The Mercedes-Benz Stadium, often referred to as the Mercedes Benz Dome in Atlanta, stands as a premier multi-purpose venue, home to both the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer. Spanning nearly two million square feet, this iconic structure boasts an impressive seating capacity of 80,000, setting a new benchmark in stadium design, particularly for long-span roof structures.
A key feature of the Mercedes Benz Dome Atlanta is its groundbreaking retractable oculus roof. This innovative design, composed of eight petal-like segments, operates like a camera shutter, creating a dynamic opening and closing sequence unlike any other stadium in the world.
Further solidifying its status as a leader in stadium design, the Mercedes Benz Dome Atlanta is the first professional sports venue in North America to achieve LEED Platinum certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
With a seating capacity of 80,000, the Mercedes Benz Dome Atlanta is designed to host major sporting and entertainment events.
The challenge presented to the design team was to create a world-class, iconic, high-performance stadium. A crucial aspect was to develop a novel retractable roof mechanism, moving away from traditional bi-panel systems, while also integrating a large scoreboard without obstructing sky views.
“Buro Happold collaborated closely with HOK architects to conceive a retractable roof concept that was not only unique but also ensured unobstructed views of the expansive 360-degree ‘halo’ scoreboard for every spectator.”
Roger Nickells, Partner
The Halo Board at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a 360° high-definition LED display, provides an immersive experience for fans, whether the retractable roof is open or closed. Image: Buro Happold
The solution implemented at the Mercedes Benz Dome Atlanta is a retractable roof system that opens in under 10 minutes. This is achieved through the movement of eight cantilevered “petals”, creating a visually stunning pinwheel effect during operation. Adding to the stadium’s architectural identity, eight wing-like facade panels serve as an homage to the Atlanta Falcons, defining the stadium’s distinct sculptural form.
A significant design element is the use of ETFE cushions. This transparent, inflated, lightweight material minimizes the load on the long-span cantilevered moving petals. When opened, the oval roof aperture extends across the field, beyond each end zone. The lightweight and translucent nature of ETFE provides city views and allows natural daylight to illuminate the stadium field.
The facades, with their intricate geometry framed by lightweight steel, contribute to the stadium’s iconic exterior. Notably, the eastern facade features a pioneering application of single-skin ETFE, creating a “window to the city” with views of downtown Atlanta. These single-skin ETFE facade panels are the first of their kind in the United States, offering effective insulation to regulate heat gain within the venue.
Sustainability was a core design principle. The Mercedes Benz Dome Atlanta achieved LEED Platinum certification, the first NFL stadium to reach this level. Carbon footprint analysis, using LEEDv4 methodology for Life Cycle Assessment, guided material selection throughout the project. Further sustainability initiatives include an efficient water capture and reuse system and over 4,000 PV panels. These solar panels generate enough energy annually to power ten Atlanta Falcons home games, underscoring the Mercedes Benz Dome Atlanta’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Halo Board, a 360° high-definition LED video display, enhances the fan experience, delivering a rich, immersive, and theatrical atmosphere regardless of roof position.
The retractable roof at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Mercedes Benz Dome Atlanta, opens via eight cantilevered “petals,” creating a pinwheel effect in under 10 minutes. Image: AMB Sports & Entertainment
The collaborative efforts of the project team have resulted in a holistic design that prioritizes both an exceptional fan experience and a visually remarkable venue for top-tier sports and entertainment events. Featuring an innovative long-span steel roof and the nation’s first single-skin ETFE facade, the Mercedes Benz Dome Atlanta exemplifies how elegant design can create an iconic, fan-centric, high-performance building within the sports and entertainment sector.
