Hotels for Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

A New Year's Day college football bowl game pits two ranked teams against each other in a matchup that carries weight in the national playoff picture. Fans travel in from both schools' home states, often driving or flying in for a long weekend built around the game. Tailgating starts hours before kickoff, with alumni groups and marching bands filling the streets around the stadium. Falling on a Friday this time round, it sets up a natural long weekend rather than competing with weekday work schedules.

The Falcons joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1966, the nickname chosen after a fan-naming contest settled on a bird prized in the region for its speed and pride. The franchise has never won a Super Bowl despite two appearances, including the 2016 season's heartbreaking collapse against New England after leading by 25 points, still one of the most replayed games in league history.

Atlanta plays in a retractable-roof stadium downtown that doubles as a major concert venue. Matt Ryan's decade-plus at quarterback, culminating in that near-miss title run, defines the franchise's most successful period, and the Falcons' NFC South rivalry with the Saints remains one of the league's most heated.

A striking modern stadium with a distinctive retractable roof, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta is home to the Falcons and Atlanta United and a marquee host of the biggest events and concerts. It sits close to the city's convention district, with restaurants, the aquarium and other attractions nearby.

The MARTA rail system stops right by the stadium, a real advantage in a driving city. Booking a room downtown lets you walk or ride to the event and reach the venue without wrestling with traffic.