Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia: A Local’s Guide to the Home of the Falcons and Atlanta United

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of the defining landmarks of downtown Atlanta. Whether you’re going to a Falcons game, cheering on Atlanta United, catching a concert, or just visiting the city, this stadium is likely to be part of your Atlanta experience.

This guide walks you through what locals and visitors need to know about Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia—from tickets and parking to nearby neighborhoods, food options, and accessibility.

Where Mercedes-Benz Stadium Is and How It Fits Into Atlanta

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

The stadium sits on the west side of downtown Atlanta, right next to:

• The former Georgia Dome site
• State Farm Arena
• CNN Center (nearby)
• The Vine City and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods

It is part of a broader sports-and-entertainment district that includes:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• College Football Hall of Fame
• Georgia World Congress Center

If you live in the metro area, it’s an easy landmark for meeting friends or building a day in the city around a game, concert, or special event.

What Happens at Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

The stadium hosts a wide range of events throughout the year:

Major Sports

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
  Home games take place here during the NFL season (roughly September–January, plus preseason in August).

• Atlanta United FC (MLS)
  Regular home matches run roughly from spring through fall. The stadium’s design and sound make it a major draw for soccer fans across Atlanta.

Other Events

While schedules change season to season, the stadium commonly hosts:

• College football games, including major neutral-site matchups
• Championship games and bowl games
• Concerts by major touring artists
• Large-scale special events (festivals, religious events, international soccer, etc.)

If you’re planning a visit, it’s helpful to check the event calendar in advance and build your trip around what’s going on that week in Atlanta.

Getting to Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Using MARTA (Recommended for Many Events)

Public transit is one of the simplest ways to reach the stadium, especially for big events when traffic and parking can be intense.

Nearby MARTA rail stations include:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – A short walk to the stadium.
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – Often used by fans coming from the west.
• Five Points Station (Red/Gold/Blue/Green Lines) – You can transfer here and walk a little farther or switch to the Blue/Green lines.

Many locals choose MARTA to avoid congestion around Northside Drive, Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, and Centennial Olympic Park Drive.

🧠 Tip: If you’re visiting from out of town and staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, you may be within walking distance of a MARTA station that directly connects to the stadium’s stops.

Driving and Parking

If you prefer to drive, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is accessible from major Atlanta interstates:

• I-20 (east–west)
• I-75 / I-85 (the Downtown Connector)

Key nearby exits typically feed into:

• Northside Drive NW
• Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW
• Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd NW

Common parking insights for Atlanta drivers:

• Pre-pay parking is generally recommended for Falcons and Atlanta United home games and big concerts.
• Parking lots and decks are spread around the Georgia World Congress Center campus and nearby private decks.
• Expect heavier congestion when events overlap (for example, a concert at State Farm Arena and a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on the same night).

If you’re driving in from the suburbs (Marietta, Decatur, College Park, etc.), give yourself extra time—Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, especially on weekend afternoons and evenings.

Rideshare and Drop-Off

Rideshare services have designated pickup and drop-off zones around the stadium. These areas can move depending on the event, but they are typically:

• Posted on event maps
• Managed by on-site staff or signage to direct drivers

For locals, rideshare can be a practical alternative if you want to avoid downtown parking fees and post-game traffic.

Seating, Layout, and the Retractable Roof

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is known for its modern design and unique retractable roof.

Seating Basics

The stadium includes:

• Lower bowl seating around the field
• Club and suite levels
• Upper deck seating with city views from some sections
• Designated areas for supporters’ sections during soccer matches

For many events, the layout is adjusted (for example, stage placement for concerts), so seating charts can differ.

The Roof and Halo Board

Two of the most distinctive design features:

• Retractable roof – Designed to open or close depending on weather and event needs.
• 360-degree “halo” video board – Rings the roof opening and is visible from most seating areas.

For Atlanta residents, this has made the stadium a centerpiece of the skyline and a recognizable backdrop for major local events.

Food, Drinks, and Amenities

One of the things many Atlanta fans notice about Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the emphasis on fan-friendly food pricing and variety.

Concessions

You can typically find:

• Classic stadium fare (hot dogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn)
• Local or regional options (BBQ, Southern-style dishes, and rotating local vendors)
• Vegetarian and vegan choices in select stands
• Kids’ meals and snack-friendly options

Menu offerings can vary by event, but the idea of straightforward, reasonably priced basics has become part of the stadium’s identity for many Atlanta locals.

