and affordable, we’ve used this set multiple times and have never had any issues with the items provided.

• Food and Drink – there’s really no right or wrong answer here. Whatever your dietary restrictions or preferences, be sure to bring a good supply of food and drink items to the tailgate. And while most fans and tailgaters will bring burgers and hotdogs, feel free to mix it up and try to bring unique and new items.

• Condiments – likewise, if you are making burgers and hotdogs, don’t forget the condiments. We love this Grab-n-Go Condiments Pack, which provides 50 single serve pouches of ketchup, mustard, mayo, and relish.

• Snacks – while tailgating, snacks are an absolute must. From chips and crackers, to popcorn and candy, to beef jerky and trail mix, be sure to bring a sufficient amount as you’ll likely be snacking throughout the tailgate.

• Water – while you’re likely to bring other drink options, don’t forget to bring a case or two of water. It’s important to remain hydrated, particularly on warmer days, of which Atlanta is particularly known for.

Clean Up, Leftovers, and Cleanliness

While tailgating is tons of fun, it can also be quite messy. As such, be sure to bring along the following items to help keep things, and yourself, clean and mess-free.

• Plastic Containers – perfect for leftovers, we love this 50-pack which is large enough to hold most leftover food items from the tailgate.

• Paper Towels – likewise, for cleanup and messes, paper towels are an absolute must.

• Hand Sanitizer – a quick way to keep your hands clean and germ-free, be sure to bring along some hand sanitizer.

• Wet Wipes – for bigger messes, having wet wipes on hand will help make cleanup both easier and faster.

• Garbage Bags – lastly, with thousands of fans at a tailgate, finding an empty trash can may be difficult. Be sure to bring along some garbage bags to quickly and easily dispose of food and trash items.

Miscellaneous and Cool Items

Not exactly necessary, a lot of these items are just cool and useful to have and to bring along with you!

• A Football – what better item to bring to a tailgate then a football. Great for tossing around or playing a quick, informal game, bringing along a licensed NFL football will make you feel like you’re a part of the big game.

• Blankets – if the forecast calls for colder weather, be sure to bring along some blankets for additional warmth. And, in keeping with the Falcons theme, you can bring along a Falcons Sherpa Throw Blanket.

• Bug Spray and Sunblock – for warmer days, and to avoid both bugs and harmful UV rays, be sure to bring along both bug spray and sunblock. Nothing is more annoying than pesky bugs flying overhead while you’re trying to enjoy a meal!

• Sunglasses – if the forecast calls for a sunny day, then we definitely recommend bringing along sunglasses.

• Wireless Speaker – to make the tailgate even more enjoyable, consider bringing along a wireless speaker. You’ll be able to play your favorite tunes or even analysis of the upcoming game. We personally love the JBL FLIP 5, which is both waterproof and Bluetooth capable.

• Atlanta Falcons Flags and Banners – you’ll definitely want to showcase your Falcons pride while at the tailgate and bringing along Falcons flags and banners will help you to do so.

• Battery Powered Fans – for warmer days, consider bringing along a battery powered fan. With Atlanta heat reaching into the upper 90’s, a battery powered fan can help to keep you cool during warmer days. We personally use this one, which has an oscillating function and can be controlled via remote control.

• Portable Phone Charger – you’ll likely be using your phone to take pictures and videos and you don’t want to be left without battery. That’s why we highly recommend bringing along a portable phone charger to keep your phone filled with power.