Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a jewel in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, stands as a testament to modern architectural marvel and a hub for major sports and entertainment events. Opened in August 2017, this state-of-the-art venue is not just home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United; it’s a destination in itself. Replacing the Georgia Dome, Mercedes-Benz Stadium quickly became iconic with its striking retractable roof and cutting-edge fan experience. Understanding the Mercedes-Benz Stadium capacity Atlanta offers is crucial for anyone planning to attend an event, from thrilling football games to electrifying concerts.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Interior View
A Look Back: Mercedes-Benz Stadium History
The story of Mercedes-Benz Stadium began in May 2010 with initial discussions about replacing the aging Georgia Dome. The vision was to create a multi-purpose venue that could host a wide range of events while enhancing the fan experience. After years of planning and negotiations, an agreement between the Atlanta Falcons and the city was reached in 2013, and groundbreaking commenced in May 2014. While initially slated for a March 2017 opening, slight delays pushed the grand opening to August 26, 2017, marked by a preseason NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals.
One of the stadium’s most distinctive features is its retractable roof, an engineering masterpiece inspired by the Roman Pantheon. This pinwheel design comprises eight triangular panels that create a circular opening, allowing for both open-air and climate-controlled environments. Adding to the visual spectacle is the Halo, a massive 58-foot by 1,100-foot video board that was, at the time of its installation, the largest in the NFL, dwarfing even the one at Jacksonville’s EverBank Field.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s brief history is already rich with landmark events. Even before its completion, it was selected to host Super Bowl LIII in 2019. It annually hosts prestigious college football games like the SEC Championship, Celebration Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets fans also enjoy a home game at the stadium each year. In 2018, it hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship, a thrilling match between Alabama and Georgia.
For soccer enthusiasts, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a fortress for Atlanta United FC, consistently breaking MLS attendance records. Notably, the 2018 MLS Cup saw a crowd of 73,019 as Atlanta United clinched victory over the Portland Timbers. Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is poised to gain even more international recognition as one of the U.S. venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Beyond sports, the stadium has become a popular concert venue, hosting major tours like Garth Brooks’ inaugural concert in 2017 and Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Reputation tour in 2018.
Navigating Your Visit: Parking and Admission
Located centrally in Atlanta’s vibrant sports and entertainment district, Mercedes-Benz Stadium benefits from excellent accessibility. Over 20,000 parking spaces are available within a 20-minute walk, though parking rates can fluctuate based on the event. It’s advisable to check www.parking.mercedesbenzstadium.com for event-specific parking details and pre-purchase options.
Public transportation is also a convenient option, with the MARTA station situated on the northwest side of the stadium. A pedestrian bridge directly connects the station to the stadium, ensuring a safe and easy walk for fans.
Exclusive Perk: Mercedes-Benz Parking
A unique perk for Mercedes-Benz drivers: free parking! By reserving a spot in the Mercedes-Benz Lot via the ParkMobile app, Mercedes-Benz owners can enjoy complimentary parking. This lot is conveniently located across from The Home Depot Backyard, at the corner of Magnolia and Northside Dr.
Streamlined Entry: Bag Policy and Security
To expedite entry, Mercedes-Benz Stadium encourages attendees to arrive early, especially for Falcons and United games where gates typically open one and a half hours before kickoff. Security measures include mandatory walk-through metal detectors. It’s recommended to minimize bags to speed up the process. The stadium adheres to the NFL’s clear bag policy, permitting only:
- Clear plastic bags (12″ x 6″ x 12″ max)
- One-gallon clear resealable freezer bags
- Small women’s clutch purses (4.5″ x 6.5″ max)
- Medically necessary bags
All bags are subject to search, and non-compliant bags will be refused entry.
Understanding Mercedes-Benz Stadium Capacity & Seating Options
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium capacity Atlanta is designed to be flexible, adapting to different events. For football games, the standard Mercedes-Benz Stadium capacity is 71,000, expandable to 75,000. Soccer configurations typically accommodate 42,500 fans, with the potential to reach the full 71,000. The record attendance for a sporting event was set at the 2022 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, drawing an impressive crowd of 79,330.
For those seeking a premium experience, Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers a variety of luxury club and suite options. With 7,500 club seats and 100,000 square feet of club space, guests can indulge in a VIP atmosphere. Seating choices range from field-level terraces with exceptional views and upscale dining to upper-level suites providing premium seating for groups.
Figuring out the best seats depends on the event and personal preferences. To explore options, refer to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium seating charts to pinpoint your ideal spot.
Savor the Flavors: Food & Beverage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium has earned accolades for its outstanding fan experience, particularly its commitment to affordable and diverse food and beverage options. The stadium has proactively reduced food prices, making concessions more accessible for everyone. Notably, they offer a $2 soda cup with unlimited refills and $5 beers. This fan-friendly approach has resulted in Mercedes-Benz Stadium consistently ranking #1 in the NFL for food and beverage from 2017 to 2021.
The expansive 100 Yard Club on the upper concourse provides a vast concession and gathering area stretching the length of a football field, offering a wide array of choices. From classic stadium fare like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches to more diverse options, 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 adhering to their company policy, they are closed on Sundays. For guests with dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are readily available throughout the venue.
