The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, stands as a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose venue, home to both the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer. Spanning nearly two million square feet, this impressive structure boasts a seating capacity of approximately 80,000, setting a new benchmark for stadium design, particularly in its innovative long-span roof structure.
Iconic Design and Engineering Marvel
The challenge set for the design team was to create a truly iconic, world-class, high-performance stadium. A key aspect of this was developing a novel approach to the retractable roof, moving away from typical bi-panel designs. Furthermore, the integration of a massive scoreboard without obstructing sky views was a crucial consideration.
Buro Happold collaborated closely with HOK Architects to realize a retractable roof concept that is both unique and functional. The oval oculus roof is a groundbreaking design, the first of its kind globally. Comprising eight petal-like sections, it creates the mesmerizing effect of a camera shutter opening and closing. This innovative design ensures that every spectator enjoys unobstructed views of the impressive 360-degree “halo” scoreboard.
“Buro Happold worked closely with architect HOK to develop a retractable roof concept that was not only unique but also provided views to a large 360 degree “halo” scoreboard to every spectator.”
Roger Nickells, Partner
The retractable roof of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium opens or closes in under ten minutes. This is achieved through the movement of eight cantilevered “petals,” creating a captivating pinwheel motion. Adding to the stadium’s distinctive sculptural form, eight wing-like facade panels serve as an architectural tribute to the Atlanta Falcons.
The design incorporates ETFE cushions, a lightweight and transparent inflated material. This choice minimizes the load on the long-span cantilevered moving petals. When the roof opens, the oval-shaped opening extends beyond the field’s length, past each end zone. The translucent nature of ETFE allows natural daylight to illuminate the field while providing views of the city skyline.
The stadium’s facades feature complex geometry framed with lightweight steel, contributing to its iconic exterior. The eastern facade showcases a pioneering application of single-skin ETFE, creating a “window to the city” that offers views of downtown Atlanta. These single-skin ETFE facade panels are the first of their kind in the United States, providing effective insulation and reducing unwanted heat gain within the venue.
Leadership in Sustainability
Sustainability was a core principle in the stadium’s design. Mercedes-Benz Stadium achieved LEED Platinum certification, becoming the first professional sports venue in North America to reach this level.
A comprehensive analysis of the stadium’s carbon footprint was conducted using the LEEDv4 methodology for Life Cycle Assessment. This analysis guided material selection throughout the project. Further sustainability initiatives include an efficient water capture and reuse system and over 4,000 PV panels. These solar panels generate enough energy annually to power ten Atlanta Falcons home games.
The Halo Board, with its 360° high-definition LED display, ensures an immersive and theatrical experience for fans, regardless of whether the roof is open or closed.
A Premier Venue Experience
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 events. Featuring an innovative long-span steel roof and the nation’s first single-skin ETFE facade, Mercedes-Benz Stadium stands as a groundbreaking example of how elegant design can create an iconic, fan-friendly, and high-performance building in the sports and entertainment sector, solidifying its place as a premier destination in Atlanta, GA.
