Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta stands as an architectural marvel and a premier sports and entertainment venue. Home to the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and Atlanta United MLS team, this multi-purpose stadium spans nearly two million square feet and boasts an impressive 80,000-seat capacity. It has quickly become recognized for its groundbreaking design, particularly its innovative retractable roof, setting a new standard for stadiums globally.
The stadium’s signature feature is its unique oval retractable oculus roof, a world-first design composed of eight “petals” that create a captivating camera shutter-like opening and closing motion.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is not only aesthetically striking but also a leader in sustainability, achieving the distinction of being the 1st LEED Platinum certified professional sports venue in North America.
With a generous 80,000 seat capacity, the Benz Stadium Atlanta ensures an unforgettable experience for a massive number of fans.
The Challenge: Creating an Iconic and Functional Stadium
The design brief for Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta presented a significant challenge: to create a world-class, iconic, and high-performance stadium. The vision included developing a novel approach to retractable roof technology, moving beyond typical bi-panel designs, while also integrating a massive scoreboard without obstructing sky views. This ambitious project demanded innovative engineering and architectural solutions to harmonize aesthetics, functionality, and fan experience.
“Buro Happold collaborated closely with HOK architects to conceive a retractable roof concept that was not only unique but also ensured unobstructed views of the expansive 360-degree ‘halo’ scoreboard for every spectator.”
Roger Nickells, Partner
The innovative Halo Board at Mercedes-Benz Stadium provides a 360-degree, high-definition LED video display, enhancing the fan experience regardless of the roof’s position. Image courtesy of Buro Happold.
Innovative Solutions: Retractable Roof and ETFE Facade
The solution for the Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta’s retractable roof lies in its ingenious “petal” design. The roof can open or close in under 10 minutes, as eight cantilevered petals move in a synchronized, pinwheel-like motion, creating a visually stunning spectacle. Furthermore, eight wing-like facade panels serve as an architectural homage to the Atlanta Falcons, contributing to the stadium’s unique and sculptural form.
A key element in achieving this innovative roof 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, offering expansive views of the city skyline and allowing natural daylight to flood the stadium.
The stadium’s facades showcase complex geometry framed by lightweight steel, resulting in an iconic exterior. Notably, the eastern facade features a pioneering application of single-skin ETFE, creating a breathtaking “window to the city” with panoramic views of downtown Atlanta. These single-skin ETFE facade panels are the first of their kind in the United States, providing effective insulation and mitigating unwanted heat gain within the venue, contributing to its sustainability goals.
Sustainability was a core principle in the design of Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta. Achieving LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of sustainability, underscores this commitment. A comprehensive carbon footprint analysis, utilizing the LEEDv4 Life Cycle Assessment methodology, guided material selection throughout the project. Other sustainable features include a sophisticated 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, significantly reducing the stadium’s environmental impact.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s petal roof retracts in a pinwheel motion, a unique design that opens or closes in less than 10 minutes. Image provided by AMB Sports & Entertainment.
Value and Impact: A Premier Sports and Entertainment Destination
The collaborative efforts of the project team have culminated in a holistic design that prioritizes both an unparalleled fan experience and a visually striking venue for top-tier sports and entertainment events. Featuring a groundbreaking long-span steel roof and the nation’s first single-skin ETFE facade, Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta exemplifies how elegant design can create an iconic, fan-centric, and high-performance building within the sports and entertainment sector. It stands as a testament to innovative engineering and sustainable design, setting a new benchmark for stadiums worldwide and solidifying its place as a premier destination in Atlanta.
