Parking at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide

Finding parking at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta doesn’t have to be stressful—if you know your options before you go. Whether you’re heading to a Falcons game, an Atlanta United match, a concert, or a one-time event, a little planning can save you money, time, and frustration.

This guide walks through where to park, how much to expect to pay, smart ways to avoid traffic, and how parking works in the surrounding downtown neighborhoods.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

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

Core parking tips:

• Book parking in advance whenever possible, especially for NFL games and major concerts.
• Arrive early (1.5–2 hours before event time) to avoid last‑minute congestion.
• Consider MARTA + short walk if you want to skip parking costs and gridlock.
• Check whether your event has special road closures downtown.

Types of Parking Near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Around the stadium you’ll find three main types of parking:

1. Official stadium-owned lots and decks
2. Private garages and surface lots nearby
3. On-street parking (limited and heavily time‑controlled)

1. Official Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Parking Lots & Decks

The stadium is surrounded by a network of officially managed lots and decks. These are generally the most straightforward for visitors.

Common official options include:

• Red Deck – Elevated deck on the north side of the stadium, often used for premium events.
• Silver Deck / Gold Deck – Multi-level decks within a short walk of the stadium.
• Blue Lot / Yellow Lot / Marshalling Yard – Surface lots typically used for tailgating and general event parking.
• Adjacent facilities near the CNN Center / State Farm Arena area, often integrated into event parking plans.

Exact lot names and availability can vary by event, but as a rule:

• Distance: Most official lots are within a 5–15 minute walk of stadium gates.
• Security: Typically monitored during major events, with attendants and controlled access.
• Pre-purchase: Many events strongly encourage or require buying parking before you arrive.

Typical Pros and Cons of Official Parking

Pros:

• Designed with event traffic flow in mind.
• Clear signage and walking paths to the stadium.
• More predictable entry and exit patterns.

Cons:

• Prices are often higher than distant private lots.
• May sell out early for big events.
• Traffic can be heavy leaving right after the event, especially from closer decks.

2. Private Garages & Lots Around Downtown Atlanta

If official stadium lots are sold out or too expensive, private garages and surface lots within downtown and the Luckie-Marietta/ Centennial Olympic Park area are your next best option.

Common areas with parking options:

• Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW
• Marietta Street NW
• Baker Street NW
• Ted Turner Drive NW
• Near the Georgia World Congress Center complex
• Around State Farm Arena and the CNN Center

These are often owned or managed by private parking companies and may adjust their pricing for major events.

What to expect:

• Pricing: Often competitive with official lots, sometimes cheaper if you’re willing to walk 10–15 minutes.
• Payment: Many accept cards and mobile payments; some may still be cash‑only for event parking.
• Signage: Look for event‑day signs showing “Event Parking” and posted rates.

Tip: 🏃 If you don’t mind a 10–20 minute walk, look for lots a few blocks farther from the stadium to save money and exit more quickly after the event.

3. On‑Street Parking Near the Stadium

On‑street parking is limited and heavily regulated around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and downtown Atlanta.

Key points:

• Many meters and spaces become event‑only, permit‑only, or tow‑away zones during big events.
• Time limits and enforcement are usually strict, especially along:
  • Northside Drive NW
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW
  • Magnum Street SW
  • Forsyth Street, Spring Street, and surrounding blocks
• Expect no‑parking zones on major traffic routes to help manage event traffic.

On‑street parking is more practical for:

• Smaller events or weekday tours.
• Visitors familiar with Atlanta’s parking signs and regulations.

If you do park on the street:

• Read every sign for that block thoroughly.
• Check meter hours, maximum time limits, and any event‑day restrictions.
• Remember that enforcement downtown can include ticketing, booting, and towing.

Quick Comparison: Your Main Parking Choices

*Costs vary significantly by event type (NFL, MLS, concerts, college games) and demand.

Using MARTA Instead of Parking at the Stadium

If you want to avoid parking at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium altogether, MARTA is often the easiest way to get there, especially for big games and concerts.

Closest MARTA Stations

• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Lines)
  Located just west of the stadium. Short walk using the pedestrian bridge and sidewalks.

• GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Lines)
  East side of the Georgia World Congress Center, also within walking distance to the stadium.

How locals use MARTA for stadium events:

1. Park at a MARTA Park‑and‑Ride in the suburbs or at outer-city stations.
2. Ride the Blue/Green line to Vine City or GWCC/CNN.
3. Walk to the stadium following posted signs and the crowds.

This is especially useful if you live near:

• The East-West MARTA corridor (Decatur, Avondale, Indian Creek, Hamilton E. Holmes)
• North-South lines with transfers at Five Points Station

Benefits:

• No need to fight downtown traffic or pay event parking rates.
• Reduced risk of tickets, boots, or towing.
• Often faster getting home after a sold-out event.

