What It Really Cost to Build Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or visit regularly for Falcons games, Atlanta United matches, or concerts, you’ve probably wondered: how much did Mercedes‑Benz Stadium actually cost to build?

Here’s a clear breakdown, with local context that helps you understand what that price tag means for Atlanta.

The Short Answer: How Much Did Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Cost?

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta cost an estimated $1.6 billion to build.

Most public estimates and widely referenced figures place the final construction cost in the $1.5–$1.6 billion range, with $1.6 billion generally used as the standard total project cost.

Quick Cost Snapshot

These numbers give you a sense of scale: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is one of the most expensive sports venues ever built in the United States, and it’s right in the heart of Atlanta.

Where Is All That Money You See?

When you step into Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, a lot of what you’re experiencing is exactly what drove the cost so high. The price wasn’t just for a basic football field and stands; it included:

1. The Retractable “Oculus” Roof

One of the stadium’s most recognizable features is its unique retractable roof, often compared to a camera shutter.

• The roof is made of eight moving petals.
• It was designed to open and close to create both an indoor and outdoor feel.
• The complexity of the design and engineering helped push costs up significantly.

2. The Huge Halo Video Board

Inside the stadium, above the field, you’ll see the 360‑degree “Halo Board”, a massive video screen that circles the opening of the roof.

• It’s one of the largest video boards in professional sports.
• Integrating a continuous, circular screen with a retractable roof added to total project costs.

3. Fan Amenities and Design Details

A major part of the budget went toward creating a fan‑friendly experience:

• Wide concourses for better crowd flow.
• Extensive concession areas, including the well‑known “fan‑friendly” pricing for some food and drink items.
• Multiple premium seating areas and suites.
• A strong focus on architecture and aesthetics, with large glass walls and dramatic exterior design.

These types of features are a big reason why the stadium cost as much as it did—and why it has become a landmark in Atlanta.

Who Paid for the Stadium?

If you live in Atlanta or Fulton County, it’s natural to ask not just “how much did it cost,” but “who paid for it, and did any of that come from public money?”

Private Funding

A large share of the $1.6 billion cost came from private sources, largely connected to:

• The Atlanta Falcons organization
• The team’s ownership and affiliated private financing

This included things like private loans, team funds, and revenue from personal seat licenses (PSLs) and future stadium income.

Public Funding

There was also a significant public funding component, though not the majority of the total cost. In Atlanta’s case, the public portion was primarily tied to:

• Revenue bonds backed by a local hotel‑motel tax.
• These bonds are associated with the City of Atlanta and Fulton County tourism funding structures.

In simple terms:

• People staying in Atlanta‑area hotels help support the bonds through the hotel‑motel tax, not direct property tax bills.
• This is a common approach used in many U.S. cities to help finance major sports and entertainment venues.

For Atlanta residents, that means the main ongoing public contribution is connected to the tourism and hospitality industry rather than everyday local purchases.

If you want to dig deeper or see public documents, you can look into:

• City of Atlanta Government
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 330‑6000

• Fulton County Government
  141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 612‑4000

Those offices can point you to public records related to the stadium’s financing and bond arrangements.

What Did Atlanta Get for the Price?

When you think about the $1.6 billion cost, it helps to look at what Atlanta receives in return—beyond NFL and MLS games.

Major Sports and Events

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium regularly hosts:

• Atlanta Falcons home games (NFL)
• Atlanta United FC home matches (MLS)
• College football games, including championships and special events
• International soccer matches
• Large‑scale concerts and touring shows

The stadium has already hosted Super Bowl LIII, College Football Playoff national championships, and other major events that bring national attention and visitors to Atlanta.

Impact on the Surrounding Area

The stadium sits in the downtown Atlanta area near key landmarks:

• Adjacent to Vine City and English Avenue neighborhoods
• Close to State Farm Arena, CNN Center, and Centennial Olympic Park
• Accessible via MARTA (Dome / GWCC / College Football Hall of Fame / State Farm Arena station)

The construction and operation of the stadium are tied to:

• Ongoing infrastructure improvements in the surrounding streets and public spaces.
• Increased event‑driven traffic, which can affect local parking, small businesses, and neighborhood patterns.

Local residents often weigh the economic activity from events against concerns like traffic, noise, and parking pressure, all of which are familiar topics to Atlantans who live or work near downtown.

Visiting Mercedes‑Benz Stadium: What Atlantans Should Know

Even if you’re just curious about how much it cost, you may also want to know how to experience what that $1.6 billion built.

Stadium Location & Basic Info

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

• Nearby MARTA Station:
  Dome / GWCC / College Football Hall of Fame / State Farm Arena (West Line)

Using MARTA is often the most straightforward way for locals and visitors to avoid downtown event traffic and parking fees, especially on Falcons or Atlanta United game days.

Tours and Public Access

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium typically offers guided tours that showcase:

• The field level
• Locker rooms (when available)
• Club and suite areas
• Architectural features like the roof and Halo Board

Tour schedules can change based on events, so it’s best to:

• Check current tour times in advance
• Plan around Falcons and Atlanta United home games or major concerts

Why the Cost Matters to People in Atlanta

Understanding the $1.6 billion cost of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium helps Atlantans and visitors put the venue in perspective:

• It represents one of the largest single construction investments in the city’s modern history.
• It ties into local government decisions about tourism taxes and public funding priorities.
• It shapes how Atlanta is viewed nationally as a host city for large events and championships.

For residents, it can be helpful to recognize that:

• The stadium was funded by a mix of private money and public, tourism‑related dollars.
• The ongoing impact shows up in event traffic, downtown development, and visitor spending across the city.

If you live in Atlanta, work downtown, or just come in for games, that multibillion‑dollar structure has likely influenced how you move through and experience the city—even if you’ve never stepped inside.

In sum: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium cost about $1.6 billion to build, combining private investment with hotel‑motel tax‑backed public funding, and it continues to shape sports, entertainment, and economic activity in Atlanta today.