The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta stands as a testament to innovative design and engineering prowess. Home to both the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer, this multi-purpose venue redefines the stadium experience. Spanning nearly two million square feet, it comfortably accommodates 80,000 fans, setting a new benchmark in long-span roof structures and offering an unparalleled event atmosphere.
One of the stadium’s most groundbreaking features is its oval retractable oculus roof. This world-first design is composed of eight individual “petals” that move in a synchronized motion, creating the illusion of a camera shutter opening and closing. This unique engineering marvel allows for open-air events while providing rapid shelter when needed, ensuring events proceed rain or shine.
Beyond its striking roof, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also recognized as the first LEED Platinum certified professional sports venue in North America. This commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of its design and operation.
The challenge set for the design team was ambitious: to create an iconic, world-class, high-performance stadium. This included developing a novel retractable roof mechanism, distinct from typical bi-panel designs, and integrating a massive scoreboard without obstructing sky views. Buro Happold collaborated closely with HOK architects to realize this vision. Roger Nickells, Partner at Buro Happold, highlighted their collaborative approach in developing a retractable roof concept that is not only unique but also ensures unobstructed views of the 360-degree “halo” scoreboard for every spectator.
The innovative “Halo Board,” a 360° high-definition LED video display, is central to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium experience. Whether the roof is open or closed, this immersive screen ensures every fan enjoys a rich and theatrical event atmosphere. Image: Buro Happold
The solution for the retractable roof was a system of eight cantilevered “petals.” These petals move gracefully to open or close the roof in under 10 minutes, creating a captivating pinwheel effect during operation. Adding to the stadium’s architectural identity, eight wing-like facade panels pay homage to the Atlanta Falcons, defining the venue’s distinct sculptural form.
A key element in achieving this innovative roof design was the use of ETFE cushions. This transparent, inflated, lightweight material minimizes the load on the long-span cantilevered moving petals. When opened, the oval roof aperture extends the length of the field, past each end zone. The lightweight and translucent ETFE allows daylight to flood the stadium, illuminating the field while also providing views of the Atlanta cityscape.
The stadium’s facades showcase complex geometry framed with lightweight steel, creating an iconic exterior. Notably, the eastern facade features a pioneering application of single-skin ETFE, creating a “window to the city” with expansive views of downtown Atlanta. These single-skin ETFE facade panels are the first of their kind in the US, providing effective insulation to regulate temperature within the stadium.
Sustainability was a core principle from the outset. Mercedes-Benz Stadium achieved LEED Platinum certification through various initiatives. Buro Happold’s analytics team assessed the stadium’s carbon footprint using LEEDv4 methodology for Life Cycle Assessment, guiding material selection throughout the project. Further sustainability measures include an advanced water capture and reuse system and over 4,000 photovoltaic panels. These solar panels generate enough energy annually to power ten Atlanta Falcons home games, significantly reducing the stadium’s environmental impact.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s retractable roof, featuring eight cantilevered “petals,” opens in under 10 minutes, creating a dynamic pinwheel appearance. The ETFE cushions are visible as the translucent material on the roof petals. Image: AMB Sports & Entertainment
The collaborative efforts of the project team have resulted in a holistic design that prioritizes both an exceptional fan experience and a visually stunning venue for top-tier sports and entertainment. With its groundbreaking long-span steel roof and the nation’s first single-skin ETFE facade, Mercedes-Benz Stadium stands as a pioneering example of how elegant design can deliver an iconic, fan-friendly, and high-performance building in the sports and entertainment sector.
