In the heart of Atlanta’s bustling tailgating scene—amid the energy of The Home Depot Backyard and the celebratory chaos surrounding Mercedes-Benz Stadium—there’s one unmistakable sight that draws fans like moths to a flame: the Fanbulance. Red and black, bold and blaring, it’s more than a converted emergency vehicle—it’s the rolling heartbeat of Falcons fandom.

The story of the Fanbulance is, at its core, a story of love—for a team, a city, and a community built one Sunday at a time. Long before the vehicle existed, Tom and Diane Dunn were already fixtures at Falcons games, supporting their team since 1979 through all of life’s changes: pregnancies, relocations, even retirement. Rain or shine, win or rebuild, the Dunns were there—cheering from the stands, traveling to away games, and slowly building what would become a massive Falcons family.

Their original tailgating dream was sparked by a question every die-hard fan has asked at some point: How do I pack once and tailgate forever? While Tom initially envisioned a hearse (complete with a coffin-dressed opponent of the week), Diane wisely steered the vision to something with a little more life—an ambulance. Enter the Fanbulance.

Outfitted with essentials and luxuries alike—microwave, fridge, blender, satellite dish, HDTV, and more—the Fanbulance became a rolling command center of Falcons pride. It was a full family affair. Their son Matthew hand-painted murals. Their younger son Christopher came up with the name and designed the logo. Diane transformed the interior with her brush, including a giant hand-painted Falcons logo. Even their nephew Blake helped with fabrication and electrical systems. This wasn’t just a vehicle—it was a passion project years in the making.

Since then, the Fanbulance has become the anchor of the Falcons BirdWatchers, a close-knit but ever-growing crew of over 125 die-hard fans hailing from across the U.S. and even internationally. At their tailgate, birthdays are celebrated, toasts are raised, and friendships are formed with fans from both sides of the field. They welcome all—strangers, rivals, newcomers—to enjoy good food, strong drinks, and stronger camaraderie. It’s not uncommon for visiting fans to be invited in, share a toast, and swap stories before heading into battle on the field.

On game day, the Fanbulance transforms into a festive fortress of Falcons fandom. A massive red and black falcon perches atop a cage that houses the helmet of that week's opponent. People line up to tour the vehicle and take photos with the elaborate display. But just before kickoff, things get quiet—Tom gathers the group for a heartfelt toast, rallying his fellow BirdWatchers with a speech before leading the march into Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Tom’s devotion extends beyond tailgating. Under his leadership, the group has raised money and volunteered for organizations like the Tommy Nobis Center, Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots, and more. Even now, with personal health battles and a move to Florida to be closer to grandchildren (fourth-generation Falcons fans!), Tom continues to drive back to Atlanta for every home game. The Fanbulance 2.0—fully reimagined and outfitted with even more tech—is his latest masterpiece and remains a magnet for fans young and old.

In a city where tailgating is a beloved pre-game ritual, Tom Dunn and the Fanbulance crew have elevated it into something extraordinary. They’ve created not just a gameday tradition, but a family—one bonded by passion, loyalty, and the shared rollercoaster ride of Falcons football. If you're ever in Atlanta for a game, follow the cheers, look for the cage, and grab a cup. Because when the Fanbulance rolls in, the party's just getting started.

Rise Up. Tailgate On. Welcome to the Fanbulance.