Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta: Your Complete Local Guide

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is one of Atlanta’s signature landmarks and a centerpiece of the city’s sports, entertainment, and community life. Whether you live in the metro area or you’re planning a visit, understanding how the stadium works—from tickets and parking to food, tours, and nearby attractions—can make your experience smoother and much more enjoyable.

Where Mercedes-Benz Stadium Is and What It’s Known For

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

Located on the west side of Downtown Atlanta, right off Northside Drive and close to the Georgia World Congress Center, the stadium is:

• Home of the Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
• Home of Atlanta United FC (MLS)
• A major host for concerts, college football games, and special events

You’ll also find it within walking distance of:

• CNN Center
• State Farm Arena
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia World Congress Center

This cluster makes the area a central hub for big events and nightlife on game days.

Getting to Mercedes-Benz Stadium

MARTA and Public Transit

For Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is often the easiest way to get to and from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, especially during big events.

• Rail stop:GWCC/CNN Center Station on the Blue/Green Line
• A short, well-marked walk from the station directly to the stadium
• Trains typically run more frequently around major events

You can also:

• Transfer from Red/Gold lines to Blue/Green at Five Points Station
• Use MARTA buses that stop near Northside Drive and the surrounding downtown area

Public transit is particularly useful if you want to avoid traffic delays and parking costs.

Driving and Parking

If you plan to drive:

• The stadium is near I-20, I-75, and I-85, with several exits feeding into downtown.
• Parking is spread out across lots and decks operated by the stadium and neighboring facilities like the Georgia World Congress Center.

Common patterns local drivers follow:

• Pre-book parking in official lots or nearby decks for big events
• Arrive at least 1–2 hours early to avoid backups and get through security
• Use navigation apps that factor in live road closures and game-day traffic controls

Rideshare and Drop-Off

Rideshare zones are typically located in designated areas around the stadium perimeter. These are usually:

• Signed and monitored on event days
• A short walk from the stadium entrances

If you’re being dropped off or picked up by friends or family, it’s often easier to coordinate at a nearby landmark (for example, near Centennial Olympic Park or on streets east of the stadium) and walk a short distance.

Stadium Layout, Entrances, and Seating Basics

Mercedes-Benz Stadium was designed with multiple entry gates and fan zones to spread out crowds.

Major Entrances

Commonly used entrances include:

• Gate 1 (West) – closer to some surface lots and tailgating areas
• Gate 2 (North) – convenient from Northside Drive
• Main entrances near the MARTA side and the large plaza

Security screening (bag checks, metal detectors) is required at all gates, and lines can be long close to kickoff or showtime.

Seating Areas

The stadium features:

• Lower bowl – closest to the field, including some club sections
• Club and suite levels – premium seating, lounges, and hospitality spaces
• Upper bowl – higher, more affordable seating often favored by locals looking for budget-friendly tickets
• Supporter sections for Atlanta United – typically general admission with a highly energetic, standing crowd

If you’re sensitive to heights, keep in mind that the upper corners of the stadium can feel quite steep. Locals often recommend lower-level end zones or mid-upper deck sideline seats for a balance of cost and comfort.

Tickets: How Atlanta Fans Typically Buy and Use Them

Buying Tickets

Residents and visitors usually obtain tickets through:

• Official team or stadium ticketing platforms
• Verified resale marketplaces
• Box office services for some events

For high-demand games (like rivalry matchups, playoffs, or major concerts), prices rise quickly. Many Atlanta fans:

• Set alerts for on-sale dates
• Consider weeknight or non-marquee matchups for better pricing
• Look at the upper bowl between the 20-yard lines or midfield for value seats with solid views

Mobile Tickets

Mercedes-Benz Stadium operations are largely mobile ticket-based:

• Tickets are typically stored in a mobile app or digital wallet
• You scan a QR code or barcode at entry

Locals often make sure to:

• Download or add tickets to their phone wallets before arriving
• Bring a fully charged phone or small power bank, especially for long event days

Bag Policy, Security, and What You Can Bring

Mercedes-Benz Stadium follows a clear bag policy common across major sports venues:

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to a standard size (often around 12" x 6" x 12")
• Small clutches or purses within specific size limits
• Diaper and medical bags typically allowed but subject to extra screening

Items often restricted:

• Large bags or backpacks
• Outside alcohol
• Many hard-sided containers

Event organizers may have specific guidelines, so most locals double-check bag and prohibited-item rules for their particular game or concert before leaving home.

Food, Drinks, and Concessions

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is widely known for its fan-friendly concession pricing and a mix of local and standard stadium fare.

