The Atlanta Falcons season opener kicks off against the New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 7. Atlanta restaurants are ready with the assist if plans revolve around your own tailgating or home viewing parties or scoping out a viewing spot.

No ticket? Hail Mary, Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland is throwing a tailgate party and showing off their new 120-inch big screen for game viewing in the family friendly dining room. Can't get Big Green Egg specials at the stadium but there will be plenty at Atkins Park! Goose Island beer is the beverage of choice at the party. For fun and games, join in the raffle benefitting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and stick around for a Cornhole ATL tournament after the game. Cornholers, tournament registration begins at halftime, and more than $1,000 in cash and prizes is at stake! The $30-per-team registration scores a straight shot right over to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! Even though they are hosting a tailgate party, Atkins Park is willing and able to cater yours.  

Beloved Atlanta chef Shaun Doty is flapping his Falcon-loving wings to cater tailgate parties with Bantam + Biddy's famous Southern-inspired, farm-to-table main dishes and side items. Falcons fans can enjoy the famous fried chicken tenders with wasabi honey sauce or a variety of sliders including options like white truffle chicken salad, BLT and roast beef and horseradish. Great side options include homemade creamy macaroni and cheese and Anson Mills Sea Island red peas and rice.  

Football games mean pizza, and Sandy Springs' Hearth Pizza Tavern is offering its to-go specials for the big game, including this swell deal: Purchase four large pizzas with one or more toppings and receive one complimentary pizza with one topping. Additional to-go options include "Missy's Intense Hearthbread" and the Parmesan truffle fries.  

Craving pretzels and beer-cheese dip? Head over to HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown to catch the big game and enjoy tasty bites at the spacious bar or on the patio. In addition to pub fare, a comprehensive craft beer list includes a mix of American and imported high-gravity beers - draft and bottled. Complimentary valet parking is available.  

Roll into fall tailgating with colorful and refined Asian cuisine by ordering catering from RA Sushi. Fresh selections include to-go sushi platters like the maki maki with the spicy yellowtail, Philadelphia and California rolls, or the Tsukiji combo with a variety of nigiri and sushi rolls. Pricing varies per platter.

Recently opened Smokebelly BBQ invites Falcons fans to watch the game on the patio or at the bar to enjoy signature dishes and brew selections. Beer connoisseurs will enjoy the variety of options, including more than 40 craft beer selections like the Carolina Sky Blue, Evil Twin Hipster Ale, Lagunitas IPA and Allagash White. Pair it off with Smokebelly's already famous barbecue plates. 

There's no better place to catch the game downtown than STATS, Atlanta's famous sports bar located just minutes from the Georgia Dome. STATS caters to groups ready to cheer on their team, so reserve one of the main dining room party tables or seven high-top "beer" tables including a personal beer tap. STATS also provides a unique viewing experience with 70 high-definition televisions, plus supreme audio quality.

Staying in for the game? For those hosting their own viewing party, Kevin Gillespie's new concept Terminus City is offering its signature, down-home cuisine for to-go catering options. Select items include whole-hog barbecue and country-fried steak along with sides like fried okra, Brunswick stew, shaker-style slaw, squash casserole and creamed corn. Orders are required in advance. Visit the Facebook page or call 404-380-1886 for more information.

No matter who the big cheese is in your group, practically everyone gobbles up queso dip. Enjoy Willy's Mexicana Grill's catering options to create your own unique spread of Tex-Mex favorites including a build-your-own taco, fajita or nachos bar, plus fresh guacamole, salsas and, of course, queso.  

It takes balls to enter the first Atlanta Meatball Festival. Lots of them. Beef-pork-chicken-lamb and maybe some seafood for the adventurous. Chef Drew Belline of no. 246 and chef Craig Richards of St. Cecilia are among the Atlanta chefs rolling their mouthwatering meatball dishes into the big tents at Sandy Springs' Belle Isle Shopping Center on Sunday, September 14 for this 2-6 p.m. ball game. Judges and attendees will sample wares and vote, and the top three ballers will go on to the Taste of Atlanta Meat Brawl Throwdown in October. Wine, beer, limoncello, live music by country/ Southern rock tribute band Convoy and a silent auction round out the festival -- all to benefit nonprofit Open Hand (whose chef Justin Wills also will participate).

Party in the Kitchen on Thursday, September 18 leans more to the chic and cocktail set with cuisine prepared by some of Atlanta's most talented chefs, spirited drinks, live music and both silent and live auctions. Aria chef Gerry Klaskala is one of the co-chairs for the 7 p.m. King Plow Arts Center event to help fund Open Hand. Purchase tickets online, $200 per person. 

See, see on that fancy phone! You might win a $200 party from Tin Lizzy's Cantina. Follow Tin Lizzy's Cantina on Instagram and post a photo of yourself drinking your favorite beverage (except water) at Tin Lizzy's. Next, tag the photo with "#tlcdrink" and your cantina location. Once Tin Lizzy's approves the photo, your entry goes into the mosh, and you'll have a chance to win. There's a drawing each Monday in September.