Parking for Falcons Games & Major Events

Game days and big concerts have their own rhythm in Atlanta. Traffic patterns, parking availability, and enforcement all tighten up around kickoff or showtime.

When to Arrive

For Atlanta Falcons or other large events:

• Plan to arrive 1.5–2 hours early if you’re parking nearby.
• Tailgaters often arrive even earlier, particularly in surface lots.

Arriving early:

• Gives you a better chance of less congested entry.
• Makes it easier to find your lot and confirm you’re parked legally.
• Gives time to handle mobile ticketing and security checks at the gates.

Tailgating Considerations

Tailgating is a popular part of the game‑day culture near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

Common patterns:

• Many surface lots designate specific areas where tailgating is allowed.
• Some lots may have rules about open flames, grills, tents, and alcohol.
• Decks and garages often do not allow tailgating.

If tailgating is important to you:

• Look for information about which lots are designated for tailgating.
• Expect those lots to fill earlier than standard parking.

Parking for Atlanta United Matches

For Atlanta United FC matches, many of the same lots and decks are used, but:

• Demand may be slightly lower than an NFL game, depending on the opponent and time.
• Families often prefer decks and well-lit garages for evening matches.
• Some fans choose MARTA to avoid dealing with traffic and parking entirely.

Locals often use smaller private lots a bit farther from the stadium for MLS matches, trading a longer walk for easier entry and exit.

ADA & Accessible Parking

The area around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium includes ADA-accessible parking spaces in both official and private facilities.

General practices:

• Accessible spaces are usually located as close as possible to stadium entry points.
• A valid state-issued disabled parking placard or license plate is typically required.
• For events, these spots are still subject to event parking rates, but they are set aside for eligible drivers/passengers.

If you or someone in your group needs accessible parking:

• Try to reserve an ADA space in advance where possible.
• Arrive early to ensure availability and allow time for accessible routes from parking to the gate.

Where Not to Park: Common Pitfalls

Around downtown Atlanta and the stadium, there are several things to avoid:

• Unauthorized business lots: If a business is open and signs state “Customer Parking Only,” you risk being towed.
• Residential streets near Vine City and Castleberry Hill: Some blocks have permit‑only parking or strict time limits, especially during big events.
• Blocking driveways, hydrants, or sidewalks: These violations are enforced and can result in towing.
• Ignoring temporary event signs: Even if you’ve parked on a street before, event‑day rules may be different.

Pay close attention to:

• “No Parking During Event” signs
• “Permit Parking Only” zones
• Boot/tow warning signs on private lots

City of Atlanta & Parking Enforcement

Parking and traffic rules around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium are coordinated through:

• City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• Atlanta Police Department (APD) for traffic control and enforcement.

If your vehicle is towed or booted in the downtown area, information is typically posted on signs in the lot or nearby. Many drivers find it helpful to:

• Take a photo of the lot sign when parking.
• Note the company name and phone number listed.

Parking Strategies for Different Types of Visitors

If You’re a Local Atlantan

• Learn a few go‑to garages or lots you trust, especially those that balance price and walk distance.
• Consider MARTA for the biggest games and national‑tour concerts.
• Give yourself extra time when there’s more than one major event downtown (for example, a stadium event plus a State Farm Arena show).

If You’re Visiting from Out of Town

• Pre-purchase parking in an official lot or deck to simplify your trip.
• Use a hotel in Downtown, Midtown, or near MARTA and avoid re-parking multiple times.
• Build in extra buffer time; downtown one-way streets and event traffic can be confusing if you’re new to the city.

If You’re Coming with Kids or a Large Group

• Look for garage or deck parking with elevators and safe walking paths.
• Arrive early to avoid rushing across busy streets.
• If possible, drop off passengers closer to the stadium, then park and walk back.

Safety & Walking Routes

Walking to and from the stadium is part of the experience for many Atlantans.

Smart habits:

• Stick to well-lit, busy streets and follow the main crowd routes.
• Use crosswalks and obey signals—major thoroughfares like Northside Drive NW can be very busy after games.
• If the event ends late, consider parking or exiting toward busier, well-trafficked areas rather than isolated side streets.

Final Parking Checklist for Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Before you go:

• ✅ Decide whether you’re driving, using MARTA, or combining both.
• ✅ If driving, choose your lot type: official stadium lot, private garage, or more distant budget lot.
• ✅ Aim to arrive 1.5–2 hours early for large events.
• ✅ Bring a backup plan in case your first-choice lot is full.
• ✅ Carefully read all parking signs where you park to avoid tickets or towing.

With the right plan, parking at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta can be straightforward, letting you focus on the game, match, or show instead of your car.