Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a premier venue in Atlanta, Georgia, stands as a beacon for sports and entertainment enthusiasts. Opened in August 2017 in downtown Atlanta, this state-of-the-art stadium is the proud home of both the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United FC of MLS. Replacing the Georgia Dome, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has quickly become iconic, not just for its architectural marvel but also for its impressive Mercedes-Benz Stadium capacity which adapts to host a diverse range of events.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Interior View
A Brief History of Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The inception of Mercedes-Benz Stadium dates back to May 2010, when initial discussions about replacing the Georgia Dome began. The vision was to create a modern, multi-purpose venue that could elevate the fan experience. By March 2013, an agreement was reached to construct the new stadium, and groundbreaking followed in May 2014. Despite initial plans for a March 2017 opening, delays pushed the inaugural event to August 26, 2017, with a preseason NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals.
A defining feature of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is its unique retractable roof, an engineering masterpiece designed in a pinwheel configuration with eight triangular panels. Inspired by the Roman Pantheon’s oculus, the roof’s circular opening and closing mechanism is a spectacle in itself. Adding to the visual grandeur is the Halo video board, a massive 58-foot by 1,100-foot display that was, at its installation, the largest in the NFL, dwarfing even the screen at Jacksonville’s EverBank Field.
Since its opening, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events, solidifying its place on the global stage. Notably, it was selected to host Super Bowl LIII in 2019 even before construction concluded. It is also a regular host for major college football games, including the SEC Championship game, Celebration Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets also play a home game annually at the stadium. In 2018, the stadium was the battleground for the College Football Playoff National Championship between Alabama and Georgia.
For soccer, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a fortress for Atlanta United FC, consistently breaking MLS attendance records. The 2018 MLS Cup, hosted at the stadium, saw a crowd of 73,019 as Atlanta United clinched victory. Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is poised to welcome the world as one of the U.S. venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond sports, the stadium has become a sought-after concert venue, starting with Garth Brooks in October 2017. Taylor Swift’s 2018 Reputation tour drew massive crowds, with 116,746 attendees over two sold-out nights.
Parking and Getting to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Located in Atlanta’s vibrant downtown sports and entertainment district, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is surrounded by ample parking options. Over 20,000 parking spaces are available within a 20-minute walk. Parking costs vary depending on the event and are managed independently of the stadium. For specific event parking details and pre-purchase options, the official parking website is www.parking.mercedesbenzstadium.com.
Public transportation is readily accessible via the MARTA station located on the northwest side of the stadium. A pedestrian bridge directly connects the station to the stadium, ensuring safe and convenient access for fans.
Mercedes-Benz Parking Perks
Mercedes-Benz drivers enjoy a unique perk: free parking at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. By reserving a spot in the designated Mercedes-Benz Lot through the ParkMobile app, drivers of Mercedes-Benz vehicles can take advantage of this exclusive benefit. The Mercedes-Benz Lot is conveniently situated across from The Home Depot Backyard, at the corner of Magnolia and Northside Drive.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Bag Policy: Know Before You Go
To ensure smooth entry, it’s advisable to arrive early. Gates typically open one and a half hours before Atlanta Falcons and United games, with times varying for other events. Metal detectors are in use at all entrances, and security personnel may conduct additional screening with handheld detectors if necessary.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium enforces a clear bag policy in line with NFL guidelines. Permitted bags include:
- Clear plastic bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon resealable clear freezer bags
- Small women’s clutch purses (4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller)
- Medically necessary bags
All bags are subject to inspection, and non-compliant bags will be refused entry.
Understanding Mercedes-Benz Stadium Capacity and Seating
Mercedes-Benz Stadium capacity is flexible, adapting to the specific requirements of each event. For football games, the standard Mercedes-Benz Stadium capacity is 71,000, expandable to 75,000. Soccer configurations accommodate 42,500 fans, with the potential to expand to 71,000. The stadium’s record attendance for a sporting event stands at an impressive 79,330, achieved during the 2022 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, demonstrating the true Mercedes-Benz Stadium capacity for major events.
For a premium experience, Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers 7,500 club seats and 100,000 square feet of club space, along with a variety of suite options. Seating choices range from field-level terraces providing exceptional views and upscale dining to upper-level suites offering premium seating for groups.
Finding the Best Seats
The “best seats” are subjective and depend on the event and personal preferences. To explore seating charts and find your ideal spot, refer to Mercedes-Benz Stadium seating charts.
Food and Beverage: A Fan-First Approach
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium is celebrated for its outstanding fan experience, particularly its commitment to affordable and high-quality food and beverage options. The stadium has proactively reduced food prices, with further reductions in 2019 on popular items like hot dogs, burgers, and sodas. Notably, they offer a $2 soda with unlimited refills and $5 beers, making it exceptionally fan-friendly. This approach has earned Mercedes-Benz Stadium the top ranking in the NFL for food and beverage for five consecutive years (2017-2021).
The stadium’s upper concourse features the 100 Yard Club, a vast concession and gathering area stretching the length of a football field, providing a wide array of food and amenity choices.
Food variety is a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with options ranging from burgers and chicken sandwiches to hot dogs and wings. Popular vendors include West Nest by Westside Works, Gamechanger, Farmburger, Fresh Mex, Bruster’s, and Capital Crust Pizza. Chick-fil-A is also present but adheres to its traditional Sunday closure.
For guests with dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are readily available throughout the stadium.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is more than just a venue; it’s a destination designed to maximize fan enjoyment, offering impressive Mercedes-Benz Stadium capacity, diverse seating, and a commitment to a top-tier experience.
