Key facts
| Address | 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Postcode | 30313 |
| Capacity | American Football: 71,000 seats Soccer: 42,500 seats (73,019 including standing room) |
| Club | Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC |
| Build Date | August 26, 2017 |
| Architect | HOK, tvsdesign, Goode Van Slyke, Stanley Beaman & Sears |
| Average Attendance | 72,898 (Atlanta Falcons in 2018) 53,000 (Atlanta United FC Season 2017 – 2018) |
| Record Attendance | American Football: 77,430 (2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, January 8, 2018) Soccer: 73,019 (2018 MLS Cup, December 8, 2018) |
| Stadium Cost | $1.6 billion |
| Roof | An eight-panel retractable roof |
| Who is the owner of Mercedes-Benz Stadium? | Georgia World Congress Center Authority |
| Pitch Size | American Football: 120 yd × 53.333 yd Soccer: 115 yd × 75 yd |
| Where is Mercedes-Benz Stadium located? | 33° 45′ 20” N 84° 24′ 04” W |
| Nickname | The MBS, the Benz |
| Surface | FieldTurf Revolution 360 |
Seating plan
Inspiring, modern, and stylish… Mercedes-Benz Stadium embraced contemporary art into its comprehensive design. The creators incorporated over 180 commissioned works by the famous American artists making the design truly unique.
This incredible stadium was opened in 2017 but the roof construction was finished nearly in a year. The retractable roof of the venue consists of eight triangular translucent panels that can adjust its opacity to control light. The retracting lower bowl seats are moved to widen the field before the soccer games and are moved back before the American football games. The stadium also boasts with the world’s largest halo video board. The naming rights belong to Mercedes-Benz until 2047.
Some of the seats are retracting and the arena can be transformed when it’s used for different types of events, including the American football, soccer games, supercross, monster jam, and concerts.
In general, the main seat categories are the next:
- 100 Lower Level – provides an opportunity to see players score up close, while the higher rows will allow you to see the whole field;
- 200 Mezzanine Level – an intermediate level of the stadium, which further splits into Mezzanine Endzone behind the goal at the west, Mezzanine Corner, Mezzanine Sideline, and Mezzanine Club Midfield;
- 300 Upper Level – the top level seats are still great due to the stadium’s incredible design and huge panoramic halo board.
Although Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a new venue, Atlanta United became 2018 MLS Cup Champions and is now ranked among global soccer top clubs for attendance. At the same time, the Falcons are the most valuable NFL team, at $2.6 billion. In 2019, the arena hosted Super Bowl LIII with Maroon 5 performing at the halftime show. It looks like this epic stadium has established itself among the most elite football, soccer, and music concert venues in the world for decades.
Tickets
Since the stadium in Atlanta, Georgia is super popular, it can be hard to purchase tickets. Luckily, there is Ticket Compare, the reliable international service where you can buy tickets even when they are non-existent everywhere else. Sometimes you have to pay extra to make sure you get the tickets but it is really a perfect time-saving solution for any concert, supercross, monster jam, American football, or soccer game at the Benz Stadium.
The other ways to get tickets are listed below:
- The Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s official website lists all upcoming non-football and non-soccer events and sells corresponding tickets. It also provides an opportunity to join the Atlanta Falcon’s priority list for the next season ticket packages. The Atlanta United fans can also join season ticket waitlist or purchase single-game tickets when they are available;
- There is a Box office section on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s website but it seems it still doesn’t function. The Falcons are selling a limited number of Standing Room Only Tickets for some of the games at the Team Store inside of Gate 2.
Keep in mind that music concert and various sports events ticket prices vary a lot for a number of reasons. Therefore, I’m not mentioning specific ticket prices here.
Hotels near
In my football trips, I always choose to stay as close as possible to the sports venues. The atmosphere is often great in such areas. There is also no need to be nervous about transportation on a matchday when the majority of the fans have to struggle with traffic jams. In Atlanta, you can stay in Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown. Each of these areas can work quite well. While the most luxurious touristic shopping spots and hotels are located in Buckhead, I suggest you search in Downtown. It will allow you to stay close to the MBS. Plus, there are still plenty of places of interest nearby, and those are far more exciting than glamorous shopping malls of Buckhead.
