Atlanta’s Georgia Dome: What Happened to It and What’s There Now?
When people search for “Atlanta Georgia Dome,” they’re often looking for one of three things:
- What happened to the famous Georgia Dome
- What replaced it and where major events are held now
- How to visit the old site or attend games and concerts in Atlanta today
If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are planning an event here, understanding the Georgia Dome’s history and its modern replacement—Mercedes‑Benz Stadium—will help you know where to go and what to expect.
The Georgia Dome in Atlanta: A Quick Overview
The Georgia Dome was once one of Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks. It:
- Opened in the early 1990s as a multi-purpose domed stadium
- Sat in Downtown Atlanta, just southwest of the central business district
- Served as the home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) for many years
- Hosted Super Bowls, Final Fours, the 1996 Olympic Games events, and major concerts
For decades, the Georgia Dome was the centerpiece of Atlanta’s big-event scene. If you grew up here, you might remember high school championships, college football games, or concerts under the white domed roof.
However, the Georgia Dome no longer exists. The stadium was demolished, and the site has been completely redeveloped.
What Replaced the Georgia Dome?
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium: Atlanta’s New Event Hub
The direct replacement for the Georgia Dome is Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, located essentially on the same campus in Downtown Atlanta.
- Address:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Today, if someone in Atlanta says “where the Georgia Dome used to be,” they’re usually referring to the area around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and the surrounding campus, including nearby green space and facilities.
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is now:
- Home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
- Home of Atlanta United FC (MLS)
- Site of major college football games (including SEC Championship, Peach Bowl, and sometimes the College Football Playoff National Championship)
- A major venue for concerts, international soccer, and other large-scale events
If you’re coming to Atlanta for a big game or concert, you are almost certainly heading to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, not the Georgia Dome.
What’s on the Former Georgia Dome Site Now?
After demolition, the Georgia Dome site was redeveloped into new facilities that support sports and the local community. The main replacement on the exact footprint is:
The Home Depot Backyard
On land that was largely occupied by the Georgia Dome, you’ll now find The Home Depot Backyard, a large outdoor park and gathering space right next to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
- Location: Adjacent to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, on the former Georgia Dome site
- Typical Uses:
- Game-day tailgating and fan activities
- Outdoor fitness classes, community events, and festivals
- Space for family-friendly activities and seasonal programming
On event days, the Backyard is packed with fans. On non-event days, it often functions as an open public green space, depending on scheduling and programming.
Visiting the Area Where the Georgia Dome Once Stood
If you’re in Downtown Atlanta and want to visit the old Georgia Dome area, you’re really visiting the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium campus and The Home Depot Backyard.
How to Get There
By MARTA (recommended for big events):
- Take the Blue or Green Line to GWCC/CNN Center Station
- This station is within easy walking distance of the stadium and former Dome site.
- You can also use Vine City Station on the Blue/Green Line, which is on the west side of the stadium and close to the old Dome footprint.
By Car:
- The area is close to major interstates (I‑20, I‑75/85).
- Parking is available in multiple official lots around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and the former Georgia Dome site. On big event days, it’s best to:
- Reserve parking in advance when possible
- Arrive early to avoid congestion
On Foot from Downtown Attractions:
If you’re staying at a hotel near Peachtree Street, the CNN Center, or Centennial Olympic Park, the walk to the old Georgia Dome area is typically 10–20 minutes, depending on your starting point.
Georgia Dome vs. Mercedes‑Benz Stadium: What Changed?
To understand what you’re seeing in Atlanta now, it helps to compare the old with the new.
| Feature | Georgia Dome (Past) | Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Now) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Atlanta | Same general downtown campus |
| Status | Demolished | Active, open, and hosting major events |
| Roof Type | Fixed dome | Retractable roof with signature “halo” |
| Main Tenants | Atlanta Falcons, college events | Falcons, Atlanta United FC, major sports/events |
| Surrounding Area | Mostly stadium/parking | Stadium, The Home Depot Backyard, mixed uses |
| Visitor Experience Focus | Traditional stadium layout | Modern fan experience, more amenities |
For practical purposes today, when you’re planning activities in Atlanta:
- Think of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium as the go-to replacement for the Georgia Dome.
- Think of The Home Depot Backyard as the physical successor on much of the land where the Dome once stood.
If You Remember the Georgia Dome and Want to See the Site
Many Atlantans have strong memories tied to the Georgia Dome—high school championships, Falcons games, or the 1996 Olympics. If you’re revisiting the area:
- Head to 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Walk around the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium campus
- Explore The Home Depot Backyard, especially on non-event days when it’s more open and relaxed
- Nearby, you can also visit:
- Centennial Olympic Park
- State Farm Arena
- Georgia World Congress Center
You won’t find physical remains of the Dome itself, but the layout of the campus, the surrounding streets, and views of Downtown Atlanta still give a sense of where it once stood.
Attending Events in Atlanta Where the Georgia Dome Used to Host Them
If you’re used to the Georgia Dome being the place for big games and concerts, here’s how things work now in Atlanta:
Professional Football (NFL)
- Then: Georgia Dome
- Now:Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Falcons home games, NFL special events)
Major College Football Games
Events that once took place at the Georgia Dome—such as the SEC Championship Game and the Peach Bowl—now happen at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium on the same overall campus.
Soccer (MLS & International)
- Atlanta United FC plays home games at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
- The stadium also hosts international friendlies and tournaments.
Concerts and Tours
Large-scale concerts that would once have filled the Georgia Dome now typically use:
- Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (for the biggest shows)
- State Farm Arena (for large indoor concerts)
Always check your specific event ticket for:
- Venue name
- Gate entry info
- Recommended parking or transit options
Practical Tips for Locals and Visitors
Whether you’re an Atlantan who remembers the Georgia Dome or a visitor trying to figure out “where it is now,” these tips can help:
1. Use the Right Name When Navigating
When entering directions into GPS or rideshare apps, search for:
- “Mercedes‑Benz Stadium” rather than “Georgia Dome”
- “The Home Depot Backyard” if you’re meeting people for tailgating or outdoor events
Many locals still say “where the Dome used to be,” but navigation tools typically use the current names.
2. Plan for Crowds on Event Days
The old Georgia Dome area is still one of Atlanta’s busiest event zones. For big games or concerts:
- 🚗 Consider MARTA to avoid heavy traffic and parking costs
- 🕒 Arrive early, especially if you want to enjoy The Home Depot Backyard or nearby attractions
- 📍 Identify your entry gate and a clear meetup spot, since the area can get congested
3. Combine Your Visit with Nearby Attractions
If you’re coming to see where the Georgia Dome once stood or attending an event:
You’re within walking distance of:
- Centennial Olympic Park
- World of Coca‑Cola
- Georgia Aquarium
- CNN Center area
- College Football Hall of Fame
This makes the old Georgia Dome area a convenient base for a full downtown Atlanta day.
Key Takeaways for “Atlanta Georgia Dome”
- The Georgia Dome in Atlanta has been demolished and is no longer standing.
- Its role as Atlanta’s major indoor stadium has been taken over by Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, located on the same overall downtown campus.
- Much of the Georgia Dome’s former footprint is now part of The Home Depot Backyard, a large outdoor space used for tailgating, events, and community activities.
- If you are visiting Atlanta for events that used to be held at the Georgia Dome, you should now plan to go to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, at 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313.
- The surrounding downtown area remains a major sports, entertainment, and tourism hub, easily reachable by MARTA, rideshare, or car.
Understanding this transition from the Georgia Dome to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium will help you navigate Atlanta confidently, whether you’re coming for a game, a concert, or simply to see what replaced one of the city’s most iconic venues.