Inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium: How to Make the Most of Stadium Tours in Atlanta

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable landmarks—home to the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, major concerts, college football games, and big-name events. But you don’t have to score game-day tickets to see it up close. Mercedes‑Benz Stadium tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at how this massive venue works, from locker rooms and locker-room tunnels to premium clubs and the field level.

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city, here’s everything you need to know to plan a stadium tour that fits your schedule, budget, and interests.

Where the Stadium Is and How Tours Work

Address:

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

Most public tours start and end near the main stadium entrance on the Home Depot Backyard side or other clearly marked tour entrances. Signs and staff usually direct you on arrival.

Tours are typically guided walking tours, led by staff who explain the stadium’s design, operations, and history while taking you through areas you can’t normally access on event days.

You can expect:

• A set route with several stops (field, locker rooms when available, clubs, concourses, etc.)
• A moderate amount of walking and standing
• Indoor, climate‑controlled spaces for most of the tour

Because Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is an active event venue, tour times and access can change based on game schedules, concerts, and private events. It’s strongly recommended to check the stadium’s tour calendar and book in advance, especially during football season and major events in downtown Atlanta.

Types of Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Tours in Atlanta

Details can shift slightly over time, but most Atlanta visitors and locals encounter a few main types of tours:

1. Public Guided Stadium Tours

These are the standard tours that most people book.

Typical features:

• Group tour with other visitors
• Runs on set days and times, usually multiple slots per day
• Lasts about 60–90 minutes, depending on the schedule
• Covers major highlights of the stadium

Public tours are usually the most affordable option and are ideal if you’re:

• Visiting Atlanta for the first time
• Looking for a family‑friendly activity
• Interested in the architecture and behind‑the‑scenes operations

2. Private & Group Tours

For larger groups, you can usually arrange private tours with more flexibility.

Common uses:

• School or university field trips
• Corporate groups and team outings
• Family reunions and large friend groups
• Youth sports teams

Private tours may:

• Allow some schedule customization
• Adjust timing and pace for the group
• Sometimes focus more on specific interests (sports, architecture, events, etc.) if arranged in advance

Most group bookings require advance reservation and may have a minimum group size or flat fee structure.

3. Themed or Special Event Tours

At times, the stadium may offer:

• Specialty tours tied to big events (like college football championships or MLS seasons)
• VIP or premium experience tours that include extra spaces or add-ons

These are less frequent and usually promoted around major events, so they’re best for people who follow the local sports scene or check the stadium’s event and tour announcements regularly.

What You’ll Typically See on a Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Tour

Specific stops can change—especially on event days—but many tours in Atlanta cover a mix of these highlights:

Field Level & Player Areas

• Field level access: You’ll often get to stand on or beside the field, which is a highlight for most visitors.
• Player tunnel: Many tours walk down the tunnel used by Falcons or Atlanta United players.
• Locker rooms: When schedules allow, tours may include team locker rooms, or at least a look into the player areas. (These can be restricted before and after games or events.)

Premium Clubs & Seating

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium is known for its premium clubs and suites, and tours often highlight:

• Club lounges with full bars and unique design features
• Luxury suites or suite corridors
• Premium seating areas that look different from standard stands

Even if you don’t plan to buy premium seats for a game, the tour gives you a sense of the full range of experiences inside the stadium.

The Halo Board & Retractable Roof

One of the stadium’s most distinctive features is the 360‑degree “Halo” video board and the retractable roof.

On tour, you’ll usually learn:

• How the roof panels open and close
• Why the halo board design is unique in professional sports
• How video, sound, and lighting are coordinated for events

You might not see the roof opening (that depends on weather and schedule), but guides often point out how it operates and how it affects game-day atmosphere.

Art, Architecture & Technology

For Atlanta residents interested in design and culture, tours often touch on:

• The stadium’s sustainability features (such as energy-efficient systems and LEED-focused design elements)
• The public art installations throughout the concourses
• The architecture’s nods to Atlanta’s history and identity

You’ll also see how digital technology, security, and crowd flow are handled behind the scenes, which is eye‑opening if you’ve only experienced the stadium from a seat in the stands.

Typical Tour Length, Walking Difficulty & Accessibility

Most guided tours:

• Last around 60–90 minutes
• Cover about 1–1.5 miles of walking
• Use stairs, ramps, and elevators

For most people, the tour is moderately easy, but there is enough walking that you’ll want:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Weather‑appropriate layers (even though most of the time is indoors, you’ll move through large, sometimes breezy, concourses)

Accessibility

The stadium is built to modern standards and generally offers:

• Elevator access to different levels
• Accessible seating and viewing areas during tours
• Space for mobility devices

If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair, walker, or has mobility concerns, it’s a good idea to:

• Notify the tour office when booking so they can plan a fully accessible route
• Arrive a bit early to coordinate any assistance you may need

When Tours Are Offered & How Scheduling Works in Atlanta

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium tours are typically scheduled on non-event days, with extra limitations around major games and concerts.

In Atlanta, you’ll notice:

• Football season (Falcons and college football) can heavily affect tour availability on weekends and some weekdays.
• Atlanta United match days can restrict certain areas and may reduce tour slots.
• Large concerts and one‑off events can close tours entirely on certain dates.