You’ll usually find:

• Budget-conscious staples like hot dogs, popcorn, and fountain drinks
• Atlanta favorites such as barbecue, fried chicken, and southern-style sides
• Vegetarian and some vegan options at select stands
• Beer, wine, and mixed drinks at bars and kiosks throughout the concourses

Tips many Atlanta fans follow:

• Eat an early snack or small meal if you’re arriving during peak entry times
• Explore different concourse levels—each side of the stadium may feature slightly different food choices
• Refill stations for soft drinks can help you save money if offered during your event

Accessibility and Services for Guests with Disabilities

The stadium is designed to accommodate guests with different mobility and accessibility needs.

Common features include:

• ADA seating areas located on multiple levels
• Elevators and ramps providing access between tiers
• Wheelchair- and companion-seating locations
• Accessible restrooms and family restrooms throughout the concourses

If you or a family member need specific accommodations, it’s common for Atlanta area visitors to:

• Review accessibility information in advance
• Contact the stadium’s guest services before event day for help arranging seating, drop-off points, or special assistance

On event days, Guest Services kiosks and stadium staff can help with directions, wheelchairs, and other needs.

Tailgating and Game-Day Atmosphere

Game days at Mercedes-Benz Stadium have a downtown tailgate culture that’s different from suburban college stadiums.

You’ll typically see:

• Tailgating in designated parking lots and certain surface areas
• Fans gathering around the Home Depot Backyard, a large green space by the stadium often used for pregame events, games, and live entertainment
• Atlanta United supporters marching and chanting in groups toward the stadium

Locals often:

• Arrive a few hours before kickoff
• Bring compact setups (folding chairs, coolers, small grills where allowed)
• Walk between multiple lots and fan zones to enjoy the full atmosphere

Rules on grills, tents, music, and open flames can vary by lot, so it’s smart to check details for the specific parking area where you plan to tailgate.

Tours and Non-Game-Day Visits

You don’t have to attend a game or concert to see inside the stadium. Guided tours are a popular activity for both Atlanta residents and visitors.

Tours often include:

• A walk through the field level or sideline areas (event schedule permitting)
• A look at locker rooms when they’re not in use
• Visits to premium clubs, suites, and the 100 Yard Club
• Information about the stadium’s retractable roof, sustainability features, and architecture

These tours can be especially appealing for:

• Families with sports-loving kids
• Visitors exploring Atlanta attractions near Centennial Olympic Park
• Locals interested in architecture, engineering, or behind-the-scenes operations

Many people plan a half-day downtown, pairing a stadium tour with a visit to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or other nearby attractions.

Major Events Hosted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Beyond Falcons and Atlanta United games, the stadium frequently hosts:

• College football (including kickoff games and championship events)
• High school football championships from around Georgia
• Major concerts with international touring artists
• Occasional soccer friendlies and other special sporting events

For these events, Atlanta residents commonly:

• Use MARTA to avoid surge traffic and higher parking prices
• Build in extra time, especially if doors open early but security or merch lines are long
• Make dinner or drink plans in the Downtown or nearby West Midtown and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods

Nearby Neighborhoods and Things To Do

The stadium sits at the intersection of several Atlanta districts:

Downtown Atlanta

Directly surrounding Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park, Downtown offers:

• Hotels ranging from business-focused to more tourist-centered
• Quick food options, bars, and casual restaurants
• Walking access to major attractions

Castleberry Hill

Just southwest of the stadium, Castleberry Hill is a historic, artsy neighborhood with:

• Converted warehouses, lofts, and galleries
• Local bars and restaurants
• A walkable, neighborhood feel that many fans enjoy before or after events

Vine City and Westside

To the north and west, you’ll find:

• The Home Depot Backyard
• Developing areas with new residences and small businesses
• Quick access to Northside Drive and local streets used by game-day traffic

If you’re staying in Atlanta, you may want to pick a hotel or rental with easy access to:

• MARTA rail
• Major interstates
• Walkable paths to downtown attractions

Practical Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

Here’s a quick at-a-glance guide to planning your visit:

Contact and Helpful Information

For the most accurate, current details on event schedules, bag policies, accessibility options, and tour availability, many Atlanta residents and visitors rely on:

• The stadium’s official ticketing and information channels
• Event-specific communications from the Falcons, Atlanta United, or concert organizers

You can also get in-person help at Guest Services booths inside the stadium on event days for:

• Lost and found
• Seating or accessibility questions
• Directions to concessions, restrooms, or exits

Planning ahead—especially around transportation, tickets, and timing—goes a long way in making your Mercedes-Benz Stadium experience in Atlanta smoother and more enjoyable.