Atlanta's skyline is defined by its iconic stadiums, each a chapter in the city's journey to becoming a global sports hub. From the multi-purpose bowls of the past to the architectural marvels of today, these venues have hosted some of the most historic moments in sports and entertainment.
Our story begins with the stadium that brought major league sports to the Deep South. Built in just over a year, Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was a key part of Mayor Ivan Allen Jr.'s vision to transform Atlanta into a "big league" city. Opened in 1966, the stadium's "cookie-cutter" design was revolutionary at the time, built to house both the newly relocated Atlanta Braves (MLB) and the expansion Atlanta Falcons (NFL).
A Launching Pad for Legends: The stadium earned its nickname "The Launching Pad" due to its altitude, which made it a hitter's park for baseball. It was on this field that Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run on April 8, 1974, breaking Babe Ruth's legendary record.
A Hub for Both Teams: The stadium served as the home of the Falcons for 25 years and the Braves for 30, hosting a World Series and becoming a central part of Atlanta's identity.
A Final Bow: After the Falcons moved to the Georgia Dome in 1992, the stadium had one last hurrah, hosting the baseball competition for the 1996 Summer Olympics before being imploded in 1997.
As the Falcons sought a modern, football-only venue, the Georgia Dome rose to meet the demand. Completed in 1992, it was, at the time, the world's largest rigid cable-supported dome and a game-changer for Atlanta's event-hosting capabilities.
A Versatile Venue: The Georgia Dome was home to the Atlanta Falcons for 25 seasons and hosted an incredible range of events. It was the only venue in the world to have hosted the Olympics (1996), a Super Bowl (XXVIII and XXXIV), and the NCAA Final Four.
From Football to Final Fours: The Dome was a crucial piece of infrastructure for the 1996 Summer Olympics, where it hosted basketball, gymnastics, and handball events. Its flexibility also allowed it to host concerts, high school football championships, and even two seasons of the Atlanta Hawks while their home arena was under construction.
The End of an Era: After a celebrated run, the Georgia Dome was demolished in a controlled implosion in 2017, concluding its quarter-century of service and making way for its successor.
The newest chapter in Atlanta's stadium history is the breathtaking Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Opened in 2017, this multi-purpose venue serves as the home for both the Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer's Atlanta United FC. It is a true architectural masterpiece and a leader in modern stadium design.
Architectural Marvel: The stadium is a modern architectural icon, known for its one-of-a-kind retractable roof that opens and closes like a camera shutter in a matter of minutes. The massive 360-degree Halo Board provides an immersive and dynamic fan experience.
A New Standard for Sustainability: Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the first professional sports venue in North America to achieve a LEED Platinum certification. Its eco-friendly features include a massive rainwater cistern and over 4,000 solar panels.
A Global Stage: This stadium has quickly become a global destination, hosting major events like Super Bowl LIII, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and it will be a major host venue for the FIFA World Cup 2026, showcasing Atlanta to a worldwide audience.
These stadiums are more than just places to watch a game; they are part of the very fabric of Atlanta, each telling a unique story of growth, ambition, and community.