New England Patriots
When attending a New England Patriots game at Gillette Stadium, you'll want to make sure you take the time to enjoy the adjoining shopping, dining and entertainment center of Patriot Place. Although Patriot Place is jam-packed with options for a pre- or post-game drink, you'll be able to cram in extra sports viewing if you pop into lively CBS Scene. Screens line the walls in this sports bar allowing you access to even more of the sports you adore, and the menu is filled with delights for your drinking and dining pleasure. The lively crowd is happy to chat and the party continues long after the Patriots game ends.
Gillette Stadium — Photo courtesy of Joe Polizzotti Jr.
Oakland Raiders
San Francisco and Oakland share many rivalries, but give Oakland the football stadium win by a slight edge. Although the San Francisco 49ers seem to have the better team, the Oakland Raiders have the better weather. Both teams are trying to get new stadiums, but at least Oakland Coliseum visitors don't have to contend with the swirling, foggy winds of Candle Stick Park. In fact, you can bet on fair weather for most Oakland Raider games.
Oakland Coliseum — Photo courtesy of wikipediacommons
Another plus: BART offers direct service to Oakland Coliseum, so you can avoid being snarled in infamous, game-day Bay Area traffic. And, whether it's before or after the game, take the BART up to Berkeley for some great food and even better beer at Jupiter's, which is right up the stairs from the Downtown Berkeley BART stop.
Atlanta Falcons
Built in 1992, the Georgia Dome has been the home of the Atlanta Falcons for two decades. The venue is owned and operated by the Georgia World Congress Center, the same group behind Phillips Arena which is located just across the Georgia International Plaza from the Georgia Dome. Getting to and from the stadium is incredibly easy thanks to the MARTA Green and Blue lines, as well as the two roads that sandwich the stadium: Centennial Olympic Park Dr. to the east and Northside Dr. to the west.
The Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta on one of its few sleepy days in the fall — Photo courtesy of Ed Coyle Photography
Being located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, there’s plenty to do in and around the Georgia Dome. One can do everything from take a tour of the CNN headquarters, to tailgate in the GWCC park, to have a bite to eat before the big game at Taco Mac, located next to Phillips Arena. The Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest, is also located within walking distance of the dome.
Whether or not you’re a fan of the Falcons or even the sport of football itself, there’s plenty to see and do all around the “Bird House."
