Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is not just a premier venue for sports and entertainment; it’s also a showcase for an impressive art collection. Opened in the summer of 2017, this state-of-the-art stadium, home to both the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer, boasts over 100 commissioned artworks. Among the most striking pieces are two monumental sculptures: a soaring falcon and a colossal soccer ball, specifically designed to resonate with fans of both home teams and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Located prominently on the stadium’s exterior, these sculptures are more than just decorative elements. They are iconic symbols celebrating the spirit of Atlanta’s sports culture. The vision behind the art program was to create a collection that reflects the passion of the fans and the vibrant energy of the city. To achieve this, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) collaborated closely, even polling over 1,200 fans to gather insights on themes and aesthetics. This fan-centric approach ensures that the art truly speaks to the community it represents.
One of the standout pieces is the breathtaking falcon sculpture, crafted by Hungarian artist Gábor Miklós Szőke. This stainless steel masterpiece stands an astonishing 41.5 feet tall with a wingspan exceeding 64 feet, making it the world’s largest bird sculpture. Depicting the falcon in full flight, capturing the dynamic moment of a touchdown, this artwork is a powerful tribute to the Atlanta Falcons. Positioned on the main plaza, it faces the city skyline, offering a dramatic welcome to visitors and becoming an instant landmark.
Complementing the falcon, and specifically significant for soccer enthusiasts, is the giant soccer ball sculpture. Created by London-based Studio Roso, this mirror-faceted sphere stands nearly 35 feet tall. Its placement at the North entrance, overlooking the green space where the Georgia Dome once stood, provides a stunning visual anchor. The reflective surfaces of the soccer ball engage with the surrounding environment, creating a dynamic and interactive art piece that embodies the excitement of Atlanta United soccer. For fans heading to a Mercedes-Benz Stadium soccer match, this sculpture serves as a vibrant symbol of their passion and team spirit.
Arthur M. Blank, owner of both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, emphasized the importance of fan input in shaping the art collection. He stated, “This stadium is meant to reflect what our fans and supporters told us they want, and the art program is no exception.” This commitment to community is further highlighted by the inclusion of 26 local Georgia artists in the broader art collection, underscoring the stadium’s role as a central hub for Atlanta.
The comprehensive Art Collection at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, curated by SCAD, extends beyond these two signature sculptures. It features over 100 works in various mediums, including painting, photography, mixed media, and digital art, displayed throughout the stadium’s concourses, clubs, suites, and corporate areas. The themes explored in the collection encompass football, soccer, the rich history and culture of Georgia, and the vibrant Atlanta community. SCAD President Paula Wallace described the collection as a tribute to Atlanta, “a cosmopolitan nexus,” selecting artists who could capture “the zeal of the city’s fans and the prowess of our players.”
Mercedes-Benz Stadium has quickly become a landmark destination, not only for major sporting events like the Super Bowl and NCAA Men’s Final Four, but also as a cultural venue enriched by its impressive art program. The monumental falcon and soccer ball sculptures stand as iconic symbols, welcoming visitors and celebrating the spirit of Atlanta’s beloved sports teams. For anyone attending a Mercedes-Benz Stadium soccer game, the giant soccer ball is a must-see, representing the city’s growing passion for the sport and the home of Atlanta United.
