Atlanta United Stadium: Your Guide to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta

When people in Atlanta search for “Atlanta United Stadium,” they’re almost always talking about Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, the downtown home of Atlanta United FC and the Atlanta Falcons. Whether you’re a local heading to your first match or a visitor planning a soccer-filled weekend, understanding how the stadium works specifically in Atlanta makes your trip much smoother.

This guide walks you through what to know about Atlanta United’s stadium—from location and parking to match-day tips, food, and family options.

Where Is the Atlanta United Stadium?

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

The stadium sits on the west side of downtown Atlanta, next to the old Georgia Dome site and near key Atlanta landmarks like:

• State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center
• CNN Center
• The Vine City and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods

If you live in metro Atlanta, it’s one of the most central major venues, right off the Downtown Connector (I‑75/I‑85) with easy access from:

• I‑20 (east–west)
• I‑285 via connector interchanges
• Surface streets like Northside Dr NW and MLK Jr Dr SW

Getting to Atlanta United Matches

Taking MARTA 🚇

For many Atlanta fans, MARTA is the easiest way to reach Atlanta United games, especially on busy match days.

Closest stations:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  Walk straight out toward the Georgia World Congress Center and follow signs to the stadium.
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line)
  Good option if you’re coming from the west; short walk along Northside Drive.

Tips for Atlanta riders:

• Load or tap your Breeze Card or Breeze Mobile before game day if possible.
• Trains typically run more frequently on event days; still, give yourself at least 45–60 minutes from most in-town neighborhoods.
• If you live near Decatur, East Point, College Park, Brookhaven, or Doraville, a single train ride with one transfer (if needed) usually gets you within walking distance.

Driving and Parking

Driving is common for metro Atlanta fans, but planning ahead matters.

Typical parking options:

• Official stadium garages and lots around Northside Dr NW, MLK Jr Dr SW, and Marietta St NW
• Georgia World Congress Center parking decks
• Private surface lots in Castleberry Hill and nearby downtown blocks

Local driving tips:

• Expect heavy congestion on:
  • Northside Dr NW
  • North Ave NW
  • Spring St NW and Marietta St NW
• If you’re coming from:
  • Buckhead / Brookhaven: Use I‑85 S to the connector; exit toward downtown, then follow signs to stadium parking.
  • East Atlanta / Decatur: Use I‑20 W or Memorial Dr to downtown; consider MARTA from Decatur or East Lake if you want to avoid parking.
  • Cobb County / Smyrna / Marietta:I‑75 S to the connector; you can also park near a MARTA station like Arts Center or Lindbergh Center and train in.
  • Southside (College Park, Union City):I‑85 N to the connector or MARTA’s Red/Gold Line into downtown.

Booking parking in advance through official channels is strongly recommended, especially for weekend evening matches and double-headers with Falcons or concerts.

Stadium Layout and Key Areas for Atlanta United Fans

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is designed as a multi-purpose venue, but Atlanta United home games have a distinctive feel.

Main Seating Levels

• Lower Bowl (100 level): Closest to the field; includes supporter sections and premium sideline seats.
• Mid-level / Club Levels (200 level): Club seats, lounges, and some premium experiences.
• Upper Bowl (300 level): More budget-friendly seats with a wide view of the full pitch.

Supporters’ Section

Atlanta’s supporter culture is very active and loud.

• Located on one end of the lower bowl (typically the “supporters’ end”)
• Features:
  • Standing-only areas
  • Drums, chants, and flags
  • Coordinated songs throughout the match

If you’re new to Atlanta United and want the energetic, “singing all game” experience, this is where you’ll feel it most. If you prefer a quieter environment, choose seats along the sides or in the upper levels.

Roof and Video Board

Two features that stand out to anyone in Atlanta:

• Retractable roof: Can be open or closed depending on weather and event operations. On hot Atlanta afternoons or stormy days, it’s often closed and climate-controlled.
• Halo video board: A 360‑degree video board high above the field that makes replays easy to see from almost any seat.

Food, Drinks, and Concessions

One thing locals notice quickly: the stadium is known for “fan‑friendly” pricing on many basic items.

