The Sports Lover's Guide to Atlanta
Atlanta loves a good game. With die-hard fans of college football, like for the 2021 and 2022 College Football National Champion Georgia Bulldogs, and six professional sports teams, including the 2021 World Series Champion Atlanta Braves, the city always has something for fans to cheer about. Add to that top-notch venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Truist Park, and it is easy to understand Atlanta's reputation as a first-class sports town.
But why wait for game day to enjoy all the city has to offer? Here are two amazing behind-the-scenes stadium tours and one interactive sports museum that will help any visitor get their game on.
Tour Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the home of the Atlanta Falcons professional football team and the Atlanta United professional soccer team. On non-game days, behind-the-scenes tours are available of this impressive stadium that was completed in 2017.
Tours include the scoop on a stunning art collection that includes the highly visible falcon sculpture outside the entrance with its 70-foot wingspan, as well as an art collection that includes more than 200 pieces curated by the Midtown Atlanta branch of Savannah College of Art & Design. Two favorites are the collage of clocks that calculate the time, and a seven-foot mural paying homage to early African American football players in the league.
The tour gives guests a peek into the VIP lounges, including the exclusive AMG Lounge. And, of course, what tour would be complete without a trip to see the locker rooms, and maybe even sit in Falcon’s quarterback Matt Ryan's chair!
Molly B's, a contemporary, Southern-style chophouse named after philanthropist and Atlanta United and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank's mother, is open for lunch even on non-game days. It's a perfect way to end the tour.
Be a part of the action at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
Whether a die-hard college football fan or a casual tailgater, the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame is a favorite spot on any sports tour of Atlanta.
Located near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this interactive sports museum customizes each guest's experience. It begins with a walk through a tunnel into a three-story atrium with 760 football helmets from different schools decorating the walls. Guests receive a lanyard that personalizes their visit, showing them their favorite team's triumphs as well as keeping track of interactive elements. After the visit, guests can download recordings of themselves as a sports anchor on TV and a radio broadcaster calling the game, among other things.
Additional interactive displays include creating a mascot, recruiting players and organizing the band. Static displays talk about the importance of psychology in sports, and a video room showcases immortalized plays.
For those that just want to get into the game, guests can test their speed and agility on the field, kick a field goal or throw a winning pass.
Go behind the scenes at Truist Park
In 2017, the Atlanta Braves moved into their new home at Truist Park (formerly SunTrust Park), surrounded by the adjacent entertainment complex The Battery. With shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, a hotel, apartments and offices, the complex is hopping every day of the week.
Visitors can take a walk-up tour of the baseball stadium any day but Sunday. Each tour is a bit different, and stops could include the Xfinity Rooftop, press box, Hank Aaron Terrace, Xfinity Club, Monument Garden, Delta SKY360° Club, dugout, Coors Light Below the Chop, Terrapin Taproom, Hope & Will's Sandlot, and Braves Clubhouse Store.
For something really special, Truist offers a VIP experience on game day. Not only will fans get a personalized behind-the-scenes tour of the park, they also get a personalized LED message and a spot on the field to watch batting practice.
After your tour, plan to stick around at The Battery for an adult beverage at one of the many restaurants, browse through the shops, or take in a concert at the Coca-Cola Roxy.
