The Mercedes-Benz stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, home of both the National Football League (NFL) team the Atlanta Falcons, and the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Atlanta United.
Construction of the stadium began in the spring of 2014 and was completed three years later, opening to the public with a pre-season game between the Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals on August 26th, 2017.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium was built immediately adjacent to the iconic Georgia Dome stadium, which it replaced as the home of the Atlanta Falcons and as the host of several high-profile events including the Peach Bowl and the SEC Football Championship Game.
Like the Georgia Dome before it, which was the second largest covered stadium in the world by capacity at launch, the Mercedes-Benz stadium’s most iconic feature is its roof.
The impressive lattice-like retractable roof, with its central opening, was inspired by Rome’s Pantheon. The stadium’s estimated build cost was $1.6 billion.
How Many Seats Are In The Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Officially, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a 71,000-seat capacity stadium. The original plans specified a 71,000-seater stadium that could accommodate up to 75,000 spectators for major events such as the Super Bowl.
In actual fact, the stadium’s record attendances have well surpassed official capacity.
The stadium’s record attendance for American Football was set by the 2019 Peach Bowl, which drew a crowd of 78,347 fans.
The biggest soccer crowd at the stadium was 73,019, for the 2018 iteration of the MLS Cup.
This is because of the Mercedes-Benz arena’s impressive variety of seating options, including 7,600 club seats and 190 luxury suites, taking the total capacity of the stadium up to 83,000 if required.
Directions- How To Get To The Mercedes-Benz Stadium
By Public Transportation
The Mercedes-Benz stadium is located at the very heart of downtown Atlanta, making public transport a convenient way of getting to and from the stadium without the hassles of driving and parking.
Atlanta has an integrated city-wide rail and bus system known as MARTA, and there are two stops on the network right at the stadium’s doorstep.
Passengers must first make a one-time purchase of a breeze card, after which the fee will be just $2.50 each way.
The recommended station for arrival and departure from the stadium is GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station, which will leave you practically at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s front door.
By Car
The Mercedes-Benz Arena is located at 1414 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta GA 30313. Stadium literature actively requests that people DO NOT type? Mercedes-Benz stadium’ into their GPS or map app.
As the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located in busy downtown Atlanta, the stadium officially recommends using Waze to find the most efficient route to your parking lot.
Unlike other mapping software, Waze includes event day traffic plans and street closures in its route planning and comes with real-time traffic alerts.
If you prefer the more old-fashioned approach, the stadium is well signposted. If you’re arriving from the I-20 East or West to 75/85 North, you need to exit at International Boulevard (248C) and follow the signs.
From 75/85 South, you should exit at Williams Street (249C) and follow the traffic signs.
Where To Park Near The Mercedes-Benz Stadium
There are over 20,000 parking spaces available within a 20-minute walk of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, through a mixture of official stadium parking and lots operated by third parties. Click here for a guide to the lots available in the stadium area.
Prices can get pretty steep for the closest lots on game days, so it might be worth parking at a lot a little further away if you don’t mind walking.
There is also limited on-street parking available in the stadium’s vicinity, some of which are free and some of which are metered.
If you’re looking to enjoy a tailgate party before the game, then head to the Home Depot Backyard at 1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, GA 30313, right outside the stadium.
Make sure you plan ahead and book in advance. On non-event days, parking for the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is available on the Silver Deck and the Red Deck of the nearby Georgia World Congress Center, events held there permitting.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is It Called The Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Whilst the stadium was under construction in August 2015, a press conference at the stadium site confirmed that the naming rights to the stadium had been acquired by Mercedes Benz.
It was said to be the largest marketing deal in Mercedes-Benz’ history, and will last 27 years.
Although not officially confirmed, the deal is reported to be worth $324 million.
What Is Unique About The Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
The stadium is most famous for its 14.5 acre retractable roof. However, the Mercedes-Benz- Stadium is also ranked as number one in the NFL for safety and security and number three in the league for overall gameday experience.
In soccer, the stadium holds every one of the top 10 record MLS attendances.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium was also built with sustainability in mind and was the nation’s first professional sports stadium to receive Platinum Certification from the United States Green Building Council.
The stadium can power 9 Atlanta Falcons games solely through the energy created by its 4000 solar panels.
Can I Bring A Bag To The Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
It is strongly recommended that you DO NOT bring a bag with you to the stadium Any bag over 4.5” x 6.5” in size that is not clear will not be permitted.
Clear bags made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC are permitted provided they do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” in size and the contents are adequately visible.
What Can I Bring To The Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a non-smoking, non-vaping, tobacco-free zone.
The use of any tobacco-based products, including vaporizers and e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited both inside the stadium and on stadium grounds.
A full list of prohibited items and behaviors can be found here. The security team at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium reserves the right to confiscate/reprimand any item/behavior deemed dangerous, unnecessary, inappropriate, or suspicious in nature by staff.
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