Since breaking ground in 2014 and finally opening in 2017, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium has made quite a name for itself as one of North America’s premiere venues. Located in downtown Atlanta just blocks from Centennial Olympic Park, this massive open-air stadium (with a retractable roof!) is home-base for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, and will host several major sporting events in the coming years. With an estimated construction cost of $1.6 billion, expect nothing but top-notch amenities and design from one of Atlanta’s hottest new attractions.
Traveling from out of town to catch a live event at the venue? Here’s everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is known mainly as the home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, but also sees lots of musicians and other large-scales sporting events inside its walls. Below you can find the most common seating chart layout, but to view other sports and concert seating maps you can head here. Wanna know what the view looks like from where you’ll be sitting? We have that too! Check out our expansive venue photo gallery that shows you every nook and cranny of the stadium.
The cutting edge design of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium allows it to expand its seating capacity based on the event being held there. Typically a football game will seat 71,000, but can hold as many as 83,000. A two-tier soccer game holds 42,500 people, but can expand to 72,035 for a three-tier game.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located in the heart of Atlanta, which means there are a ton of options when making your way to the venue. Here are the most popular–and convenient–options.
There are over 20,000 parking spots within a 20 minute walk to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Of course if you don’t know the area, that’s not very helpful. Courtesy of AtlantaDowntown.com, check out this list of all the public parking garages in the city.
Touted as “a smarter way to park,” Parkmobile serves as the official parking app for the stadium. It allows users to pay for on and off-street parking from their mobile device, months in advance of an event. (It’s also available for all of North America, not just Atlanta.)
Available on desktop and as an app, SpotHero uses an interactive map to compare current parking spot prices throughout the city. It also allows users to filter by monthly or hourly rates, and uses helpful icons to indicate the amenities at each garage (valet, handicap accessible, etc).
Other parking apps/websites include ParkWhiz, Neighbor.com and BestParking.
For those driving, be sure to download Waze for all your navigation needs. Waze is partnered with the stadium and is the only GPS program with event-day traffic plans and street closures incorporated, providing folks with accurate directions and real-time traffic alerts. Attendees have been advised to NOT use Google Maps, Apple Maps, or any other mapping software.
Using Waze, drivers only need to type in the lot name — not the address.
Due to the central location of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta, getting to the venue via public transportation is cinch. MARTA, the city-wide rail and bus system, has two stops that drop attendees directly in front of the stadium. Purchase a Breeze Card for $2, and then for just $2.50 (each way) fans can avoid the hassle of driving in city traffic. The preferred stop for arrival and departure is: GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. (Check out the MARTA rail map here.)
If you’re looking to get a bit of exercise in, consider biking to the venue. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a partnership with Atlanta Bicycle Coalition to provide a valet service for major sporting events, which allows riders to easily check-in and park bikes at one of the 250 racks located around the stadium. (Check out the bicycle preferred route map here.)
Of course there’s always Uber and Lyft available in Atlanta for convenient transportation to the stadium. The latter of which has designated drop-off and pick-up locations outside the venue. Gate 1 will have access to the primary and largest Lyft zone, while Gate(s) 2, 3 and 4 will take you to the corner of Centennial Olympic Park which is a slightly smaller zone.
Second only to the actual event itself, finding the perfect pre-or post-game eats is essential to your live experience. Here are some of the best places located within walking distance to the venue.
Get New York-style pizzas in a warehouse-style restaurant. Besides the coal-burning oven that’s cooking up pies, you can enjoy the salads, pasta and wings out on their spacious patio. View the menu
If you’re in the mood for pretzels and beer (and who isn’t) look no further than Der Biergarten. With plentiful seating both inside and out, this laid-back beer garden is especially good for large groups. View the menu
Looking to catch a game while in town, or just want some above-average pub fare? This restaurant/bar offers up an expansive list of beer, wine, and cocktails alongside salads, starters and sandwiches. View the menu
This contemporary Japanese restaurant serves classic Asian dishes fused with local Southern flavor. Come in for the Centennial Passion Roll and leave with the mac and cheese at Thrive. View the menu
Head here for more delicious eats in the area.
With websites like AirBnB and apps like HotelTonight, finding the perfect accommodations while traveling has never been easier. But if you’re looking to stay close to the venue while in town for your event, here are some of the best options.
Located at Centennial Olympic Park in the heart of Atlanta, the Embassy Suites offers a more upscale (but affordable) stay and is the perfect hotel for a two-person trip. In addition to a myriad of amenities, it’s also attached to a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and just blocks away from the city’s main attractions. Book now
Enjoy breathtaking views of downtown Atlanta while treating yourself to the Omni’s full-service spa, or head over to the adjacent College Football Hall of Fame for some sightseeing. Book now
Modern glam meets Southern charm at the Ritz Carlton Atlanta. Parents can enjoy the luxury experience of the hotel while the children become “VIK.” These Very Important Kids will receive a complimentary coloring book with crayons, plus a self-guided scavenger hunt through the hotel. Book now
Voted Atlanta’s number one hotel by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine in 2017, this boutique hotel has a wellness room, a dog-friendly floor, and a “fresh air floor.” It was also recently remodeled, including a newly expanded fitness center. Book now
Taken from the official Mercedes-Benz Stadium website, here are the major amenities provided by the venue plus a list of most frequently asked questions. View the full FAQ page here.
-ATMS for SunTrust and Bank of America located throughout the stadium-Baby changing stations located in all restrooms-Free WiFi via attWIFI-Nursing lounge in Section 116 and 219-Dedicated apps for the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Download the apps for iOS or Android to find all relevant stadium information, explore the stadium, order food & beverage, receive alerts and notifications and more.
Can I Bring My Bag Into the Stadium?The following bags are permitted: Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” One gallon re-sealable, clear plastic storage bags (Ziploc bag or similar). Small clutch bags, no larger than 4.5 x 6.5, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options. Diaper bags: Diaper bags accompanying a child are permitted, but are subject to search and will be tagged. Permitted size – No larger than 6.5 x 4.5 (Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.)
Are There Lockers for Storage at the Stadium?Guests with non-complying bags can valet their bag for a fee at one of the bag valet locations outside of the following gates: Gate 1, Gate 2, Field Level — North Suite Entry.
Can I Bring My Camera In?Guests may bring hand-held still-photo or video cameras to capture the special moments from their visit to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Feel free to ask any stadium staff member to snap a picture of your group. The following items are not permitted inside the stadium: mono/tripods, professional cameras with zoom lenses greater than 200mm or larger than eight inches in length, selfie sticks.
Does My Child Get in Free?Children less than 33 inches tall can enter the Mercedes Benz Stadium for free as long as they sit in a parent’s lap. Strollers are welcome at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but must be checked at one of our Guest Service Center locations at Gate 1 entrance or at Section 116.
Can I Bring My Laptop into the Venue?Tablets (e.g. iPads) are permitted if they can be powered on during the security screening if requested. Laptop computers are not permitted.
Can I Bring My Banner, Sign or Flag into the Venue?Guests are encouraged to show their support and may bring handheld signs, banners, & flags to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, provided they are event related and in good taste as determined by stadium security. They must be made out of lightweight material (i.e. paper or cloth) and cannot exceed three feet by five feet.
Despite being open for less than a year, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is already playing host to an impressive roster of entertainers. Check out the venue’s upcoming events below. (Head here for a full list.)
In addition to the above events, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will also be used for the following major sporting events:– Super Bowl LIII (2019)– NCAA Peach Bowl (2018-present)– Celebration Bowl (2017-present)– NCAA Final Four (2020)
