ATLANTA (November 20, 2023) – The excitement is building as the Confederation of South American Football (CONMEBOL) has officially announced that Atlanta’s prestigious Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be the venue for the opening match of the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024. This highly anticipated tournament, the oldest international continental football competition, is set to take place across the United States in the summer of 2024, and Atlanta will have the honor of kicking off the festivities.
A World-Class Stage for World-Class Football: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS), a state-of-the-art venue, is no stranger to hosting monumental sporting events. Home to both the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’ Atlanta United, MBS boasts a seating capacity exceeding 71,000, ensuring a vibrant and energetic atmosphere for the Copa America opener on Thursday, June 20, 2024. The stadium’s reputation extends beyond its impressive capacity, recognized globally for its cutting-edge technology, exceptional fan amenities, and a proven track record of hosting some of the world’s most significant events.
The stadium’s portfolio includes Super Bowl LIII, the 2018 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game, and numerous high-profile international soccer matches, underscoring its capability to manage large-scale, international audiences and events. Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also slated to host the 2025 CFP National Championship game and FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, further cementing its status as a premier global sports destination. Selecting Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Copa America 2024 opening match highlights Atlanta’s growing prominence in the international soccer landscape and acknowledges the stadium’s exceptional facilities.
Copa America 2024: A Continental Celebration of Football
The CONMEBOL Copa America is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of South American football passion and tradition. As the oldest international continental football competition, it carries a rich history and immense prestige. Alejandro Domínguez, President of CONMEBOL, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We expect stadiums filled with the passion of the entire American continent for the inauguration and final of an unforgettable CONMEBOL Copa America. In Atlanta, the ball will start rolling and it won’t stop for a month until the final match in Miami. These are magnificent stadiums in wonderful cities. We are grateful for the valuable cooperation of the U.S. authorities and our friends from Concacaf in the organization of this competition. We look forward to the best CONMEBOL Copa America of all time.”
Victor Montagliani, Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Atlanta and Miami will prove excellent hosts for these flagship matches, and I congratulate both cities and their sports commissions. The two venues are world-class, and the cities have passionate sports and football fans renowned for getting behind major events. The exciting prospect of co-organizing the Copa America 2024 with our partners at CONMEBOL, in addition to the range of Concacaf competitions we will deliver in the next three years, will cement our region as a global hub for football as we head towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” This collaboration between CONMEBOL and Concacaf underscores the growing unity and shared passion for football across the Americas.
Atlanta’s Pride in Hosting the Opening Match
Dan Corso, President of the Atlanta Sports Council, emphasized the significance of this announcement for Atlanta: “Hosting the opening match of this prestigious tournament is an incredible achievement by everyone involved and our region’s soccer profile has once again been elevated to the highest level with this announcement. We would like to thank our partners at Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment, the City of Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium for their continued partnership and we look forward to working with them, as well as CONMEBOL and Concacaf to create a remarkable experience for all involved.” This event is a testament to Atlanta’s commitment to sports and its ability to host major international competitions.
While Atlanta prepares to host the opening match, CONMEBOL also announced that Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will be the venue for the final match, setting the stage for a thrilling tournament from start to finish across two iconic American cities.
Football fans eager to witness the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 can stay informed on all tournament updates, including ticket sales and the full competition schedule, by visiting the official tournament website at copaamerica.com. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the excitement as the Copa America kicks off at the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
