Mercedes-Benz Stadium, an architectural marvel in Atlanta, Georgia, stands as a testament to modern stadium design and fan experience. But when was Mercedes-Benz Stadium built? This iconic venue officially opened its doors in August 2017, marking the culmination of years of planning and construction. However, the story behind its creation is as captivating as the stadium itself, showcasing a blend of innovative design, ambitious goals, and a commitment to reshaping the stadium experience.
Construction Timeline and Grand Opening of Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The groundbreaking for Mercedes-Benz Stadium occurred on May 19, 2014, initiating a construction journey that spanned over three years. The process was intricate, involving a collaborative effort between HOK, TVS Design, and engineer BuroHappold, with Birdair contributing specialized expertise for the roof and façade. The initial target opening was for the start of the 2017 NFL season. Although there were some delays during the construction phase, the stadium ultimately achieved its grand opening in August 2017, just in time for the Atlanta Falcons’ and Atlanta United’s home games. The first official event was an Atlanta Falcons preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on August 26, 2017.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium retractable roof mechanism, showcasing its unique petal-like opening design.
The complexity of the retractable roof, a signature feature of the stadium, contributed to the construction timeline. Bill Johnson, principal at HOK, noted that the innovative nature of the roof, with its eight petal-like pieces moving outward from the center, presented a “learning curve every step of the way.” This pioneering design, while ambitious, resulted in a roof that can open or close in an impressive 10-12 minutes, significantly faster than many comparable retractable roof stadiums.
Innovative Design and Fan-Centric Features
Mercedes-Benz Stadium was conceived with the explicit aim to “break the mold” of traditional stadium design. This ambition is evident in its array of groundbreaking features, each meticulously planned to enhance the spectator experience and create a landmark venue.
Retractable Roof Spectacle
The retractable roof is arguably the stadium’s most visually striking feature. Unlike conventional side-to-side mechanisms, its unique design evokes the image of a flower opening, creating a dramatic and unexpected spectacle. This design was born from the desire to make the roof opening itself an event, transforming from a “pinpoint of light” into a vast aperture that connects the interior with the Atlanta sky.
Halo Video Board: A 360° Digital Experience
Beneath the innovative roof lies another unprecedented feature: the halo video board. This massive, 63,800 square foot LED display encircles the stadium bowl, offering a continuous 360-degree visual experience. Developed by Daktronics with IBM infrastructure, it was the largest video display in any American sports stadium at the time of opening. Mike Gomes, SVP of Fan Experience at AMB Sports & Entertainment Group, emphasizes that while the roof is impressive, the halo video board is “probably not as special as the video halo,” highlighting its mesmerizing effect and ability to keep fans connected throughout the venue.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
Transparency and City Views
Transparency is a key element of Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s design. Extensive use of glass and transparent ETFE material, exceeding even venues like US Bank Stadium, allows for an abundance of natural light and breathtaking views of the Atlanta skyline. Walls of glass, manufactured and installed by Crown Corr, can be partially opened for natural ventilation, further blurring the lines between the indoor and outdoor experience. Rich McKay, president of the Atlanta Falcons, describes this transparency as “an invitation to come to this building, and a window to the city,” aiming to create an open and welcoming atmosphere.
Redefining Fan Experience and Concessions
Beyond architectural marvels, Mercedes-Benz Stadium prioritized the fan experience in every facet of its design and operation. AMB Group and the Falcons conducted extensive fan focus groups to understand what truly mattered to ticket holders. This led to a revolutionary approach to concessions, directly addressing fan frustrations with inflated prices. Mercedes-Benz Stadium adopted a “fan-first pricing” model, offering significantly lower prices on food and beverages, comparable to local restaurant costs. This strategy, coupled with increased cooking capacity and points of sale, aimed to enhance fan satisfaction and redefine stadium concessions.
A Landmark for Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, completed in August 2017, has quickly become more than just a sports venue; it is a landmark that defines modern Atlanta. Bill Johnson’s vision of creating a “great structure people remember” has been realized. The stadium’s innovative design, fan-centric approach, and grand scale have solidified its place as an iconic symbol, attracting not only sporting events and concerts but also significant sponsorships, reflecting the value and impact of exceptional design. The answer to “when was Mercedes-Benz Stadium built?” leads to a deeper appreciation of the vision, innovation, and fan-focused philosophy that shaped this world-class venue.
