Atlanta Falcons’ New Stadium: Your Local Guide to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

When people in Atlanta talk about the “Atlanta Falcons’ new stadium,” they’re almost always referring to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, the state‑of‑the‑art home of the Falcons in downtown Atlanta. Whether you’re a local fan, a visitor planning a game day, or just curious how it all works, this guide walks through what you need to know from an Atlanta-specific perspective.

Where the Atlanta Falcons’ New Stadium Is and How It Fits into the City

Stadium name: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
Address: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Neighborhood: Downtown / Vine City area

The new Falcons stadium sits just west of downtown Atlanta, next to the old Georgia Dome site and within walking distance of:

• State Farm Arena
• CNN Center area
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Multiple MARTA rail stations

For Atlantans, this means the stadium is part of a larger sports and entertainment district, not some isolated venue on the edge of town. On non‑game days, people still come downtown for concerts, events, and attractions nearby.

What Makes the New Falcons Stadium Different

Compared with the old Georgia Dome, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is designed to feel more like an all‑day experience than just a football field.

Key features locals and visitors notice

• Retractable roof:
  The stadium has a distinctive, camera‑lens style retractable roof that can open to let in sunlight and fresh air. For Atlanta’s hot, humid days or rainy weather, the roof is a big factor in comfort.

• 360‑degree video “Halo Board”:
  Inside, you’ll see a massive 360‑degree LED video screen circling the top of the stadium. It’s hard to miss and is one of the signature features people talk about after attending a Falcons game.

• Large glass wall and city views:
  The stadium includes a large windowed area that gives views of the downtown skyline, reminding you you’re right in the heart of Atlanta.

• Modern concourses:
  Wider concourses, more restrooms, and more food options generally make moving around easier than in older venues.

For many Atlanta residents, the stadium has also become an anchor for development on the Westside, tying into community projects and new businesses in the area.

Getting to the Falcons’ New Stadium: Atlanta Transportation Tips

Using MARTA (often the easiest option)

For both locals and visitors, MARTA rail is usually the simplest way to reach Mercedes‑Benz Stadium on game days and major events.

Nearby MARTA stations:

Typical approach:

1. Take Red or Gold Line (from North Springs, Doraville, Airport, etc.) to Five Points.
2. Transfer to Blue or Green Line toward Hamilton E. Holmes or Bankhead.
3. Get off at GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City and walk to the stadium.

MARTA is especially helpful if you’re coming from:

• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• North Atlanta suburbs along GA‑400 or I‑85 (via park‑and‑ride)
• East or West Atlanta via the East/West rail lines

Driving and parking

Driving is very common for metro Atlanta residents, but you’ll want to plan ahead.

Things to know:

• Pre‑paid parking: For Falcons games, parking is usually offered through nearby garages and surface lots. Pre‑purchasing a space is strongly recommended on major event days.
• I‑75/I‑85 and I‑20 access: The stadium area sits near the junction of Atlanta’s two main interstates, but game‑day traffic can be intense. Expect delays around Northside Drive, Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, and MLK Jr. Drive.
• Rideshare drop‑offs: There are usually designated rideshare zones around the stadium. Traffic control may reroute streets temporarily, so allow time for walking from drop‑off points.

If you’re a visitor staying downtown, walking or using MARTA typically beats trying to park right at the stadium.

Atlanta Falcons Game Day Experience at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Tickets and entry

You’ll typically access tickets digitally (through mobile apps or digital ticketing platforms). At the gates:

• Expect security screening (metal detectors, bag checks).
• There’s a clear bag policy, similar to other NFL stadiums. Most fans in Atlanta now use a small clear bag or keep belongings in pockets to speed up entry.

Seating and sections

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium offers:

• Lower bowl seating close to the field
• Upper deck seating with a broad view of the field and halo board
• Club and suite levels
• Sideline, end‑zone, and corner views depending on your budget and preference

If you live in Atlanta and plan to attend regularly, it can be useful to learn the section layout that lines up best with:

• Falcons sideline vs. visiting team sideline
• Proximity to main entrances and MARTA paths
• Nearby concessions you prefer

Food, Drinks, and Concessions: What Atlantans Should Expect

One of the things locals often highlight about the “new Falcons stadium” is its fan‑friendly pricing model on many basic concessions.

