Mercedes-Benz Stadium, an iconic landmark in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, isn’t just a stadium; it’s a destination. Home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United, this state-of-the-art venue offers an unparalleled experience for sports enthusiasts, concert-goers, and event attendees alike. Opened in August 2017, replacing the Georgia Dome, it has quickly become a symbol of Atlanta’s vibrant culture and commitment to world-class entertainment.
Located in downtown Atlanta at 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, Mercedes-Benz Stadium boasts a seating capacity of 71,000, expandable to 75,000 for football and up to 71,000 for soccer. Designed by renowned architectural firms HOK and 360 Architecture, the stadium’s official website, https://mercedesbenzstadium.com/, provides a wealth of information for planning your visit. For immediate inquiries, you can contact the stadium at (470) 341-5000.
This guide will take you inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, exploring its history, navigating parking and admission, understanding seating options, and discovering the diverse food and beverage choices that make this venue a standout. Whether you’re a local or visiting Atlanta, prepare to be amazed by what Mercedes-Benz Stadium has to offer.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium exterior showcasing its modern design and the Atlanta skyline
A Look Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s History
The story of Mercedes-Benz Stadium began with a vision to create a next-generation venue that would not only serve as a home for Atlanta’s beloved sports teams but also elevate the city’s status as a global event destination. The initial discussions about replacing the Georgia Dome started in May 2010, driven by the Atlanta Falcons’ ambition to enhance fan experience and host major events. The plan, initially, was to keep the Georgia Dome operational for non-NFL events even after the new stadium’s completion.
However, as plans progressed, the decision was made to construct the new stadium adjacent to the Georgia Dome. After years of negotiations and agreements between the Falcons and the city of Atlanta, a final deal to build Mercedes-Benz Stadium was reached on March 7, 2013. Groundbreaking commenced on May 19, 2014, with an initial target opening date of March 1, 2017. Despite facing construction delays, Mercedes-Benz Stadium officially opened its doors on August 26, 2017, with a preseason NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals.
Shortly after the grand opening, the Georgia Dome was demolished. The former site of the Georgia Dome was transformed into the Home Depot Backyard, a vibrant green space used for tailgating and community events, further enhancing the inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium experience beyond game days.
One of the stadium’s most striking features is its retractable roof, a marvel of engineering inspired by the Roman Pantheon. This unique pinwheel design consists of eight triangular panels that create a circular opening, allowing natural light to flood inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Adding to the visual spectacle is the Halo, a massive 58-foot by 1,100-foot video board that encircles the roof opening. When installed, it dwarfed all other NFL video boards, being three times larger than the one at Jacksonville Jaguars’ EverBank Field, setting a new standard for fan engagement inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
In its relatively short history, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has already hosted a plethora of prestigious events. Even before completion, it was awarded Super Bowl LIII in 2019, a testament to its world-class facilities. Annually, it hosts major college football events like the SEC Championship game, Celebration Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Furthermore, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play one home game per year at the stadium from 2021 to 2026. The stadium also hosted the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, solidifying its position as a premier venue for sporting events inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
As the home of Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become a fortress for soccer in the MLS. It has consistently broken attendance records, including the 2018 MLS Cup, where 73,019 fans witnessed Atlanta United’s victory over the Portland Timbers. Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set to be one of the 11 U.S. venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further cementing its global significance and the excitement inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium for international sports.
Beyond sports, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has also become a sought-after concert venue. Garth Brooks inaugurated the concert scene on October 12, 2017, as part of his World Tour. Taylor Swift’s Reputation tour in 2018 drew massive crowds, with 116,746 attendees over two sold-out nights, highlighting the versatility of experiences inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Navigating Parking and Admission Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Located in Atlanta’s bustling sports and entertainment district, Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers numerous parking and public transportation options for visitors. Over 20,000 parking spots are available within a 20-minute walk of the stadium. Parking rates are event-dependent and managed by independent operators, not Mercedes-Benz Stadium directly. For specific event parking information and pre-purchase options, it’s recommended to visit www.parking.mercedesbenzstadium.com.
