Mercedes-Benz Stadium, an iconic landmark in Atlanta, Georgia, is more than just a sports venue; it’s a state-of-the-art facility designed to host a wide array of events, each with its unique capacity and seating arrangements. As a premier destination for major sporting events, concerts, and private gatherings, understanding the capacity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is crucial for anyone planning to attend or host an event here. Opened in August 2017, this stadium has quickly become a benchmark for modern venues, serving as the home for both the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United FC of MLS.
Aerial view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium showcasing its architecture and surrounding urban landscape
Mercedes-Benz Stadium was conceived as a replacement for the Georgia Dome, strategically positioned adjacent to its predecessor. Following the new stadium’s completion, the Georgia Dome was demolished, making way for the Home Depot Backyard, a vibrant space now used for tailgating and community events, further enhancing the Mercedes-Benz Stadium experience.
A Look Back: The History of Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The journey of Mercedes-Benz Stadium began in May 2010, when initial discussions about replacing the Georgia Dome surfaced. The original concept considered maintaining the Georgia Dome for non-NFL events. However, by 2012, negotiations between the Atlanta Falcons and the city of Atlanta progressed, culminating in an agreement to construct a new, multi-purpose stadium on March 7, 2013. Groundbreaking commenced on May 19, 2014, with an initial target opening date of March 1, 2017. Despite facing delays, Mercedes-Benz Stadium officially opened its doors on August 26, 2017, with an NFL preseason game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals.
One of the stadium’s most distinctive features is its retractable roof, an engineering marvel designed in a pinwheel configuration with eight triangular panels. The roof’s circular opening is inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, adding an architectural flair to the venue. Beneath this impressive roof is the Halo, a massive 58-foot by 1,100-foot video board. Upon installation, the Halo was three times larger than the next biggest video board in the NFL, then located at EverBank Field.
In its relatively short lifespan, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has already hosted numerous high-profile events. Prior to its completion, it was selected in 2015 to host Super Bowl LIII in 2019. The stadium is also the annual venue for the SEC Championship game, Celebration Bowl, Peach Bowl, and Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, establishing it as a college football mecca. Furthermore, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets play one home game annually at the stadium from 2021 to 2026. In 2018, it hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship, a clash between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs.
As the home of Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium holds a prominent place in MLS, consistently breaking attendance records. Notably, the 2018 MLS Cup saw a crowd of 73,019 fans witness Atlanta United’s 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers. Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set to be one of the 11 U.S. venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further cementing its international stature.
Beyond sports, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has become a popular concert venue, hosting major music tours. Garth Brooks inaugurated the concert scene on October 12, 2017, as part of his World Tour. Taylor Swift’s Reputation tour in 2018 sold out consecutive nights, drawing a combined attendance of 116,746.
Navigating to the Venue: Parking and Admission at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Located in Atlanta’s vibrant downtown sports and entertainment district, Mercedes-Benz Stadium offers access to over 20,000 parking spaces within a 20-minute walk. Parking rates fluctuate depending on the event and are managed independently of the stadium. For specific event parking details or to pre-purchase parking passes, you can visit www.parking.mercedesbenzstadium.com.
Public transportation is readily available via the MARTA station situated on the northwest side of the stadium. A pedestrian bridge directly connects the station to the stadium, ensuring safe and convenient access for fans.
Exclusive Perks: Mercedes-Benz Parking
Mercedes-Benz drivers enjoy a unique benefit: complimentary parking at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. By reserving a spot in the Mercedes-Benz Lot in advance using the ParkMobile app, Mercedes-Benz owners can park for free. The Mercedes-Benz Lot is conveniently located across from The Backyard, at the corner of Magnolia and Northside Dr.
Entry and Security: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Bag Policy
To ensure smooth entry, Mercedes-Benz Stadium advises arriving early. Gates typically open one and a half hours before kickoff for Falcons and United games, with timings varying for other events. Metal detectors are used at all entrances, and secondary screening with handheld detectors is conducted if necessary.
Reflecting NFL guidelines, Mercedes-Benz Stadium encourages fans to avoid bringing bags. The permitted bag types are limited to:
- Clear plastic bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″
- One-gallon resealable clear freezer bags
- Small women’s clutch purses (maximum size 4.5″ x 6.5″)
- Medically necessary bags
All bags are subject to inspection, and non-compliant bags will be refused entry.
Decoding the Capacity: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Seating Options
The capacity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is adaptable, changing based on the type of event hosted. For football games, the standard capacity is 71,000, with the possibility to expand to 75,000. Soccer configurations accommodate 42,500 fans, expandable to 71,000. The stadium’s record attendance for a sporting event is 79,330, achieved at the 2022 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, demonstrating its ability to host massive crowds.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium elevates the event experience with a range of premium club and suite options. Featuring 7,500 club seats and 100,000 square feet of club space, the stadium offers a luxurious atmosphere. Seating choices include field-level terraces with prime views and upscale dining, and upper-level suites providing premium seating for groups.
Finding the Best View: Seating Recommendations
The “best seats” within Mercedes-Benz Stadium are subjective and depend on event type and personal preference. To explore seating charts and find your ideal spot, refer to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium seating charts available online.
Culinary Delights: Food & Beverage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
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Mercedes-Benz Stadium is renowned for its exceptional fan experience, particularly its commitment to affordable and diverse food and beverage options. The stadium has partnered with vendors to lower food prices, with further reductions in 2019 on items like hot dogs, burgers, pretzel bites, ice cream cones, and chips and salsa. Notably, the stadium offers a $2 soda cup with unlimited refills and a $5 beer, consistently earning it the No. 1 ranking in the NFL for food and beverage from 2017 to 2021.
The upper concourse houses the 100 Yard Club, a lengthy concession and gathering area extending the entire football field’s length, providing a vast array of amenities for attendees.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium boasts an extensive culinary selection, catering to diverse tastes. From burgers and chicken sandwiches to hot dogs and wings, a wide variety of options are available. Popular choices include West Nest by Westside Works, Gamechanger, Farmburger, Fresh Mex, Bruster’s, and Capital Crust Pizza. Chick-fil-A is also present, though adhering to its tradition of being closed on Sundays.
For guests with dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available throughout the stadium, ensuring an inclusive dining experience for everyone.
In conclusion, Mercedes-Benz Stadium stands out as a versatile and fan-focused venue. Understanding the capacity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the diverse seating and amenity options available is key to maximizing your experience at this world-class destination. Whether you’re attending a Falcons or United game, a major concert, or any other event, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is designed to impress with its scale, technology, and commitment to fan satisfaction.