You’ll typically find:

• Budget‑friendly items: Hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, soft drinks, and water at prices lower than many other big stadiums.
• Atlanta‑inspired options: Rotating food stands and vendors that reflect local flavors and national chains with a strong presence in Atlanta.
• Grab‑and‑go markets: Some stands use self‑checkout or quick‑scan systems to reduce lines.

If you’re visiting from out of town, you may notice concession prices for basic items are often more reasonable than you’d expect for an NFL stadium.

Accessibility and Amenities for Atlanta Fans and Visitors

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium was built with modern accessibility standards, which matters for many metro Atlanta families and visitors with mobility needs.

Accessibility highlights

• ADA seating locations throughout the stadium
• Elevators and ramps connecting all major levels
• Designated accessible parking in certain lots and decks
• Typically, assistance staff available near main entrances and guest services desks

If you have specific accessibility needs, it’s a good idea to:

• Review stadium accessibility information before game day
• Arrive a bit earlier than the main rush to move through security and reach your seat more comfortably

Beyond Falcons: Other Events at the New Stadium

Although the stadium is best known as the home of the Atlanta Falcons, locals know it as a multi‑use venue.

Regular or recurring events may include:

• Atlanta United FC (Major League Soccer) home matches
• College football games, such as major kickoff or championship games
• High school football championships and special events
• Major concerts and tours
• Occasional special events like international soccer friendlies, festivals, or large conventions

For Atlanta residents, that means the area around the stadium can get busy on many weekends and some weeknights, even when the Falcons are out of season.

Neighborhood and Nearby Atlanta Attractions

If you’re making a full day out of a Falcons game or stadium event, the surrounding area offers a lot within walking distance:

• Centennial Olympic Park – A public green space popular before and after events
• Georgia World Congress Center – Often hosts fan events or conventions tied to big games
• College Football Hall of Fame – A natural stop for football fans coming to Falcons games
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – For visitors wanting a deeper cultural and historical experience of Atlanta
• State Farm Arena – Home of the Atlanta Hawks and additional concerts

Locals often plan:

• A pre‑game brunch or lunch in downtown or Midtown
• A stop at one of the nearby museums or attractions
• A MARTA ride back out to their neighborhood after the crowds thin

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Here are a few quick, Atlanta‑specific pointers to get the most out of your visit to the Falcons’ new stadium:

• Plan for traffic:
  On Falcons game days, traffic builds hours before kick‑off, especially along Northside Drive, Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, and the Connector (I‑75/85).

• Use MARTA when possible:
  For many people, especially those coming from the Airport, Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, or Decatur, MARTA can be faster and cheaper than parking.

• Check the event policy in advance:
  Bag size, camera rules, cashless payments, and re‑entry policies can change. Atlanta fans commonly check event details the week of the game to avoid surprises at the gate.

• Arrive early:
  Arriving early gives you time to:

  • Explore the concourses
  • Try popular food stands before lines get long
  • Visit the team store or take photos inside the bowl

• Be ready for weather swings:
  Even with the retractable roof, you’ll be outside for at least part of your journey (parking, MARTA walk, tailgating). Atlanta’s heat, humidity, and occasional sudden storms are worth planning around.

Key Takeaways for “Atlanta Falcons New Stadium”

• The “new” Atlanta Falcons stadium is Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, located at 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 in downtown Atlanta.
• It’s easily reached by MARTA (GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City stations) and sits in a busy sports and entertainment corridor.
• Fans experience modern amenities, a retractable roof, and a prominent 360‑degree halo video board.
• Food and drink offerings are designed to be more budget‑friendly than typical NFL venues, which Atlanta fans often appreciate.
• The stadium hosts Falcons games, Atlanta United matches, college football, concerts, and more, making it a major year‑round destination for people who live in or visit Atlanta, Georgia.