Mercedes-Benz Stadium events are more than just the game or show itself; they’re about the shared experience with fellow fans, friends, and family. A cherished tradition is gathering in The Home Depot Backyard before events to tailgate. This area, designated for ticket holders, buzzes with pre-event excitement as fans prepare meals, share stories, and soak in the atmosphere. While tailgating enhances the event day, it’s important to remember guidelines are in place to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Excessive alcohol consumption or disruptive noise levels aren’t permitted, as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium Code of Conduct applies throughout The Home Depot Backyard and all stadium-controlled parking zones. Tailgating concludes 30 minutes after the event begins, allowing everyone to move inside and enjoy the main attraction.
MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM EVENT DAY PARKING GUIDELINES
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Parking Lot Opens 4.5 Hours Before Event Start: Parking for all vehicles and fans accessing The Home Depot Backyard begins 4.5 hours prior to the event. Please cooperate with law enforcement and avoid blocking city streets while waiting for the lots to open. Staging on public roads is not permitted and disrupts traffic flow.
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Tailgating Ends 30 Minutes Post-Event Start: Fans should head into Mercedes-Benz Stadium no later than 30 minutes after the event’s official start time. After this time, a maximum of four individuals may remain at their designated tailgate spot within The Home Depot Backyard to oversee equipment security. Stadium security reserves the right to remove any individuals at any point during the event if they are not adhering to the stadium’s code of conduct.
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No Overnight Parking: Overnight parking is strictly prohibited at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Vehicles left unattended overnight will be towed at the owner’s expense.
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Parking Lot Closure: Parking lots close two (2) hours after the event concludes. For evening events, all tailgating activities must cease by midnight. Fans and vehicles must vacate the parking areas by the designated closing time.
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One Space Per Parking Pass: Each parking pass grants access to a single parking space. Vehicles occupying more than one space or parked incorrectly will be subject to towing. All towing and impound fees are the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner.
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Oversized Vehicle Restrictions: The Home Depot Backyard does not accommodate oversized vehicles. RVs, buses, trailers, and similar large vehicles are not permitted within these parking areas.
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Efficient Parking Procedures: To ensure smooth parking, please follow directions from parking team members. Vehicles not parked as directed will be towed at the owner’s expense. Cooperation ensures everyone parks quickly and safely.
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First Come, First Served Parking: Parking spaces are not reservable. Fans wishing to park near friends should arrive together and enter the parking entrance simultaneously. Saving or reserving parking spots for later arrivals is not allowed. Similarly, roping off or reserving large tailgate areas is prohibited.
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Designated Tailgate Areas: Tailgating activities in The Home Depot Backyard must be confined to the area immediately in front of or behind your parked vehicle, within the marked boundaries of your assigned space. Tailgating in empty parking stalls is not permitted, even with a valid parking pass. Tailgating equipment, including chairs, tents, and grills, must not obstruct fire lanes or sidewalks.
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Responsible Alcohol Consumption: Excessive or underage drinking is strictly prohibited. Drinking games or activities promoting excessive alcohol consumption are not allowed. Security personnel will disallow any games or activities deemed potentially harmful.
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Propane and Natural Gas Grills Only: For safety reasons, only propane or natural gas grills are permitted. Charcoal grills, wood stoves, oil fryers, large boiling pots, open fires, and any similar cooking equipment are prohibited in The Home Depot Backyard.
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Glass Container Policy: Glass containers are restricted to serving purposes only. Single-serving glass bottles (like beer bottles, wine coolers, or soda bottles) are prohibited. Glass bottles for serving (e.g., wine bottles) are permitted. This policy is in place because The Home Depot Backyard serves as a public park on non-event days.
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Tent Regulations: Fans may bring one (1) 10’x10’ shade tent per parking space for use in grassy tailgate areas within The Home Depot Backyard, weather permitting. To maximize space for all fans, each tailgate group is limited to one tent. Tents and equipment must not extend into fire lanes or obstruct sidewalks. Tents must be taken down before entering the stadium and must be weighted down – staking is strictly forbidden.
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No Commercial Food or Beverage Sales: Selling food or beverages within The Home Depot Backyard is prohibited. Fans can bring and prepare food only for personal consumption with family and friends. Private catering services are not allowed.
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Restrictions on Non-Licensed Motorized Vehicles: Golf carts, Segways, skateboards, bicycles, scooters, hoverboards, and other non-licensed motorized vehicles are prohibited within The Home Depot Backyard, except for authorized vehicles.
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Drone Prohibition: Radio-controlled model aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), and similar devices are prohibited. Possession or operation will result in immediate ejection, confiscation of equipment, and potential law enforcement involvement.
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Portable PA Systems Not Allowed: Portable public address systems are not permitted. Sound systems cannot be played at excessive volumes or with inappropriate music content (e.g., profanity). Security personnel will monitor and enforce these sound guidelines.
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Small Portable Generators Allowed: Small electric generators (6500W or less) are permitted, but they must be placed on plywood or decking to protect the grass. Electrical cords must not run across parking area drive aisles or create hazards.
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No Advertising or Sales: Vehicles with exterior advertising are not allowed in the parking lots, even with valid parking passes. Commercial signage on vehicles or tents is also prohibited and may result in removal from the lot.
Parking at Your Own Risk: Mercedes-Benz Stadium and its security are not liable for vehicle damage or loss, including tailgating equipment. Parked cars are at the owner’s risk. Please lock your vehicle and secure valuables out of sight.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium Code of Conduct is enforced throughout The Home Depot Backyard. Parking passes, along with event tickets, may be revoked for non-compliance with parking regulations or the Code of Conduct.