Cashless and Mobile

The stadium operates primarily cashless:

• Most purchases are made via card or mobile payment.
• If you bring cash, there are usually kiosks on-site that can convert cash to a card for use inside the stadium.

🧠 Tip: Atlanta residents who attend often usually load their preferred payment into their phone’s wallet app before arriving to speed up lines.

Accessibility and Special Accommodations

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is designed with accessibility in mind. Features commonly include:

• Accessible seating options throughout various price levels
• Elevators and ramps for those who cannot use stairs
• Accessible restrooms and family restrooms
• Designated drop-off areas closer to entrances
• Services for guests with sensory needs at some events

If you or someone in your group has accessibility needs, it can be helpful to:

• Review available seating before purchasing tickets
• Arrive early to allow extra time for parking, security, and navigating the concourses

This is especially important on busy event days when pedestrian traffic in downtown Atlanta is heavy.

Security, Entry, and What to Expect at the Gates

Like many major stadiums, Mercedes-Benz Stadium uses airport-style security procedures.

Clear Bag Policy

For safety and speed at entry, there is typically a clear bag policy, such as:

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to a certain size
• Non-clear small clutches or wallets within a smaller size limit

Bag rules may differ slightly by event, so it’s wise to double-check specifics before you leave the house or hotel.

Screening and Timing

Expect:

• Walk-through metal detectors or wand screening
• Visual bag checks
• Entry lines that can be long just before kickoff or showtime

In Atlanta, seasoned fans often:

• Aim to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before game time
• Use less-crowded gates if they know the layout
• Coordinate meeting spots inside rather than outside in the crowds

Neighborhoods and Attractions Around the Stadium

If you’re building a day around an event, the area around Mercedes-Benz Stadium gives you several options:

Walkable Attractions

Within a short walk, you’ll find:

• Centennial Olympic Park – Public green space and a central gathering spot.
• College Football Hall of Fame – Popular with sports fans visiting from across Georgia.
• Georgia Aquarium – A major family attraction.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – A significant cultural and educational site.

Nearby Neighborhoods

• Downtown Atlanta – High-rise hotels, office buildings, and attractions.
• Castleberry Hill – A historic, artsy neighborhood southwest of the stadium, known for lofts, galleries, and local dining.
• Vine City & English Avenue – Residential neighborhoods to the west, with ongoing development and community projects.

Locals often pair a game or concert with a meal in Castleberry Hill or a stroll through Centennial Olympic Park to make the most of being downtown.

Tickets, Pricing, and Local Fan Tips

Buying Tickets

Tickets are typically available through official team outlets and major ticket platforms. If you live in Atlanta and plan to attend several events per year, it can be useful to:

• Compare single-game tickets vs. mini-plans or partial season plans for Falcons or Atlanta United.
• Consider seats based on how you prefer to experience events—supporters’ sections for louder soccer crowds, club levels for amenities, upper deck for budget and panoramic views.

Atlanta-Specific Fan Habits

Many metro Atlanta fans:

• Use MARTA on Sunday afternoons to avoid Interstate traffic for football games.
• Park at MARTA stations in suburbs (like Sandy Springs, Chamblee, Doraville, East Point, College Park, etc.) and take the train in.
• Plan pre- or post-game meals in nearby neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, or Castleberry Hill instead of eating only at the stadium—especially for night games and concerts.

Hotels and Staying Near the Stadium

If you’re visiting Atlanta for a stadium event and staying overnight, you’ll find many hotels within a relatively short distance, especially in:

• Downtown Atlanta – Closest walking access to the stadium and other attractions.
• Midtown Atlanta – A short MARTA ride away; more nightlife and dining variety.
• Airport area (Hartsfield-Jackson) – A MARTA ride or drive in; often convenient if you’re flying in for a game.

For out-of-town visitors, staying along a MARTA rail line can simplify your visit—no need to navigate Atlanta’s downtown traffic or pay for parking for each event.

Basic Quick-Reference Overview

Here’s a simplified snapshot to help you plan:

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, Georgia, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is more than just a sports venue—it’s a central gathering place for the city. Knowing how to get there, where to park, how to navigate the area, and what to expect inside makes attending any event there smoother and more enjoyable.