Welcome to the future of sports and entertainment. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which opened its doors in 2017, is more than just a venue—it's a global icon of architectural innovation, sustainability, and the ultimate fan experience. As the home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer's Atlanta United FC, this stadium has quickly established itself as one of the world's premier destinations.
The story of Mercedes-Benz Stadium began with a vision to replace the aging Georgia Dome and bring a new level of event-hosting capability to Atlanta. The project broke ground on May 19, 2014, with an estimated cost of $1.6 billion. The stadium was designed by the architectural firm HOK, with a goal of creating a multi-purpose venue that was as functional as it was visually stunning.
The most striking feature of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is its one-of-a-kind retractable roof. Inspired by the Roman Pantheon, the roof is composed of eight translucent, triangular "petals" that open and close in a matter of minutes, mimicking the aperture of a camera lens. This unique design not only provides the flexibility of an open-air stadium but also floods the interior with natural light, creating an airy and vibrant atmosphere.
Other key architectural details include:
The Halo Board: A revolutionary 360-degree, high-definition video board that wraps around the entire perimeter of the roof opening. At nearly six stories high, this continuous screen provides a completely immersive experience for every fan, ensuring there's no bad seat in the house.
"Window to the City": The stadium's facade is a 16-story, glass-and-ETFE wall on the west side, which offers panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline. This feature allows for an abundance of natural light to enter the stadium, reinforcing its commitment to energy efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium set a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in the sports industry. It is the first professional sports stadium in North America to achieve a LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of green building certification. Its eco-friendly features are a testament to a design philosophy that prioritizes both fan experience and planetary health:
Water Conservation: The stadium utilizes a 680,000-gallon cistern to capture rainwater, which is then used for irrigation and the stadium's cooling towers. This system helps to mitigate flooding in the surrounding community and contributes to a significant reduction in water usage.
Renewable Energy: More than 4,000 solar panels are integrated into the stadium's design, generating enough renewable energy to power many of the stadium's operations, including a significant portion of its lighting.
Zero Waste: The stadium has implemented a comprehensive waste management program with a goal of diverting more than 90% of all waste from landfills through recycling, composting, and food recovery partnerships.
Since its opening in 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has hosted a remarkable array of world-class events, cementing Atlanta's status as a top-tier destination for sports and entertainment.
Super Bowl LIII (2019): The stadium's first Super Bowl brought the NFL's biggest game to Atlanta, showcasing its cutting-edge design to a global audience.
College Football Playoff National Championship: The stadium has become a regular host for the pinnacle of college football, including the 2018 and 2025 championships.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been selected as a host venue for the FIFA World Cup, a testament to its flexibility and world-class facilities.
Major Concerts & Events: Beyond sports, the venue has welcomed sold-out concerts from some of the world's biggest musical acts, as well as a variety of other major cultural and corporate events.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a bold statement about Atlanta's past, present, and future. It stands as a monument to what is possible when design, technology, and a commitment to sustainability come together.