The Falcons and their fans are hoping to secure the Super Bowl title and the respect that it brings this Sunday, effectively putting to rest all of the smack talk that Atlanta sports fans have endured through the years.
When the NFL shut down the Mayor Kasim Reed-endorsed idea to stream the game at the Georgia Dome, many fans were likely stuck trying to figure out where they could gather to be amongst fans.
Luckily, when the city’s team is playing to prove it’s the best team in the league, restaurants and businesses typically are eager to rally behind them.
Here are five places that will host can’t-miss viewing parties as the Atlanta Falcons take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 2017:
Hobnobbing with former athletes
Former NFL and NBA players are hosting a watch party at the College Football Hall of Fame. Fans who were disappointed that the NFL won’t allow the game to be streamed at the Georgia Dome should head a few blocks down to attend this viewing party at the museum.
In addition to watching the game, fans will get the opportunity to take photos of and get selfies with former athletes such as former Falcons players Ray Buchanan and Peerless Price, walk a red carpet and listen to live music.
5:30 p.m. Feb. 5. $60-$250. College Football Hall of Fame, 250 Marietta St., Atlanta. eventbrite.com.
Park Tavern do-over
Park Tavern made headlines when it hosted a Green Bay Packers rally ahead of the NFC Championship game a few weeks ago, but it's making it up to Falcons fans by hosting Falcons all day on Super Bowl Sunday. The restaurant will start serving its full menu at 11:30 a.m, but its viewing party won't officially start until 5 p.m.
In addition to drink specials, such as the Matty Ice and the Dirty Bird, and tailgate-style specials, the restaurant will erect a theater-size screen on its patio so that fans can watch the Falcons take on the New England Patriots in a grandiose fashion.
NKD Music will treat attendees to a live concert before fans turn their attention to the screens indoors for the 6:30 p.m. kickoff and pop superstar Lady Gaga’s halftime show.
5 p.m. Feb. 5. Free admission. Park Tavern, 500 10th St., Atlanta. Parktavern.com.
BYOB
Cobb County residents looking to cheer on the Atlanta Falcons can head to Smyrna’s Brawner Hall for New Orleans cuisine in addition to traditional ballgame food, an “old school” DJ and, of course, the big game on a 60-inch TV.
Drinks will be available, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own, too.
Chef Darrell Catering and Designs is hosting the viewing party and serving jambalaya, rib tips, Cajun jerk chicken, burgers, hot dogs and more.
5 p.m. Feb. 5. $25-$35. Brawner Hall, 3180 Atlanta Road, Smyrna. eventbrite.com.
Making good on a promise
Nearly a decade ago, former NFL player Shannon Sharpe promised to sponsor a Super Bowl party for Off the Hook barber Trevor “Maurice” Combs if the Falcons ever made it to the big game.
The time has come.
Combs will cash in on his winnings by hosting a viewing party at Habanos Cigar Lounge. The Castleberry Hill cigar lounge is just blocks away from the Georgia Dome and the Falcons’ future stadium.
A limited buffet will be available and the bar will be selling mystery Dirty Bird shots for anyone hoping to take a drink every time the Falcons score.
3 p.m. Feb. 5. Free admission. Habanos Cigar Lounge, 301 Peters St., Atlanta. http://habanoscigaratl.com/.
Food and a guaranteed seat
Taco Mac is one of many restaurants hoping to attract Falcons fans who aren’t headed to Houston and can’t get into the Georgia Dome on Super Bowl Sunday.
For $35, fans can get a guaranteed seat (as long as they arrive by 5:30 p.m.), two drinks, unlimited chips and salsa, 10 wings and a side.
3 p.m. Feb. 5. $35. Taco Mac, 100 Techwood Drive, Atlanta. Facebook.com.
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MORE COVERAGE
With the Falcons at the Super Bowl, more events are sure to pop up in metro Atlanta, so keep an eye on our coverage on accessAtlanta.com.