Cheapest offers
- Motel 6 Atlanta Downtown – probably the greatest accommodation the one can imagine in Atlanta’s Downtown for $89. The distance to the ground is just over a mile. The other popular tourist attractions are also very close to it. Also, the motel sits alongside with the Peachtree Center with over 50 shops, a variety of popular eateries, and services like haircuts and manicure.
- Omni Atlanta Hotel @ CNN Center – sits right next to the park zone and CNN Center. It is less than half a mile away from Georgia’s main sports venue. Spacious rooms cost $135 per night and some of them even have pool view. The restaurant has a seasonal menu with local ingredients, plus it also provides a magnificent Fountain of Rings and Olympic Park views.
- Clarion Inn & Suites Atlanta Downtown – has some clean stylish and spacey rooms starting at $123. The beds are huge and the hotel provides tasty complimentary breakfasts. A wonderful fitness center, laundry, and conference rooms are available as well. It will take you 10 minutes to walk to the stadium from this inn.
Highest-rated
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Atlanta Downtown – is a modern hotel in Downtown. The price of $179 is probably the cheapest it can get in the hotel of such a high level situated in the heart of Atlanta. The hotel facilities are perfect featuring a fitness center, hairdryer, free toiletries, a sofa, refrigerator, microwave, and much more. They also serve a complimentary breakfast daily.
- AC Hotel Atlanta Downtown – is for those who are looking for complete satisfaction and want to stay within walking distance from the MBS. Prepare to pay $280 per night for the spotless and large room with a big shower and caring staff. The Olympic Park, CNN and the World of Coca-Cola are just a few steps away from it.
- Glenn Hotel – boutique hotel lovers are always satisfied with this choice. While the majority of the fanciest hotels are situated in Buckhead and Midtown of Atlanta, Glenn Hotel has the best location for every football and soccer fan. It’s just about half a mile away from the ground. The regular price for the room is $218.
How to get to
The stadium is situated in the heart of Atlanta’s Downtown. Getting there with the help of public transport is a piece of cake even for an inexperienced traveler. On the contrary, arriving there by car can be a pain. The traffic on matchdays is quite annoying and it’s recommended to reserve parking in advance.
By MARTA – a city-wide rail and bus system is an extremely convenient, pleasant, and safe way to get around in Atlanta. GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station will drop you off at the stadium’s entrance. You can get easily and quickly there from pretty much anywhere in the city.
By Car – I suggest that you use Google Maps to plan this trip because the traffic is unpredictable on the matchdays in the Downtown area. Simply search for Mercedes-Benz Stadium on your device and don’t forget to reserve one of 20,000 parking spots.
By Bicycle – there are around 250 bike racks at the stadium. Relay Bike Share is a cheap and eco-friendly transport option for every traveler in Atlanta.
By Plane – the regular taxi price from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) to Downtown of Atlanta, GA is $30. If your hotel’s location is Midtown, it can cost you $32. The ride to Buckhead costs about $40. You can save up to 30 or 40 percents if you use Uber or Lyft. Keep in mind, the prices may get significantly higher a couple hours before the kickoff due to traffic jams. Alternatively, red and gold line trains can bring you from the ATL airport to Garnett Transit Station in 15 minutes. A nice 15-minute walk in north-west direction from there will bring you to the stadium’s entrance.
Parking
Mercedes-Benz Stadium can be proud of a huge number of car parks available nearby. But who knows what can happen – sometimes even a lot of parking spots is still not enough. However, there is always a solution. The approximate matchday paid parking price near the sports venue in Atlanta is $10.
Eating out nearby
As pretty much every other busy venue that hosts a number of important sports events and music concerts of the highest level, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a lot of places to eat and drink within walking distance. Hopefully, the following hints will help you to choose the finest eateries and bars that will satisfy your needs.