Public transportation is a convenient and efficient way to reach Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The MARTA station, situated on the northwest side of the stadium, is directly connected via a pedestrian bridge, ensuring safe and easy access for fans arriving inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Exclusive Mercedes-Benz Parking Perks
For Mercedes-Benz drivers, there’s an added perk: free parking! By reserving a spot in the Mercedes-Benz Lot through the ParkMobile app, Mercedes-Benz owners can enjoy complimentary parking. The Mercedes-Benz Lot is conveniently located across from The Backyard, at the corner of Magnolia and Northside Dr. This exclusive benefit enhances the premium experience associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Streamlined Admission and Bag Policy
To ensure smooth entry, Mercedes-Benz Stadium advises arriving early, especially for Falcons and United games, where gates typically open one-and-a-half hours before kickoff. Entry procedures include mandatory walk-through metal detectors for all fans. If the detectors are triggered, further screening with handheld metal detectors may be required after checking pockets.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium enforces a clear bag policy in line with NFL guidelines. To expedite entry and enhance security inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it is recommended to avoid bringing bags whenever possible. Permitted bags include:
- Clear plastic bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon resealable clear freezer bags
- Small women’s clutch purses, maximum size 4.5″ x 6.5″
- Medically necessary bags for patrons with medical needs
All bags are subject to search, and any bags not meeting these criteria will be denied entry. Adhering to this policy ensures quicker entry and a safer environment inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium for everyone.
Exploring Seating and Capacity Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers a versatile seating configuration to accommodate various events. For football games, the standard capacity is 71,000, with the ability to expand to 75,000. Soccer configurations hold 42,500, expandable to 71,000. The stadium’s record attendance for a sporting event is 79,330, achieved during the 2022 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, demonstrating the stadium’s ability to host massive crowds inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
For a premium experience inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a range of club and suite options are available. With 7,500 club seats and 100,000 square feet of club space, luxury is paramount. Seating options include field-level terraces offering exceptional views and upscale dining, and upper-level suites providing premium seating for groups.
Finding the Best Seats Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Determining the “best seats” is subjective and depends on the event and personal preferences. To explore seating charts and find your ideal spot, visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium seating charts. Whether you prefer to be close to the action or enjoy a panoramic view, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has seating options to enhance your experience inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Food and Beverage Delights Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium is celebrated for its exceptional fan experience, particularly its commitment to affordable and high-quality food and beverage options. The stadium has partnered with vendors to lower food prices, with further reductions in 2019 on popular items like hot dogs, burgers, pretzel bites, ice cream cones, and chips and salsa. Notably, the stadium offers a $2 soda cup with unlimited refills and a $5 beer, making it incredibly fan-friendly inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
These pricing initiatives have consistently earned Mercedes-Benz Stadium the No. 1 ranking in the NFL for food and beverage from 2017 to 2021, a testament to its dedication to fan satisfaction inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The upper concourse features the 100 Yard Club, an expansive concession and gathering area that stretches the entire length of the football field. This area offers a vast array of food and beverage choices, ensuring no shortage of options for fans attending events inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The culinary diversity inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium is remarkable. From burgers and chicken sandwiches to hot dogs, wings, and more, there’s something for every palate. Popular vendors include West Nest by Westside Works, Gamechanger, Farmburger, Fresh Mex, Bruster’s, and Capital Crust Pizza. Chick-fil-A also has locations within the stadium, though they are closed on Sundays, adhering to the restaurant’s policy.
Guests with dietary restrictions are well catered for, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available throughout the venue. Mercedes-Benz Stadium ensures that everyone can enjoy a satisfying culinary experience inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, regardless of dietary needs.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is more than just a venue; it’s an immersive experience. From its architectural marvels and rich history to its fan-friendly amenities and diverse offerings, stepping inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium is an unforgettable experience in Atlanta. Whether you are there for a Falcons or United game, a major concert, or a special event, prepare to be captivated by the energy and excitement within this premier destination.