Because of this:

• Locals often find weekday tours to be less crowded and easier to book.
• Visitors staying downtown usually plan their tour on a flexible day in their itinerary, in case they need to shift times.

It’s generally wise to:

• Check the stadium’s online tour calendar
• Look ahead at the Falcons, Atlanta United, and event schedules when choosing your date

What It Costs: Typical Pricing Patterns

Specific prices can change, but in Atlanta you can expect standard stadium tour pricing patterns such as:

• Adult tickets at a base fare
• Discounted tickets for children, seniors, and sometimes military
• Possible children under a certain age admitted at reduced or no cost (with an adult)
• Group rates for larger bookings, especially for schools and organizations

There may also be:

• Extra fees for premium experiences or special event tours
• Taxes or service charges added at checkout

To avoid surprises:

• Review pricing carefully when booking
• Confirm what’s included in the price (for example, whether a photo package or special access is part of your tour or offered separately)

Getting to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for a Tour

Getting to the stadium is straightforward whether you live in Atlanta or you’re staying nearby downtown.

By MARTA 🚇

Using MARTA is often the easiest choice, especially during busy times:

• Take the Blue or Green Line to GWCC/CNN Center Station or Vine City Station.
• From either station, it’s a short walk to the stadium.

This is convenient if you’re staying:

• In Downtown Atlanta (near Peachtree Center, Five Points, or the convention area)
• Near Midtown with easy MARTA access

Driving & Parking

If you’re driving:

• Follow directions to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW.
• There are multiple parking decks and surface lots around the stadium, many used for both events and tours.

For tours, parking is usually more relaxed than on game days, but you should still:

• Check parking recommendations when you book your tour
• Allow extra time to park and walk to the tour entrance

Locals often prefer to use MARTA for convenience, especially if they are familiar with downtown traffic and event patterns.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

You don’t need much for a stadium tour, but a bit of planning makes it smoother.

Helpful to bring:

• Photo ID (especially if requested during booking or check‑in)
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• Light jacket or sweater—large indoor spaces can feel cool
• Fully charged phone or camera for photos

Typical restrictions:

• Large bags and backpacks may be discouraged or subject to inspection.
• Food and drinks brought from outside are often limited or not allowed.
• Professional camera equipment (tripods, large lenses, etc.) may require special clearance.

It’s a good idea to review the stadium’s bag and security policies before you go, especially if you’re coming straight from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport or another activity with luggage.

Family‑Friendly Considerations for Atlanta Parents

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium tours can be a strong family activity, especially if your kids are sports fans.

Things local parents and visitors usually want to know:

• Age suitability: Most school‑age kids handle the walking and pace well. Preschool‑age children can participate, but strollers may need extra attention on elevators and ramps.
• Bathrooms: Restrooms are available along the route; don’t hesitate to ask your guide for a quick stop.
• Noise levels: Tours are generally much quieter than game days—good for kids who might be sensitive to loud environments.
• Photo ops: Kids often enjoy posing on the field level, near team logos, or in front of the halo board.

If you’re combining a stadium tour with other Atlanta attractions in the same day, many families pair it with:

• The Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park

All are within a short distance of the stadium in downtown Atlanta, making it easier to keep a full day of activities walkable or MARTA‑friendly.

Comparing a Tour to Game Day: What Locals Say

Many Atlanta residents who have been to Falcons or Atlanta United games still choose to take a tour because:

• On game day, you rarely see field level or player areas.
• Premium clubs and suites might be restricted to certain ticket holders.
• The tour pace gives you time to absorb the architecture, artwork, and technology without crowds rushing around you.

If you’re a local who’s only experienced the stadium during a packed event, the tour offers a completely different view—calmer, more detailed, and much more behind-the-scenes.

Sample Tour Snapshot (What Your Visit Might Look Like)

Here’s a simple overview of what a typical Mercedes‑Benz Stadium tour experience in Atlanta might include:

Timings and stops can shift, but this gives you a realistic idea of how your visit may unfold.

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Visitors Booking a Tour

A few practical tips based on common Atlanta experiences:

• Plan around traffic: If you’re driving from suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, or Sandy Springs, build in extra time for rush‑hour congestion.
• Check event schedules: A home Falcons game, Atlanta United match, or big concert can reduce or block tour times—look ahead at the calendar.
• Consider weekday mornings: These often have smaller crowds and easier parking than weekends.
• Dress for walking: The stadium is large; even on a calm day, you’ll get your steps in.
• Think about combining attractions: If you’re already downtown, planning nearby stops can make your parking or MARTA trip more efficient.

How to Take the Next Step

To actually go on a Mercedes‑Benz Stadium tour in Atlanta, you’ll need to:

1. Check the current tour schedule and pricing for your preferred date.
2. Reserve your time slot, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend or during football season.
3. Plan your transportation (MARTA vs. driving and parking) and allow a time buffer.
4. Arrive early to get through check‑in and security without rushing.

With a bit of planning, a Mercedes‑Benz Stadium tour becomes one of the more memorable “things to do” in Atlanta—whether you’re showing out-of-town guests around the city, exploring downtown as a local, or visiting Atlanta for the first time.