ATL Falcons games affect ATL traffic?

[cemeb4dk]

We are driving down to WDW, from the Chicagoland area, and we have driven many times before. But out of curiosity I just checked the Falcons schedule and they have a game the day we plan on driving thru. And with the time I have planned to leave our house, we should be hitting ATL about end of game time or so. Not being familiar with ATL all that much, and where the Falcons actually play, anyone with experience know if it will drastically affect traffic. I don't mind a little congestion but don't want to be sitting for an extended amount of time.

Thanks

 

[JimboCh]

Don't really think you have much choice but to take your planned route. Just hope you hit the area at half time.

http://www.sportmapworld.com/team/american-football/usa/atlanta-falcons/

 

[lylone]

We are driving down to WDW, from the Chicagoland area, and we have driven many times before. But out of curiosity I just checked the Falcons schedule and they have a game the day we plan on driving thru. And with the time I have planned to leave our house, we should be hitting ATL about end of game time or so. Not being familiar with ATL all that much, and where the Falcons actually play, anyone with experience know if it will drastically affect traffic. I don't mind a little congestion but don't want to be sitting for an extended amount of time.

Thanks

I would take I285 around Atlanta instead of going straight through and would recommend taking the west side. Its called the "perimeter" and makes a big loop around downtown. Take it from an ATL native as Falcons games can really tie up traffic in town. Not just slow down your speed some, it can make it like a parking lot. Going around is greater distance wise but you will have better luck time wise going around.

 

[JimboCh]

I would take I285 around Atlanta instead of going straight through and would recommend taking the west side. Its called the "perimeter" and makes a big loop around downtown. Take it from an ATL native as Falcons games can really tie up traffic in town. Not just slow down your speed some, it can make it like a parking lot. Going around is greater distance wise but you will have better luck time wise going around.

So you would jump on I285 in Cumberland right and just stay on it until you are on the other side of the ATL Hartsfield Airport and then get back on I75

The Airport is just below College Park on the map I posted above. The gray shaded area.

 

[cemeb4dk]

Thank you, 285 is the bypass? Sorry no map on front of me.

 

[LadyBeBop]

What day are you going through Atlanta?

Looking at your ticker, it looks it's probably December 29th. That's the last game of the regular season, and the game time could easily be changed. They schedule all Eastern and Central time zone games for 1 PM, but they'll switch a lot of them to 4:25 or even 8:30 depending on the playoff implications. The Falcons are a playoff contender, so they are a prime candidate for a switch in game time.

Problem is: no one will know what time they'll play until probably the Monday or Tuesday before.

Your dilemma will probably have to be revisited around Christmas when we know the game time. However, if the game remains at 1 PM, and you reach Atlanta by 3 PM, you should be OK as everyone will be at the game. If the game is moved to 4:25, and you reach Atlanta by 5 PM, you should be OK.

If I'm wrong, and it's not December 29th, then egg on my face.

 

[minnierocks]

Count on there being lots of traffic and take the bypass! I would rather avoid it than be stuck in it...this is a scenario where you could be pleasantly surprised that there is little traffic or add hours to drive time because you are caught in a parking lot. Atlanta traffic can be a nightmare. We live in Ohio now and I always check the NASCAR schedule when we are getting ready to drive the I-77/I-95 corridor to see if there is a race in Bristol, Charlotte or Daytona. Race day traffic cold put a real damper on our travel plans. Luckily, we have never had to deal with it!

 

[lylone]

So you would jump on I285 in Cumberland right and just stay on it until you are on the other side of the ATL Hartsfield Airport and then get back on I75

Yes! Even if you don't hit it at game times, I would still go around.

 

[lylone]

Thank you, 285 is the bypass? Sorry no map on front of me.

Yes, it is the bypass. If you look at JimboCh's post you can see it.

We actually moved down here from Chicago/state line of WI back in the late 70s. We never drive through town anymore unless we use transit. To go to the airport we always go around on 285. Even if there is smallest accident or breakdown...75/85 through town backs up like crazy. People also do drive like bats out of he!!. So be prepared to go about 70 mph no matter which way you go to just keep up with the flow of traffic.

 

[cemeb4dk]

Thanks, I was on my phone and the maps did not show. So thank you everyone. I will plan on the bypass, if the plan goes as planned I would be getting to ATL about 5pm or so. So I will avoid either way.

And yes no egg on your face it will be Dec 29th.