The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta stands as a groundbreaking multi-purpose venue, home to the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and Atlanta United MLS team. Spanning nearly two million square feet, this iconic structure accommodates approximately 80,000 fans, setting a new benchmark in stadium design, particularly with its innovative long-span roof.
Explore the intricate mechanics of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium retractable roof, a marvel of engineering in Atlanta.
Innovative Retractable Roof: An Engineering Marvel
A defining feature of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta is its unique retractable oculus roof, a world-first design. Comprising eight petal-like segments, the roof creates a captivating opening and closing sequence, reminiscent of a camera shutter. This oval oculus roof is not only visually stunning but also functionally efficient, opening or closing in under 10 minutes.
The challenge for the design team was to create a world-class, iconic, high-performance stadium with a fresh approach to retractable roof technology, all while integrating a massive scoreboard without obstructing sky views. Buro Happold collaborated closely with HOK Architects to realize this vision, resulting in a retractable roof concept that is both unique and spectator-centric.
“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
Witness the immersive fan experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, enhanced by the state-of-the-art Halo Board.
State-of-the-Art Fan Experience with the Halo Board
Ensuring an unparalleled fan experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta was paramount. The stadium boasts a 360-degree “halo” scoreboard, a high-definition LED video display that encircles the seating bowl. This innovative feature guarantees a rich, immersive, and theatrical experience for every spectator, regardless of whether the roof is open or closed.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta offers an impressive 80,000 seat capacity, designed for optimal fan viewing.
With a seating capacity of 80,000, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is designed to host major sporting and entertainment events, ensuring every seat offers fantastic views and access to the immersive Halo Board experience.
Sustainable Design and LEED Platinum Certification
Sustainability was a core principle in the design of Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta. The stadium achieved LEED Platinum certification, the first professional sports venue in North America to reach this highest level of environmental performance. This commitment to sustainability is evident in several key features, including a water capture and reuse system and over 4,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels. These solar panels generate enough energy annually to power approximately 10 Atlanta Falcons home games, significantly reducing the stadium’s carbon footprint.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta’s LEED Platinum certification underscores its commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible design.
The stadium’s eastern facade features a pioneering application of single-skin ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) cushions. This transparent, lightweight material minimizes the load on the retractable roof petals while providing exceptional daylighting and views of downtown Atlanta. The ETFE membrane also offers effective insulation, reducing unwanted heat gain within the venue and contributing to its energy efficiency.
Architectural Icon and Engineering Value
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta is more than just a sports venue; it’s an architectural icon. The eight wing-like facade panels pay homage to the Atlanta Falcons and contribute to the stadium’s distinctive, sculptural form. The complex geometry of the facades, framed with lightweight steel, creates a visually stunning exterior.
Observe the iconic petal roof design of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a testament to architectural innovation.
The collaborative effort of the project team has resulted in a holistic design that delivers a unique fan experience and an impressive venue for premier sports and entertainment events. Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta stands as a groundbreaking example of how elegant design and engineering innovation can create an iconic, fan-friendly, and high-performance building in the sports and entertainment sector. It truly redefines the stadium experience.
