How Many People Can Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta Hold?

If you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a visit, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is probably on your radar—whether for a Falcons game, an Atlanta United match, a big-name concert, or a major college football event. One of the most common questions people have is simple:

How many people does Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta hold?

The Official Seating Capacity

The official seating capacity of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta depends on the type of event:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) games: about 71,000
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) matches: typically around 42,500–45,000 (expandable for major matches)
• Major events and concerts: up to about 75,000 (with temporary seating and floor/field access)

So, when you hear people ask “How many people does Mercedes‑Benz Stadium hold?” the most commonly quoted figure is around 71,000, but the true capacity changes based on how the stadium is configured.

Why the Capacity Changes

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium was built to be flexible, which is why you’ll see different numbers depending on the event.

NFL vs. MLS configuration

For Atlanta Falcons games, the stadium uses its full bowl, including upper deck seating, reaching about 71,000 fans.

For Atlanta United:

• The stadium often uses a reduced-capacity setup with curtains (the “MLS configuration”), focusing on lower and mid-level seating.
• This keeps capacity in the 40,000+ range, creating a more compact, high-energy atmosphere.
• For big matches—playoffs, derbies, or special events—the club may open additional levels and push attendance much higher.

Concerts and special events

For concerts, the capacity depends on:

• Stage location (end-zone vs. center/360° stage)
• Floor/field access for standing or seated sections
• Use of all seating tiers

With the field opened up for fans and temporary seats added, the stadium can reach around 75,000 attendees for major concerts or championship-level events.

Seating Areas Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

If you’re moving to Atlanta or planning outings downtown, it helps to understand how the stadium is laid out. Here’s a simple overview of the main seating types and how they factor into total capacity.

Main seating levels

• 100 Level (Lower Bowl): Closest to the field, includes sideline and end-zone seats; very popular for both NFL and MLS.
• 200 Level: Mix of standard seating and club areas, with good sightlines and amenities.
• 300 Level (Upper Bowl): Higher up, but these seats are how the stadium reaches its largest capacities for Falcons games and big events.

Premium and club seating

These are included in the overall capacity but feel different from general seating:

• Club seats with upgraded food, lounge areas, and wider chairs.
• Suites with private seating and indoor space, suitable for groups, businesses, or special occasions.
• On-field or near-field premium experiences for some concerts and events.

Quick Capacity Snapshot

Here’s a simple reference guide you can keep in mind when planning:

Keep in mind these numbers can shift slightly with each event’s specific setup, but they are a solid guide for what the stadium can hold.

What This Means If You Live in or Visit Atlanta

Planning for crowds and travel time

Knowing the stadium can host 70,000+ people is important if you:

• Live in nearby neighborhoods like Downtown, Castleberry Hill, or Vine City and want to plan around traffic and parking on game or concert days.
• Commute through downtown and may want to avoid certain routes around the stadium during major events.
• Plan to attend events and need realistic timing for arrival and departure.

On sold-out days, expect:

• Heavy traffic on Northside Drive, MLK Jr. Drive, and the Connector (I‑75/85)
• Busy MARTA trains, especially at GWCC/CNN Center Station and Vine City Station
• Crowded garages and surface lots around the stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center campus

Tip: Many Atlanta residents choose MARTA or rideshare on big-event days to avoid the challenge of parking near a 70,000-person crowd.

Parking and transportation basics

Address:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Common ways Atlantans get to the stadium:

• 🚇 MARTA:
  • GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) is a short walk via the Georgia World Congress Center campus.
  • Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) is on the west side of the stadium and often less crowded after events.
• 🚗 Driving and parking:
  • Numerous parking decks and lots operated around the stadium and nearby attractions (State Farm Arena, GWCC, The Home Depot Backyard).
  • Pre-booked parking is usually recommended when capacity will be near its maximum.
• 🚶 Walking from downtown hotels:
  • Many hotels in Downtown Atlanta and around Centennial Olympic Park are within walking distance, which can be faster than driving when 50,000–70,000 people are leaving at once.

Large Events You’ll See at Full or Near-Full Capacity

Because of its size and flexibility, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium regularly hosts:

• Atlanta Falcons home games (NFL season)
• Atlanta United FC home matches (MLS season)
• SEC Championship Game and other major college football matchups
• College Football Playoff games and occasionally the National Championship
• High-profile concerts and tours by major artists
• Special events like soccer friendlies, international matches, and large-scale gatherings

For many of these, especially championships and top-billing concerts, the stadium pushes toward its maximum capacity, meaning a full downtown experience—crowds, energy, and lots of activity before and after the event.

If You’re Moving to Atlanta or New to the City

For people relocating to or newly living in Atlanta, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is more than a sports venue—it’s a major anchor of downtown life. Knowing its capacity helps you:

• Understand why downtown feels busier on game and event days
• Plan your commutes, shopping trips, or dining plans around high-attendance evenings
• Decide whether you want to live close to the action or a bit farther away from big-event traffic

It also offers a lot of opportunities to plug into local culture:

• Joining fellow fans in a 70,000-seat stadium to cheer for the Falcons
• Experiencing one of the largest and loudest soccer atmospheres in North America with Atlanta United
• Attending national events that bring visitors from around the country into the heart of Atlanta

In summary, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta typically holds about 71,000 people for NFL games, around the mid‑40,000s for most MLS matches, and up to roughly 75,000 for major concerts and special events. If you live in, visit, or are moving to Atlanta, those numbers shape everything from traffic and transit to how you plan your big nights out downtown.