Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue nestled in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, is more than just a stadium; it’s a destination. Opened in August 2017, this architectural marvel serves as the proud home for both the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United of MLS, offering an unparalleled experience for sports and entertainment enthusiasts alike. Replacing the Georgia Dome, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has quickly become an iconic landmark, not just for Atlanta, but for the global sports and entertainment landscape. Let’s take a closer look inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium and discover what makes it so special.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Exterior
A History of Innovation: Building a Modern Icon
The story of Mercedes-Benz Stadium began with a vision to create a world-class venue that would not only host major sporting events but also serve as a community hub. Planning commenced in May 2010, driven by the Atlanta Falcons’ ambition to replace the aging Georgia Dome. In 2012, an agreement between the Falcons and the city of Atlanta paved the way for construction, officially greenlighting the project on March 7, 2013. Groundbreaking followed on May 19, 2014, with an initial target opening date of March 1, 2017. Despite some delays, Mercedes-Benz Stadium finally opened its doors on August 26, 2017, with a preseason NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals.
One of the most striking features when you step inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium is its revolutionary retractable roof. Inspired by the Roman Pantheon, the roof boasts a unique pinwheel design composed of eight triangular panels that gracefully open and close. Beneath this engineering masterpiece hangs the “Halo,” a colossal 58-foot by 1,100-foot video board. At the time of its installation, the Halo was a game-changer, dwarfing the next largest NFL video board by threefold, solidifying Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s commitment to fan experience innovation.
Even before its completion, Mercedes-Benz Stadium was already attracting major events. In 2015, it was announced as the host of Super Bowl LIII in 2019, a testament to its prestige and capabilities. The stadium’s calendar is consistently packed with high-profile events, including the annual SEC Championship game, Celebration Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, establishing it as a college football mecca. Adding to its local appeal, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play one home game each year at Mercedes-Benz Stadium between 2021 and 2026. In 2018, it hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship, witnessing a thrilling clash between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs.
As the home of Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become a landmark venue in the MLS, consistently breaking attendance records. The 2018 MLS Cup, where Atlanta United triumphed over the Portland Timbers in front of 73,019 fans, stands as a highlight. Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set to welcome the world as one of the 11 U.S. venues selected to host matches for the prestigious 2026 FIFA World Cup. Beyond sports, the stadium has also drawn major musical acts, with Garth Brooks inaugurating its concert scene in October 2017, followed by Taylor Swift’s sold-out Reputation tour in 2018, drawing massive crowds over two nights.
Navigating Your Visit: Parking, Admission, and Policies
Located in Atlanta’s vibrant sports and entertainment district, accessing Mercedes-Benz Stadium is convenient, with over 20,000 parking spaces within a 20-minute walk. Parking rates fluctuate depending on the event and are managed independently of the stadium. For specific event parking details and pre-purchase options, you can visit www.parking.mercedesbenzstadium.com. Public transportation is also readily available via the MARTA station situated on the northwest side of the stadium, connected by a pedestrian bridge for safe and easy access.
A unique perk for Mercedes-Benz drivers is the opportunity for free parking. By reserving a spot in the Mercedes-Benz Lot via the ParkMobile app, and driving your Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you can enjoy complimentary parking. The Mercedes-Benz Lot is conveniently located across from The Home Depot Backyard, at the corner of Magnolia and Northside Dr.
To ensure smooth entry, Mercedes-Benz Stadium advises arriving early, with gates typically opening one-and-a-half hours before Falcons and United games, though times may vary for other events. Security measures include mandatory metal detectors at all gates. In line with NFL guidelines, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a clear bag policy. Permitted bags include clear plastic bags (12″ x 6″ x 12″ max), one-gallon resealable clear freezer bags, and small women’s clutch purses (4.5″ x 6.5″ max). Medical bags are also allowed with accompanying patrons. All bags are subject to inspection, and non-compliant bags will be denied entry.
Seating and Capacity: Find Your Perfect View Inside
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s flexible design allows for varying capacities depending on the event. For football games, it accommodates 71,000 fans, expandable to 75,000. Soccer configurations host 42,500, also expandable to 71,000. The stadium’s record attendance for a sporting event stands at 79,330, achieved during the 2022 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, highlighting its ability to host massive crowds.
For a premium experience inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a range of club and suite options are available. Boasting 7,500 club seats and 100,000 square feet of club space, luxury is readily accessible. Seating choices include field-level terraces with upscale menus and prime views, and upper-level suites offering premium seating for groups. To pinpoint your ideal spot, explore Mercedes-Benz Stadium seating charts online to find seats tailored to your preferences and event.
Culinary Delights: Food and Beverage Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium has earned widespread acclaim for its exceptional fan experience, particularly its commitment to affordable and high-quality food and beverage options. The stadium has partnered with vendors to significantly 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, they offer a $2 soda cup with unlimited refills and a $5 beer, making it exceptionally fan-friendly. This dedication to value has consistently ranked Mercedes-Benz Stadium as No. 1 in the NFL for food and beverage from 2017 to 2021.
Inside the stadium, the upper concourse features the expansive 100 Yard Club, a concession and gathering zone stretching the entire length of the football field, providing a vast array of amenities and food choices. The culinary diversity within Mercedes-Benz Stadium is remarkable. Whether you crave a burger, chicken sandwich, hot dog, wings, or a combination, you’ll find it. 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 tradition, they are closed on Sundays. For guests with dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are readily available throughout the venue, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
