Atlanta Stadium Guide: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and Beyond

When people search for “Atlanta stadium”, they are almost always talking about Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, the huge retractable‑roof venue in Downtown Atlanta. But Atlanta actually has several major stadiums and arenas, each with its own purpose, personality, and game‑day experience.

This guide walks you through:

• The main Atlanta stadiums
• What happens at each one (sports, concerts, special events)
• How to get there, park, and get around
• Nearby neighborhoods, tips, and local insights that matter if you live in or are visiting Atlanta

The Main “Atlanta Stadium”: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is Atlanta’s flagship stadium and the one most people mean when they say “the stadium” downtown.

Location:
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

What Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Is Used For

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is a multi‑purpose stadium that typically hosts:

• NFL: Home of the Atlanta Falcons
• MLS: Home of Atlanta United FC
• College football:
  • Chick‑fil‑A Kickoff Game (season‑opening games)
  • SEC Championship Game
  • Peach Bowl and other major matchups
• Concerts: Major touring artists, large‑scale shows, and festivals
• Special events: Conventions, corporate events, large community gatherings, occasional high‑school football championships

If you’re planning a trip around a big game or concert in Atlanta, chances are high you’ll be at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

Getting to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

MARTA (Public Transit)

For many locals and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to get to the stadium, especially for big events.

Closest rail stations:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – typically the most direct for the stadium
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – behind the stadium on the west side
• Five Points Station (Red/Gold + Blue/Green transfer) – you can walk (longer) or transfer here

🚌 Tips:

• Buy or load a Breeze Card before game day if possible to avoid lines.
• After major games or concerts, expect crowded trains and platforms; follow MARTA staff directions and plan for extra exit time.

MARTA customer service (general info): 404‑848‑5000

Driving and Parking

Driving is common, especially for families or people coming from the suburbs or out of town.

Common parking options include:

• Official stadium parking lots and decks
• Nearby public and private decks in:
  • Downtown
  • Around State Farm Arena
  • Near the Georgia World Congress Center

Key parking tips:

• Pre‑purchase parking when possible for big games and concerts.
• Expect street closures directly around the stadium on major event days.
• Allow extra time for security, walking from the lot, and lines.

Rideshare and Drop‑Off

Rideshare zones are usually marked and may shift based on the event.

General patterns:

• Designated pickup/drop‑off areas on the streets east or west of the stadium
• Heavy congestion right after events—many locals wait 20–30 minutes inside or at a nearby restaurant before requesting a ride to avoid the worst of the gridlock

What It’s Like Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Roof and Seating

• Retractable roof that can open or close depending on weather and event
• Bowl seating with multiple levels, clubs, and suites
• 360‑degree halo video board above the field

Food and Concessions

The stadium is known for fan‑friendly pricing on many basic concession items. You’ll also find:

• Local Atlanta restaurant concepts
• Options for different diets (varies by event)
• Cashless payments throughout most of the building

Accessibility

The stadium typically offers:

• Accessible seating areas on various levels
• Elevators and ramps
• Accessible restrooms
• Designated ADA drop‑off zones nearby

For specific accessibility assistance or questions, contact the stadium’s guest services through the main information line, which can be found via their official channels, or check at Guest Services desks inside on event day.

Other Major Stadiums and Arenas in Atlanta

While Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is the main “Atlanta stadium,” the city has several other large venues that locals and visitors should know about.

State Farm Arena (NBA & Concerts)

Location:
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303

Primary uses:

• Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• Major concerts and touring shows
• Some family events, comedy tours, and special performances

It’s located directly next to Centennial Olympic Park and very close to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, making this whole area a central sports and entertainment district.

Transit access:

• MARTA – GWCC/CNN Center Station is adjacent.
• Many parking decks serve both State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, especially for night events.

Bobby Dodd Stadium (Georgia Tech Football)

Location:
150 Bobby Dodd Way NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Primary uses:

• Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets home football games
• Occasional other football or special events

This is a historic college football stadium on the Georgia Tech campus near Midtown.

Transit and parking:

• MARTA rail access via North Avenue Station (Red/Gold Line), then a short walk to campus.
• Game‑day parking often uses Georgia Tech decks and lots; many fans walk from Midtown.

