Copa América Games in Atlanta: How to Go, What to Expect, and Local Tips

Atlanta is one of the key host cities for Copa América in the United States, and downtown turns into a full-on soccer festival when the tournament comes to town. Whether you live in the metro area or you’re flying in just for a match, planning ahead makes a big difference in how much you enjoy the day.

Below is a practical guide focused on Copa América games in Atlanta, from tickets and transportation to parking, safety, and where to hang out before and after the match.

Where Copa América Games Are Played in Atlanta

All official Copa América matches in Atlanta are hosted at:

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

This is the same state-of-the-art stadium used by Atlanta United FC and the Atlanta Falcons. For Copa América, the venue usually operates at or close to full capacity, so expect:

• Very large crowds, especially around The Home Depot Backyard and the Centennial Olympic Park area
• Heavy downtown traffic several hours before and after matches
• Increased security and controlled entry points around the stadium

If you’re booking a hotel or planning to meet friends, most out-of-town visitors focus on:

• Downtown Atlanta (walkable to the stadium)
• Midtown (short MARTA ride)
• Cumberland / The Battery or Buckhead (farther out, but plenty of dining and nightlife)

Copa América Tickets in Atlanta: What Locals Should Know

Buying Tickets

Tickets for Copa América games in Atlanta are typically sold through major, widely known ticketing platforms and official tournament channels. In Atlanta, fans commonly use:

• Official tournament ticket portals
• Primary ticketing partners linked from the stadium or tournament organizers
• Established resale platforms for last-minute seats

Tips for Atlanta fans:

• Buy early if you know a big team is playing in Atlanta; high-demand matches can sell out or become very expensive.
• Watch for dynamic pricing: prices may change closer to match day based on demand.
• If you’re local, consider being flexible with seat location (upper levels vs. lower bowl) to get better pricing.

Seat Sections and View

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium has good sightlines from most sections, but here’s a quick, soccer-focused overview:

If you care more about atmosphere than exact view, end-line and supporters’ sections are where you’ll feel the most energy.

Getting to Copa América Games in Atlanta

Using MARTA (Recommended for Most Fans)

For big events like Copa América, many locals prefer MARTA, Atlanta’s rail system, to avoid traffic and parking issues.

The two main MARTA stations for the stadium are:

• GWCC / CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – closest to gates on the west side
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – short walk on the west/northwest side of the stadium

You can also use:

• Five Points Station (Red/Gold/Blue/Green) and walk about 10–15 minutes
• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold) if you’re staying in a downtown hotel, then walk over

MARTA tips for Copa América:

• ⚽ Load your Breeze Card ahead of time. Expect lines at machines right before and after the match.
• Check typical weekday vs. weekend schedules; trains may run more frequently for major events, but it’s smart to plan for some wait time.
• If you’re coming from the suburbs (Doraville, North Springs, College Park, Airport), avoid cutting it too close—aim to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before kickoff.

Driving and Parking Near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Driving is possible, but you should expect heavy congestion on:

• Northside Drive NW
• Ivan Allen Jr Blvd
• Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW
• Connector portions of I‑75/85 and I‑20 near downtown

Parking options include:

• Official stadium parking decks and surface lots around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
• Third-party parking lots and garages around Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, and downtown office buildings

Driving tips:

• Pre-book parking when possible; many lots allow reservations in advance for major events.
• Arrive 2+ hours early if you want easier parking and less stress.
• Consider parking at a MARTA park-and-ride (like Lindbergh Center, Doraville, or College Park) and taking the train in.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis are widely used in Atlanta, especially for events.

• The stadium typically designates rideshare pickup areas a short walk from the building.
• After high-demand matches, surge pricing and long waits are common.

To avoid crowd crush at pickup points:

• Walk a few blocks away from the stadium before requesting a ride.
• Agree on a specific corner or landmark with your group, like near Centennial Olympic Park, Ted Turner Dr, or Marietta St NW.

Security, Entry, and Stadium Policies

Security Screening

For Copa América games, expect:

• Walk-through or hand-held metal detectors
• Bag checks
• Specific prohibited items (common bans include large bags, outside alcohol, weapons, and some noisemakers)

Lines can be long near kickoff. In Atlanta, local fans often:

• Enter 90 minutes before match time to avoid the final rush
• Choose less crowded gates; staff on-site can point you to shorter lines

Clear Bag Policy

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium follows a clear bag policy for most major events. Standard rules generally include:

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to a certain size
• Small clutches or wallets below a small size limit
• Diaper bags and medically necessary bags, which may be subject to special screening

If you live in Atlanta and attend games often, it’s common to keep a clear stadium-approved bag on hand to speed up security.

