The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta stands as a premier multi-purpose venue, renowned as the home of the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League and Atlanta United in Major League Soccer. Spanning nearly two million square feet, this iconic structure boasts an impressive seating capacity of approximately 80,000, offering an unparalleled experience for sports enthusiasts and event-goers alike. The arena has redefined stadium design, particularly with its groundbreaking long-span roof structure.
An Innovative Retractable Roof Like No Other
At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz Arena’s architectural brilliance is its oval retractable oculus roof. This engineering marvel is the first of its kind globally, composed of eight meticulously designed “petals”. These petals operate in harmony, creating an opening and closing motion reminiscent of a camera shutter. This unique feature not only provides breathtaking views of the sky above but also ensures optimal conditions for events, rain or shine.
Setting New Standards for Stadium Design and Fan Experience
The challenge in creating the Mercedes-Benz Arena was to deliver a world-class, high-performance stadium that would become an instantly recognizable landmark. The design needed to incorporate a retractable roof that was both innovative and visually striking, all while integrating a massive scoreboard without obstructing the skyline views.
Buro Happold collaborated closely with HOK Architects to develop a retractable roof concept that was not only unique but also strategically designed to complement the stadium’s impressive 360-degree “halo” scoreboard, ensuring unobstructed views for every spectator.
This Halo Board, a 360°, high-definition LED video display, is a game-changer in fan engagement. It delivers a rich, immersive, and theatrical experience, regardless of whether the roof is open or closed, making every event at the Mercedes-Benz Arena unforgettable.
Engineering a Solution with ETFE and Sustainable Design
The Mercedes-Benz Arena’s retractable roof achieves its captivating pinwheel opening effect in under 10 minutes, thanks to the movement of eight cantilevered “petals.” Adding to the stadium’s distinctive form, eight wing-like facade panels pay homage to the Atlanta Falcons, creating a sculptural and iconic exterior.
A key element in the roof’s design is 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 stretches across the field, extending beyond each end zone. The lightweight and translucent nature of ETFE allows for stunning city views and abundant daylight to illuminate the arena floor.
The facades, framed with lightweight steel and featuring complex geometry, contribute to the arena’s iconic exterior. Notably, the eastern facade showcases a pioneering application of single-skin ETFE, creating a “window to the city” with panoramic views of downtown Atlanta. These single-skin ETFE facade panels are the first of their kind in the U.S., providing effective insulation and reducing unwanted heat gain within the venue.
Sustainability was a core principle in the arena’s design. Mercedes-Benz Arena proudly holds the distinction of being the first LEED Platinum certified professional sports venue in North America. This achievement is underpinned by initiatives like an effective 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, significantly reducing the arena’s environmental footprint.
Value Beyond Measure
The Mercedes-Benz Arena project exemplifies collaborative design, resulting in a venue that delivers an exceptional fan experience within a visually stunning setting. Its innovative long-span steel roof and the nation’s first single-skin ETFE facade establish a new benchmark for elegant, fan-centric, high-performance buildings in the sports and entertainment sector. The arena is not just a stadium; it’s a testament to groundbreaking design and engineering, offering immense value to Atlanta and the global sports community.