Pubs, bars & cafes
- STATS Brewpub – probably, the best pub in Atlanta located only half a mile away from the stadium. They have six sorts of their own craft beer in addition to a wide list of the other beers. Some of the tables even have separate beer taps allowing the customers to pour their own.
- Park Bar – is another great drinking destination for every football and soccer fan. Located next to the Olympic Park and a 10-minutes’ walk away from the city’s main sports ground, it serves tasty American cuisine and has a lively atmosphere.
- Hudson Grille – is another great stop within half a mile from the MBS. This sports bar has an impressive number of TVs, a huge patio, and a good menu with classic American and Mexican meals, desserts, party packages, dozens of craft and local beers, and cocktails.
Restaurants
- No Mas! Cantina – if you are a fan of Mexican, Southwestern, and Latin food, this jaw-dropping restaurant in Atlanta is a must-visit for you. The interior of this impressive 350-seats restaurant features thousands of handmade artifacts, pieces of furniture, and decorations that came from Mexico. It has an amazing atmosphere and great location.
- Elliott Street Deli & Pub – has a wide selection of delicious homemade sandwiches. Recently, they have also opened an inn. The spot is pretty well-known in the city and it’s also located just next to the MBS.
- Twin Smokers BBQ – is an excellent place to enjoy a barbeque and other traditional American meals. They have some very flavorful sauces from the South such as spicy Texas. The cost is also very reasonable.
Things to see at the stadium
The multipurpose stadium in Atlanta was clearly architected with fans’ comfort in mind. It has the record-breaking number of gigantic video screens, innovative retractable roof, plenty of car and bike parking spaces, a 61,000 square foot outdoor fan plaza, and some of the best food prices.
Tour
Experience Window to the City, Skybridges and 100 Yard Club, locker rooms, and the pitch itself during your behind-the-scenes visit to this ultramodern sports venue. Mercedes-Benz Stadium tours normally take place every day from 11 am to 5 pm, except for event days. Adult price is $25, while kids from 3 to 12, seniors, and military pay $20. Book your tour or check the information provided at the stadium’s official website because the schedule and routes are subject to change.
Fan store
A huge Mercedes-Benz Stadium Team Store can be conveniently accessed through Gate 2 on Andrew Young International Blvd NW. The address of the second store located in Midtown is 1380 Atlantic Dr, Atlanta, GA 30363. Check up-to-date work hours and parking info at Atlanta Falcon’s website. All essential branded merchandise you can imagine can be purchased there. Falcon’s online shop can be found here. Atlanta United FC online shop can be entered here.
Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a diverse city which can offer something exciting to anyone. The Goober State’s largest city boasts with a lovely botanical garden, parks and wildlife areas like the Zoo Atlanta and a huge Georgia Aquarium, numerous cinema and arts attractions, Olympic venues, historic sites like Atlanta History Center, Center for Civil and Human Rights, and certainly Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace.
Sightseeing tour
Among the tours which can help you to get acquainted with the city are 5-Hour Atlanta Sightseeing Bus Tour costing about $70 and Electric Car Tour for $29. Both are highly recommended for the first-timers. CNN Atlanta Studio tour for $16 is optional. Go there if you’ve already explored the historical and natural aspects of the city and want to find out where the 24-hour news cycle started. Atlanta is rich in history, so don’t miss your chance to feel the spirit of the Civil War, “Gone with the Wind”, and the days of Martin Luther King Jr. while you are there.
Top 3 places to visit
College Football Hall of Fame – the amazing fan experience starts as soon as you enter this place. Interactive games in virtual goggles, fun activities, and exciting exhibits are loved by the football fans of all ages.
World of Coca-Cola – even if you are not a fan of this beverage, it’s hard to admit that this brand has become a worldwide symbol of the modern era. This unique sightseeing spot tells us an amazing story of Coca-Cola, displays the top-notch art and rare memorabilia connected with the brand and over a hundred beverages produced under this trademark worldwide.
SkyView Atlanta – enjoy the magnificent views of Atlanta’s Downtown from the modern Ferris wheel with air-conditioned/heated glass pods. If needed, you can upgrade to the VIP pod to spend more time meditating in the air.
