Mercedes-Benz Stadium, an iconic landmark in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, isn’t just a venue; it’s an experience. Opened in August 2017, this state-of-the-art stadium is home to the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United FC of MLS, offering fans an unparalleled game day atmosphere. Replacing the Georgia Dome, Mercedes-Benz Stadium quickly became a centerpiece of the community, with the former Georgia Dome site now transformed into the Home Depot Backyard, a vibrant space for tailgating and community events.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Exterior
Discover the Excitement Within Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Looking for upcoming events? Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts a diverse range of events, from thrilling NFL and MLS games to major concerts and championships. You can easily find upcoming events and purchase tickets for Mercedes-Benz Stadium directly through Ticketmaster.
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A Look at Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s History and Design
Mercedes-Benz Stadium stands as a modern marvel, quickly establishing itself as a premier venue in both the NFL and MLS. The stadium’s story began in May 2010, with initial discussions about replacing the Georgia Dome. By March 2013, an agreement was reached between the Falcons and the city of Atlanta, and groundbreaking commenced on May 19, 2014. While initially aiming for a March 1, 2017 opening, delays pushed the official opening to August 26, 2017, marked by a preseason NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals.
One of the most striking features you’ll notice inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium is its innovative retractable roof. Inspired by the Roman Pantheon, the roof boasts a unique pinwheel design composed of eight triangular panels that create a circular opening when retracted. Adding to the immersive experience inside, the stadium houses the colossal Halo video board. Measuring an impressive 58 feet by 1,100 feet, the Halo was, at its installation, three times larger than the next biggest NFL video board, previously at Jacksonville’s EverBank Field. This massive screen enhances every event, providing incredible visuals for fans throughout the stadium.
Even in its relatively short lifespan, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has already hosted numerous prestigious events. Prior to its completion, it was selected to host Super Bowl LIII in 2019. It’s also the annual home for major college football games like the SEC Championship game, Celebration Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets fans can also catch one home game here each year between 2021 and 2026. In 2018, the stadium was the battleground for the College Football Playoff National Championship between Alabama and Georgia.
For soccer enthusiasts, stepping inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium during an Atlanta United FC game is a must. The stadium is renowned within the MLS for breaking attendance records, including the 2018 MLS Cup, where 73,019 fans witnessed Atlanta United’s victory over the Portland Timbers. Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set to be one of the 11 U.S. venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further cementing its status as a world-class sporting arena.
Beyond sports, the interior of Mercedes-Benz Stadium has resonated with music fans. Garth Brooks launched the stadium’s concert history on October 12, 2017, as part of his World Tour. Taylor Swift’s 2018 Reputation tour also saw sold-out consecutive nights, drawing a total of 116,746 attendees.
Navigating Parking and Admission Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Located in Atlanta’s vibrant sports and entertainment district, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is easily accessible. Over 20,000 parking spaces are available within a 20-minute walk, although parking rates can vary by event and are managed separately from the stadium. For specific event parking details or to pre-purchase parking passes, you can visit www.parking.mercedesbenzstadium.com. Public transportation is also a convenient option, with the MARTA station located on the northwest side of the stadium, connected via a pedestrian bridge for safe and easy access.
Mercedes-Benz Parking Perk: Free for Mercedes Owners
Yes, driving a Mercedes-Benz comes with perks! Mercedes-Benz owners can enjoy complimentary parking at Mercedes-Benz Stadium by reserving a spot in the dedicated Mercedes-Benz Lot through the ParkMobile app. This lot is conveniently situated across from The Backyard, at the corner of Magnolia and Northside Dr.
Streamlined Stadium Entry and Bag Policy
To ensure smooth entry, Mercedes-Benz Stadium advises arriving early. Gates typically open 90 minutes before kickoff for Falcons and United games, with other event times varying. Metal detectors are in place at all entrances, and security personnel may conduct additional screening with handheld detectors if needed.
To expedite entry and enhance security inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a clear bag policy is enforced, consistent with NFL guidelines. Permitted bags include:
- Clear plastic bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon resealable clear freezer bags
- Small women’s clutch purses (4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller)
- Medically necessary bags
All bags are subject to inspection, and non-compliant bags will not be allowed inside.
Capacity and Seating Choices Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s adaptable design allows for varied capacities depending on the event. For football games, it accommodates 71,000 fans, expandable to 75,000. Soccer configurations hold 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.
For a premium experience inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a wide array 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 range from field-level terraces with exclusive game views and upscale dining to upper-level suites offering premium seating for groups.
Finding the Best Seats for Your View
The “best seats” within Mercedes-Benz Stadium are subjective and depend on the event and personal preference. To explore seating options and find your ideal spot, refer to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium seating charts.
Dining and Beverage Highlights Inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium is celebrated for its exceptional fan experience, particularly its commitment to affordable and diverse food and beverage options. The stadium has proactively worked with vendors to lower food prices throughout, with further reductions in 2019 on popular items like hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, ice cream, and chips and salsa. Notably, the stadium offers a $2 soda with unlimited refills and a $5 beer. These fan-friendly prices have consistently earned Mercedes-Benz Stadium the No. 1 ranking in the NFL for food and beverage from 2017 to 2021.
Exploring the upper concourse inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium reveals the 100 Yard Club, an extensive concession and gathering zone stretching the entire length of the football field. This area provides a vast selection of food and beverage choices and amenities for fans.
The culinary landscape inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium is incredibly diverse. Whether you crave a burger, chicken sandwich, hot dog, wings, or a combination, you’ll find it here. Popular choices 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 their tradition, they are closed on Sundays. For guests with dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available throughout the venue, ensuring everyone can enjoy their experience inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