Common options include:

• Value items: Hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, and soft drinks at relatively low prices for a major stadium
• Atlanta-themed options: Rotating selections that often highlight local foods or Atlanta-area partners
• Beer and cocktails: Widely available throughout concourses, with local craft beers often represented

Tips for Atlanta residents:

• Lines at popular stands in the lower bowl can be long around kickoff and halftime. Upper levels sometimes move faster.
• If you’re taking MARTA home after a night match, finish alcoholic drinks before exiting, as open-container rules are enforced on City of Atlanta streets and on MARTA property.

Bag Policy, Security, and Entry

Like most major venues in Atlanta, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium uses a clear bag policy and metal detectors.

Typical rules include:

• Clear bags: Usually limited in size (e.g., around 12" x 6" x 12")
• Small clutches or wallets: Often allowed up to a smaller size
• Prohibited items: Commonly include large bags, weapons, outside alcohol, and professional camera equipment without permission

Atlanta-specific practical tips:

• If you’re coming straight from work in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, consider leaving large work bags at the office or in your car.
• Security lines tend to be busiest in the 30 minutes before kickoff, especially at the main Gate 2 / Gate 3 entries. Arriving 45–60 minutes early usually makes for a smoother experience.
• On weeknight matches, traffic from the evening commute plus stadium security can stack up, so time your entry carefully.

Accessibility and ADA Services

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium includes accommodations for fans with disabilities.

Common features include:

• Accessible parking spaces in nearby decks and lots
• ADA seating on multiple levels
• Elevators and ramps to all major concourses
• Assistance staff at key entry points

If you or a family member in Atlanta needs accessible seating or services, it’s usually best to request or confirm details when you purchase your tickets or through the stadium’s guest services ahead of the match.

Buying Tickets for Atlanta United at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Atlanta United matches typically offer:

• Single-game tickets: For specific home matches
• Season tickets / memberships: Often bundled with perks for frequent attendees
• Group tickets: For youth soccer clubs, school groups, or large parties

Local tips:

• Popular matchups (rivalry games or international tournaments hosted in Atlanta) can sell out or spike in price early.
• If you live in metro Atlanta and care more about atmosphere than seat location, the upper bowl or corner sections are often a good value.
• For families from the suburbs (e.g., Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, McDonough, Douglasville), earlier weekend matches can be easier with kids than late-night weeknight kickoffs.

Family and Kid-Friendly Match-Day Tips

Atlanta United games are generally family-friendly, and many local parents bring kids of all ages.

Helpful pointers:

• Noise level: The supporters’ section is very loud with drums and constant chanting. For younger children, seats along the sidelines or in the upper levels might be more comfortable.
• Stroller use: Check the stadium’s current rules, but plan on walking from MARTA or nearby parking, so a lightweight stroller may help if you have smaller children.
• Restrooms and family areas: Family restrooms and changing tables are typically available; scout them early in the match to avoid searching when things get busy.
• Leaving early: For families living far OTP (outside the perimeter), you may want to head out a few minutes before the final whistle to beat post-match crowds and traffic.

Nearby Atlanta Attractions and Pre-Game Plans

Because the stadium is downtown, it’s easy to combine an Atlanta United game with other activities.

Popular options within walking distance:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• College Football Hall of Fame
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• Dining in Castleberry Hill, Downtown, or Marietta Street corridor

For Atlanta residents:

• If you work downtown or in Midtown, a common plan is to stay after work and head to the stadium, rather than commuting home and back.
• If you’re coming from suburbs like Roswell, Duluth, or Peachtree City, you might plan a full “day in the city” before the match to make the trip worthwhile.

Safety and Practical Considerations

Atlanta United matches are typically well-staffed with event security and Atlanta Police Department units, especially around major entrances and MARTA stations.

Practical local advice:

• Stick to well-lit routes between GWCC/CNN Center, Vine City, and the stadium after evening matches.
• If using rideshare, follow the designated pickup and drop-off zones set by the stadium and the City of Atlanta to avoid traffic tickets or long walks.
• On nights with multiple downtown events (concerts, NBA games, conventions), plan more time for parking, trains, and street congestion.

Essential Quick-Reference: Atlanta United Stadium Basics

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting from out of town, or are just trying to understand how Atlanta United’s stadium experience works locally, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is one of the city’s central gathering spots. With smart planning around transportation, tickets, and timing, it’s straightforward to fit an Atlanta United match into Atlanta life—whether you’re coming in from the suburbs, taking MARTA from your in-town neighborhood, or walking over from a nearby hotel.