Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) officially opened its doors on August 26, 2017, marking a pivotal moment for the city of Atlanta and the sports and entertainment industry as a whole. This state-of-the-art venue has quickly become an iconic landmark, not just for its striking architecture and fan experience, but also for its commitment to innovation and sustainability. As MBS celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2022, it’s clear that Arthur M. Blank’s vision for a world-class stadium has not only been realized but has exceeded expectations, setting new standards for venues globally.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium 5th Anniversary Logo
From its inception, the goal of Mercedes-Benz Stadium was to create a venue that would secure Atlanta’s position as a top destination for major sporting and entertainment events. Beyond attracting large-scale events, Blank also envisioned the stadium as a catalyst for positive change in downtown Atlanta and its surrounding communities. Five years into its operation, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has demonstrably achieved these ambitious goals, earning recognition as the 2019 Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year and setting numerous industry precedents.
A Legacy of Firsts and Innovation
Mercedes-Benz Stadium has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a modern stadium can be, achieving a remarkable list of “firsts” within the industry. It stands as the first professional sports stadium in North America to achieve LEED Platinum certification, showcasing its dedication to environmental sustainability. Furthermore, MBS pioneered fan-friendly pricing for concessions, a move that has been widely praised and emulated by other venues. The stadium also led the way in adopting a cashless model for transactions, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.
Architecturally, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is renowned for its unique retractable roof, the first and only of its kind in the world, offering both open-air and climate-controlled experiences. Inside, fans are immersed in the action with a 360-degree digital halo board, another first for a professional sports stadium, providing unparalleled visual engagement. Adding to its sustainability accolades, MBS also became the first professional sports stadium to achieve TRUE pre-certification for zero waste, demonstrating a deep commitment to minimizing its environmental impact.
Hosting World-Class Events
In its first five years, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become one of the busiest and most sought-after venues in North America, hosting nearly 250 events and welcoming over 11 million guests. The stadium’s impressive event roster includes some of the most prestigious sporting competitions and entertainment performances. Notable events hosted since 2017 include:
- College Football Playoff National Championship (2018)
- MLS All-Star Game (2018)
- MLS Cup (2018)
- Super Bowl LIII (2019)
Beyond these major sporting events, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United, hosting numerous home games each season. It has also drawn in massive crowds for concerts by A-list artists such as The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Coldplay, further solidifying its position as a premier entertainment destination. Looking ahead, MBS is poised to host the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship again, becoming the first stadium to repeat as host, and will be a key venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Innovation in Fan Experience and Sustainability
Mercedes-Benz Stadium has not only attracted major events but has also revolutionized the fan experience through innovation. The introduction of fan-friendly pricing on concessions was a game-changer, making attending events more affordable and enjoyable for fans. The stadium’s early adoption of a completely cashless system improved transaction speeds and convenience. Furthermore, MBS implemented the Evolv entry system in 2020, significantly speeding up stadium entry and enhancing security. Continuing to innovate, the stadium piloted an opt-in biometric entry program in the summer of 2022, aiming to further streamline the entry process.
Sustainability has been a core principle of Mercedes-Benz Stadium since its construction. Achieving LEED Platinum certification upon completion was a landmark achievement, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible stadium design and operation. In June 2022, MBS reached another milestone by becoming the first professional sports stadium globally to achieve TRUE pre-certification for zero waste. Over five years, the stadium has diverted nearly 6 million pounds of waste, demonstrating a continuous effort to minimize its environmental footprint and move towards becoming a carbon-neutral facility.
Community Engagement and Impact
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s impact extends beyond sports and entertainment, deeply rooted in community engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MBS served as the largest mass vaccination site in the Southeast, administering over 300,000 vaccinations to the Atlanta community. It also functioned as an early voting location in the 2022 election, facilitating civic participation. Moreover, MBS has contributed over 230,000 pounds of food to those facing food insecurity through Second Helpings.
Through the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, over $55 million has been invested in transforming the historic Westside communities surrounding the stadium. The Westside Works program and the Westside Ambassadors program exemplify the stadium’s commitment to local community development, providing job opportunities and learning experiences for Westside residents and youth.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, since its opening on August 26, 2017, has redefined the stadium experience. It has become a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, living up to its initial vision and continually striving for excellence in all aspects of its operations. As it looks towards the future, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set to continue shaping the landscape of sports and entertainment for years to come.
