If Atlanta Falcons fans can tailgate through winter months, basketball fans ought to have no problem, even if the team jerseys they are wearing are sleeveless.

For those driving in and cooking out, here’s the scoop.

If you were hoping to find a place to park that recreational vehicle at the Georgia Dome, you are way too late. But there will be plenty of parking spots there and in dozens of private lots in downtown Atlanta where you can pull in, set up a couple of lawn chairs, pull out a cooler full of fried chicken or a grill and beverages and have at it.

But rules in the private lots are subject to the lot owners. Check before you pay.

Tailgating rules

Dome parkers can grill, eat and drink in and near their parking spaces and landscaped areas in the surface parking lots, but not in the Red or Gold decks. Fans may not set up tents, tables or seats in other parking spaces. A few other rules:

Saving spaces for others is not allowed.

Tents cannot exceed 8-by-10 feet.

A 14-foot drive aisle must be maintained between rows of vehicles.

Tailgating is permitted until two hours after the conclusion of the game.

Grills are OK, and charcoal must be disposed of in designated containers in the lots.

No deep fryers.

Propane tanks cannot exceed a cylinder size of 20 pounds.

All guests must follow the directions and instructions provided by stadium personnel or risk being ejected.

For those who do not park in the Dome lots, here is an interactive list of other lots downtown. Click on the lot to see what restaurants are located nearby.