Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta isn’t just a state-of-the-art venue for the Atlanta Falcons; it’s also a vibrant canvas showcasing an impressive art collection, with a special nod to its Major League Soccer team, Atlanta United. Opened in the summer of 2017, this two-million-square-foot stadium boasts over 100 commissioned artworks, thoughtfully curated to enhance the fan experience. Among these, two monumental sculptures stand out, celebrating the spirit of Atlanta’s home teams: a soaring falcon for the NFL and a striking soccer ball for Atlanta United.
These installations are not mere decorations; they are integral parts of the stadium’s identity, reflecting the energy of the city and the passion of its sports fans. The focus on “Mercedes Benz Stadium Soccer” is brilliantly captured by the massive soccer ball sculpture, a testament to the growing fervor for soccer in Atlanta and the stadium’s role as a premier soccer venue.
The Monumental Soccer Ball: An Ode to Atlanta United
Positioned at the North entrance of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, overlooking the green space that replaced the Georgia Dome, the soccer ball sculpture is a creation of Studio Roso, a London-based art and design practice. Standing almost 35 feet tall, this mirror-faceted masterpiece is designed to emotionally resonate with audiences and proudly represent Atlanta United and its supporters. Its reflective surface captures and plays with light, creating a dynamic visual experience that changes with the time of day and the viewer’s perspective.
The choice of a soccer ball as a central art piece underscores the importance of soccer to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Beyond hosting Atlanta Falcons games, the stadium was designed to be a home for soccer, recognizing the sport’s burgeoning popularity in the United States and specifically in Atlanta. By placing this large-scale soccer ball sculpture prominently, the stadium sends a clear message: soccer is not just an event here; it’s part of the stadium’s DNA. For fans approaching the stadium, particularly for Atlanta United matches, the soccer ball serves as an iconic beacon, immediately signaling the venue’s dedication to the beautiful game.
Celebrating Atlanta’s Spirit Through Art: Beyond Soccer
While the soccer ball sculpture directly addresses “mercedes benz stadium soccer,” the stadium’s broader art collection enriches the overall atmosphere and experience for all visitors, including soccer fans. The collection was meticulously curated by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), ensuring a blend of local and international talent that reflects the diverse and vibrant spirit of Atlanta.
In total, 53 artists contributed to the collection, with 26 hailing from Georgia, emphasizing the stadium’s commitment to the local arts community. This local focus was a direct response to fan feedback. Over 1,200 fans were polled to identify themes, colors, and aesthetics that should be incorporated into The Art Collection, ensuring that the artwork truly resonated with the people who would frequent the stadium. Themes of community, inspiration, play, and excitement emerged as central, guiding the selection of artists and artworks.
Another signature piece, the colossal falcon sculpture, pays homage to the Atlanta Falcons. Created by Gábor Miklós Szőke, this stainless steel bird stands 41.5 feet tall with a 64-foot wingspan, making it the world’s largest bird sculpture. Depicting the falcon in the dynamic moment of a touchdown, it is positioned on the main plaza facing the city skyline, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring welcome. While not directly related to soccer, the falcon embodies the same spirit of athleticism and excitement that defines both football and soccer, contributing to the overall energetic atmosphere of the stadium.
The Art Collection at Mercedes-Benz Stadium spans various mediums, including sculpture, painting, photography, and digital art. These pieces are strategically placed throughout the stadium’s public spaces, concourses, clubs, suites, and corporate offices, ensuring that art is an ever-present element of the stadium experience. The thematic focus extends beyond just sports, also encompassing the history and culture of Georgia and the Atlanta community, providing a rich and layered experience for all visitors, whether they are there for a Falcons game, an Atlanta United match, or any other event.
SCAD’s Expertise: Curating an Unforgettable Art Experience
The partnership with SCAD was crucial in realizing the vision for The Art Collection. SCAD’s expertise in art curation and its commitment to supporting both established and emerging artists ensured the high quality and relevance of the collection. Paula Wallace, SCAD’s founder and president, emphasized that the art was chosen to “convey the zeal of the city’s fans and the prowess of our players,” highlighting the direct connection between the artwork and the emotional experience of attending events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, particularly soccer matches.
By entrusting SCAD with the commissioning, selection, and installation of the artwork, Mercedes-Benz Stadium demonstrated a commitment to creating a venue that is not only functional and technologically advanced but also aesthetically enriching. The result is a stadium that offers a unique and memorable experience, where the thrill of sport is complemented by the inspiration of art. For soccer fans, in particular, the presence of the monumental soccer ball sculpture and the overall investment in a thoughtfully curated art collection reinforces Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s status as a premier destination for “mercedes benz stadium soccer” and a true reflection of Atlanta’s vibrant cultural landscape.
