The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta stands as a groundbreaking venue, home to both the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer. Encompassing nearly two million square feet, this multi-purpose stadium boasts an impressive 80,000-seat capacity, setting a new benchmark for premier sports and entertainment experiences, particularly with its innovative long-span roof structure.
alt=”Complex roof structure of Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium showcasing the innovative engineering for retractable function.”
An Engineering Challenge: Iconic Design and Functionality
The challenge presented to the design team was ambitious: to create a world-class, iconic, and high-performance stadium. This included developing a novel approach to the retractable roof, moving away from traditional bi-panel designs, all while integrating a massive scoreboard without obstructing views of the sky.
Buro Happold collaborated closely with HOK architects to realize a retractable roof concept that is not only unique but also ensures unobstructed views of the 360-degree “halo” scoreboard for every spectator. This innovative design became a defining feature of the Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
alt=”Spectacular Halo Board at Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium providing 360-degree high-definition video display for immersive fan experience.”
Innovative Retractable Roof and ETFE Facade Solutions
The retractable roof of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is a marvel of engineering, capable of opening or closing in under 10 minutes. This is achieved through eight cantilevered “petals” that move in a synchronized manner, creating a captivating pinwheel effect during operation. Furthermore, eight wing-like facade panels serve as an architectural homage to the Atlanta Falcons, contributing to the stadium’s distinctive and sculptural aesthetic.
A key element in achieving this design was the use of ETFE cushions. This transparent, inflated, lightweight material minimizes the load on the long-span cantilevered moving petals. When opened, the oval-shaped roof aperture extends across the field, beyond each end zone. The lightweight and translucent nature of ETFE allows ample daylight to illuminate the field while providing expansive views of the Atlanta skyline.
The stadium’s facades, framed with lightweight steel, exhibit complex geometry that enhances its iconic exterior. Notably, the eastern facade features a pioneering application of single-skin ETFE, creating a “window to the city” that offers stunning views of downtown Atlanta. This single-skin ETFE facade is a first in the U.S., providing effective insulation and reducing unwanted heat gain within the stadium.
alt=”Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium LEED Platinum certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and environmental performance.”
Sustainability Leadership: LEED Platinum Certification
Sustainability was a core principle in the design of the Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It proudly holds the distinction of being the first LEED Platinum certified professional sports venue in North America. Buro Happold’s analytics team rigorously assessed the stadium’s carbon footprint, employing the LEEDv4 methodology for Life Cycle Assessment to guide material selection throughout the project. Significant sustainability initiatives include an efficient water capture and reuse system and over 4,000 photovoltaic panels. These solar panels generate enough energy annually to power ten Atlanta Falcons home games, demonstrating a significant commitment to renewable energy.
alt=”Mercedes-Benz Stadium petal roof partially open, showcasing the unique retractable mechanism and natural light admission.”
Value and Fan Experience
The collaborative effort of the project team has resulted in a holistic design that prioritizes both an unparalleled fan experience and a visually striking venue for top-tier sports and entertainment events. With its groundbreaking long-span steel roof and the nation’s first single-skin ETFE facade, the Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium serves as a pioneering example of how elegant design can create an iconic, fan-friendly, and high-performance building in the sports and entertainment sector. The stadium’s features, from its retractable roof to its sustainable design, combine to create a truly exceptional destination in Atlanta.
alt=”Infographic showing the 80K seat capacity of Atlanta Mercedes-Benz Stadium, designed for large-scale sports and entertainment events.”
