Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a premier venue in downtown Atlanta since 2017, has quickly become a landmark for sports and entertainment fans alike. Replacing the Georgia Dome, it boasts an impressive capacity of up to 83,000, the world’s largest LED video board, and stunning views of the Atlanta skyline. Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), and host to major events like Super Bowl LIII and concerts from Beyoncé to Garth Brooks, planning your visit, especially parking, is crucial for a seamless experience.
Navigating parking at large venues can be challenging, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium is no exception, especially with its downtown location. Whether you’re attending a Falcons game, an Atlanta United match, a college football showdown, or a blockbuster concert, understanding your parking options in advance will significantly reduce stress and enhance your overall event day. This guide will explore the best parking solutions for the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, ensuring you arrive on time and ready to enjoy your event.
On-Site Parking at the Home Depot Backyard
For the ultimate convenience, the Home Depot Backyard offers the closest parking to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This 11-acre green space transforms into a vibrant hub on event days, providing not just parking but also tailgating and pre-game festivities. Its prime location adjacent to the stadium makes it a highly sought-after option for Falcons, Atlanta United, and college football games.
However, the unparalleled proximity and amenities of the Home Depot Backyard come at a premium. Parking here is typically the most expensive option, often starting from $48 and rising based on event demand. Spaces are limited and tend to sell out quickly, so if you desire the closest parking experience, booking well in advance is essential. Keep in mind that while tailgating is permitted, specific rules and regulations may apply, so it’s always best to check the official stadium parking website for the latest guidelines before your event.
Affordable Parking Lots Near Mercedes-Benz Stadium
If you’re looking to save on parking while still maintaining reasonable walking distance to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, downtown Atlanta provides numerous surface lots and garages. These options are generally more budget-friendly and can offer a good balance between cost and convenience.
Lot C: Situated within a half-mile radius of the stadium entrances, Lot C is a surface lot that typically charges around $24 for stadium events. A significant advantage of Lot C is that it also permits tailgating, making it a viable alternative to the Home Depot Backyard for those who want to enjoy pre-game festivities without the premium price tag.
17 Baker Surface Lot: Slightly further out, but still under a mile from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 17 Baker surface lot also offers event parking for around $24 and is tailgate-friendly. This lot can be a good choice if Lot C is full or if you prefer a slightly longer walk in exchange for potential cost savings and tailgating options.
218 Peachtree Street Parking Garage: For those who prefer covered parking, the 218 Peachtree Street parking garage, located within a mile of the stadium in Peachtree Plaza, presents an attractive option. At approximately $13, it is one of the more affordable parking choices near Mercedes-Benz Stadium. While it offers covered parking, it’s important to note that tailgating is generally not permitted in parking garages.
When considering these off-site parking lots, remember to factor in the walking distance and your comfort level with it. Also, parking rates can fluctuate based on the event type and demand, so it’s always advisable to check real-time parking availability and pricing closer to your event date. Services like ParkMobile, discussed later, can be invaluable for this.
Public Transportation: MARTA to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
For the most economical and often most efficient way to reach Mercedes-Benz Stadium, consider utilizing Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). MARTA’s Blue and Green lines both serve the stadium directly via the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station.
These lines run east to west through downtown Atlanta, making MARTA accessible from various points across the city and even from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. A single MARTA ride costs just $2.50, a fraction of the price of parking, making it a highly budget-friendly option.
Furthermore, using MARTA can help you avoid the traffic congestion that often surrounds Mercedes-Benz Stadium on event days. The Vine City station, the next stop west of the stadium, also provides convenient access and is close to restaurants and other attractions.
If you are staying outside of downtown Atlanta or prefer to avoid driving into the city center altogether, parking at a MARTA station further out and taking the train to the stadium can be a smart strategy. This allows you to bypass downtown traffic and parking hassles while still enjoying easy access to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Simplify Your Parking with Advance Reservations
Given the high demand for parking at Mercedes-Benz Stadium events, especially for popular games and concerts, planning and booking your parking in advance is highly recommended. Waiting until event day to find parking can lead to frustration, delays, and potentially higher parking costs.
Utilizing parking reservation services like ParkMobile can significantly streamline your Mercedes-Benz Stadium experience. ParkMobile allows you to search for parking options near the stadium, compare prices, and reserve your spot ahead of time, often at a discounted rate compared to drive-up pricing. With the ParkMobile app, your phone becomes your parking pass, eliminating the need for physical tickets and providing a contactless and convenient parking solution.
By taking advantage of advance parking reservations, you can secure your ideal parking location, whether it’s the premium Home Depot Backyard or a more affordable off-site lot, and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable visit to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Before heading to your next event, explore the parking options and upcoming events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and take control of your parking experience.