Food, Drinks, and Fan Atmosphere

Concessions Inside the Stadium

One of the big draws of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is its fan-friendly pricing on many basic food and drink items. While specific Copa América menus can vary, you can typically find:

• Hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, and fries
• Nachos, pretzels, popcorn, and other stadium classics
• Beer, soft drinks, and water
• Vegetarian or specialty options at select stands

Payment is largely cashless, so plan to use card or mobile pay.

Pre‑Game and Post‑Game Spots in Atlanta

Before and after Copa América matches, downtown and nearby neighborhoods turn into gathering spots for fans.

Common areas for fans to eat, drink, and hang out:

• Centennial Olympic Park area – many bars and restaurants on Marietta St NW and nearby blocks
• The Gulch / Home Depot Backyard – often used for tailgating and fan activations around major matches
• Midtown Atlanta – especially along Peachtree St NE and near 10th St, for more nightlife options after the game
• Castleberry Hill – neighborhood just south of the stadium with local bars and eateries

Expect a mix of local Atlanta United supporters, visiting fans from other U.S. cities, and national team supporters from across the Americas.

Staying in Atlanta for Copa América

If you’re visiting Atlanta for a Copa América game, staying reasonably close to the stadium will save you time and hassle.

Popular Areas to Stay

• Downtown Atlanta – closest to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium; walkable to most matches and attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
• Midtown – one quick MARTA ride away; offers more restaurants, nightlife, and green space like Piedmont Park
• Buckhead – farther from the stadium but known for upscale hotels, shopping, and dining

Locals who live in the outer suburbs (Alpharetta, Marietta, Peachtree City, etc.) often:

• Use MARTA from park‑and‑ride stations, or
• Drive part of the way, then switch to MARTA, especially for night games.

Accessibility and Special Considerations

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is designed with accessibility in mind. For Copa América events, you can typically expect:

• Accessible seating throughout the venue
• Elevators and ramps to multiple levels
• Accessible restrooms and concession areas
• Designated drop‑off areas for guests with mobility needs

For specific accessibility assistance for a Copa América game, contact:

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Guest Services
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
(General information phone lines are usually listed on the stadium’s main information channels.)

Arriving early helps if you need:

• Extra time to navigate
• To coordinate with staff for wheelchair seating or assistance

Safety, Traffic, and Local Tips for Atlantans

Traffic Timing

On Copa América match days, downtown Atlanta can be congested not only because of the game, but also:

• Office workers leaving around rush hour
• Other events at State Farm Arena or nearby venues
• Routine interstate traffic on I‑75/85 and I‑20

To minimize stress:

• Aim to be downtown 2–3 hours before kickoff
• Use side streets and alternate exits from interstates when possible
• Consider staying downtown for dinner or a drink after the match to let traffic thin out

Weather Considerations

Copa América games are usually held in the summer, when Atlanta can be:

• Hot and humid during the day
• Subject to sudden afternoon thunderstorms

Since Mercedes‑Benz Stadium has a retractable roof, matches are generally protected from weather, but your pre‑ and post‑game plans are not.

Practical tips:

• Dress in light, breathable clothing for walking outside.
• Carry a compact rain jacket or poncho if the forecast calls for storms.
• Hydrate well, especially if you’re tailgating or walking long distances.

How Copa América Fits Into Atlanta’s Soccer Culture

Atlanta is already known as a major soccer city, largely due to the success of Atlanta United FC. Copa América magnifies that culture:

• Supporters’ groups often organize marches to the stadium, meetups, and watch‑along events.
• Bars across the city, especially in Midtown, East Atlanta Village, Inman Park, and Brookhaven, frequently show major international matches.
• Local youth clubs and pick‑up fields—such as those at Grant Park, Piedmont Park, and Silverbacks Park—see increased interest during major tournaments.

If you’re new to soccer in Atlanta, attending a Copa América game is a high‑energy way to experience the city’s fan culture in one place.

Quick Planning Checklist for Copa América Games in Atlanta

1–2 months before the match:

• Buy tickets for your preferred match and seat section
• Book hotel or confirm where you’re staying (Downtown / Midtown recommended for visitors)
• Decide if you’ll drive, use MARTA, or rideshare

Week of the match:

• Double-check kickoff time and stadium policies (bags, prohibited items)
• Plan your route to the stadium and back
• Choose a meeting spot with your group inside or near the stadium

Day of the match:

• Arrive early (at least 90 minutes before kickoff)
• Bring a clear bag if needed and have tickets ready on your phone
• Plan for post-game: where you’ll eat, how you’ll avoid the worst traffic, and how you’ll get home safely

By focusing on timing, transportation, and a few local habits, attending Copa América games in Atlanta becomes much easier—and a memorable way to experience both world‑class soccer and the city’s downtown energy.