Russ Chandler Stadium (Baseball – Georgia Tech)

Location:
249 Ferst Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Primary uses:

• Georgia Tech baseball games
• Occasional tournaments or special baseball events

A much smaller, more intimate stadium experience compared to Mercedes‑Benz, popular with college baseball fans and nearby residents.

Fifth Third Bank Stadium (North of Atlanta, Kennesaw)

While not in the city proper, some people include this in their “Atlanta stadium” search because it’s part of the metro area.

Location:
3200 George Busbee Parkway NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Primary uses:

• Kennesaw State University athletics
• Some professional or semi‑pro soccer and special events

Good to know if you’re in the northern suburbs and looking for sports or events closer to home.

Quick Comparison: Major Atlanta‑Area Stadiums

Atlanta Neighborhoods Around the Stadiums

If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, it helps to understand the areas around each major venue.

Around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium & State Farm Arena

Neighborhood feel:

• Part of Downtown Atlanta
• Mix of tourist attractions, offices, hotels, and event venues

Nearby attractions:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola

Good options for:

• Staying in Downtown hotels if you want to walk to games
• Combining a stadium event with museums or tourist attractions
• Using MARTA instead of driving, especially at night or on weekends

Around Bobby Dodd & Russ Chandler (Georgia Tech)

Neighborhood feel:

• Campus environment with students, research buildings, and apartments
• Borders Midtown, which has restaurants, bars, and shops

Good options for:

• Grabbing food or drinks on Peachtree Street or around Midtown before/after a game
• Using MARTA – Midtown or North Avenue stations and walking to the stadiums
• Those staying in Midtown hotels who want to walk or scooter to games

Practical Tips for Attending Events at Atlanta Stadiums

1. Plan Your Transportation Early

• For big events at Mercedes‑Benz or State Farm Arena, decide days ahead whether you’ll:
  • Drive and pre‑book parking
  • Use MARTA
  • Arrange a rideshare drop‑off/pickup
• Factor in:
  • Potential rush‑hour traffic
  • Post‑event congestion
  • Weather (especially if walking from MARTA)

2. Know the Bag and Security Policies

Most Atlanta stadiums enforce strict bag policies, often limited to:

• Clear bags within a set size
• Small clutches or wallets

Checking the exact rules before you leave helps you avoid long lines or having to return items to your car.

3. Dress for the Weather (Even With a Roof)

• Mercedes‑Benz has a roof, but getting to and from the stadium often requires walking outdoors.
• College stadiums like Bobby Dodd and Russ Chandler are fully open‑air.
• In Atlanta, heat, humidity, and sudden rain are common, especially in late summer and early fall.

4. Build in Time for Exploring

If you’re visiting or want to make a full day out of it:

• Downtown stadiums:
  • Visit Centennial Olympic Park, the Aquarium, or the civil rights museums earlier in the day.
  • Eat at a nearby restaurant before heading into the stadium.
• Midtown / Georgia Tech area:
  • Combine a game with a stroll through Midtown or a visit to the Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside or Westside segments reachable by a short Uber/MARTA ride).

Useful Local Contacts and Resources

While you’ll get the most up‑to‑date event details from each venue’s official channels, these general contacts help with transportation and city navigation:

• MARTA Customer Service: 404‑848‑5000
• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Special Events (for street closures and permits):
  55 Trinity Avenue SW, Suite 3500, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City Hall line: 404‑330‑6000 (can direct you to the appropriate office)
• Georgia World Congress Center Authority (oversees GWCC campus, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium area, and State Farm Arena campus coordination):
  285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Main line: 404‑223‑4000

These offices typically assist with general questions about event areas, access, and logistics rather than ticketing.

If your question is simply “What is the Atlanta stadium and how do I use it?”, in day‑to‑day local terms it means:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is the city’s main sports and event stadium in Downtown Atlanta.
• You can reach it easily by MARTA, rideshare, or pre‑booked parking.
• The broader “stadium scene” in Atlanta also includes State Farm Arena, Bobby Dodd Stadium, and other venues that shape the city’s sports and entertainment life.