Your Guide to Mercedes-Benz Stadium Concerts in Atlanta

Mercedes-Benz Stadium isn’t just for Falcons and Atlanta United games. It’s one of the biggest concert venues in Atlanta, drawing major tours, music festivals, and special events all year. If you’re planning to see a show here—whether you live in metro Atlanta or you’re visiting just for a concert—knowing how the stadium works can make your night much smoother.

This guide explains what to expect from concerts at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, how to get there, where to sit, and practical tips specifically for Atlanta concertgoers.

Where the Stadium Is and How Concerts Are Set Up

Location:

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

The stadium sits on the west side of Downtown Atlanta, near Vine City and Castleberry Hill, with easy access from the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and the Georgia World Congress Center area.

How Concert Layouts Work

For concerts, the stadium usually offers:

• Floor seating or general admission on the field
• Lower bowl (100 level) sideline and end-zone seating
• Club and suite levels (200/300) for premium experiences
• Upper bowl (300+ level) for budget-friendly seats

The exact map changes by artist and stage design. Some shows have:

• A traditional end-stage at one end zone
• A center stage or extended runway stretching into the floor
• Partial stadium configurations that close off some upper sections

When you buy tickets, always check the specific concert’s seating chart, not a generic stadium map.

Getting to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a Concert

Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, especially on Friday/Saturday nights and during overlapping events (e.g., Hawks games, conventions, or other big shows nearby). Plan your route carefully.

Taking MARTA 🚇

Using MARTA is often the easiest way to reach a concert, especially if you’re staying or living near a rail line.

Closest rail stations:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) – Short walk to the stadium, mostly used by event-goers.
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green Line) – On the west side of the stadium, convenient but can feel more congested after shows.
• Five Points Station (Red/Gold & Blue/Green) – Main transfer hub; you can walk from here (about 10–15 minutes) or transfer to Blue/Green.

Tips for MARTA on concert nights:

• Load your Breeze Card or mobile fare in advance to avoid long lines.
• Trains are usually busier right after the encore; consider waiting a few minutes inside the stadium or at a nearby spot.
• If you’re coming from the suburbs (e.g., Sandy Springs, Doraville, College Park), park at a MARTA station with a large deck and take the train in.

For official route help, you can contact MARTA Customer Service at 404-848-5000.

Driving and Parking

If you’d rather drive:

• The stadium is near I‑20, I‑75, and I‑85.
• Event parking uses various decks and lots around the stadium and nearby convention centers.

Common parking areas include:

• Red, Silver, and Yellow decks in the Georgia World Congress Center area
• Private lots in Castleberry Hill and Downtown

Helpful practices:

• Pre-purchase parking through the stadium’s official parking portals or major parking apps when available.
• Leave extra time if there’s construction on Northside Drive or around the I‑75/85 corridor.
• After the show, expect delays getting out of decks. Many locals wait 20–30 minutes before heading to their car or use MARTA instead.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Rideshare pick-up and drop-off are usually routed into designated zones around the stadium:

• Signs and staff typically guide you toward the correct area.
• After shows, watch for surge pricing and heavy crowds; walking a few blocks away (while staying in well-lit areas) can sometimes shorten your wait.

What to Expect Inside: Security, Entry, and Bags

Concert events usually follow the stadium’s standard security rules, which are similar to other major pro-sports venues.

Clear Bag Policy

The stadium typically follows an NFL-style clear bag policy. In practice, this often means:

• Clear bags up to a specific size (commonly around 12" x 6" x 12")
• Small clutches or wallets (around 4.5" x 6.5" or similar) may be allowed

Non-clear backpacks and large purses are generally not allowed. Rules can change by event, so always double-check the event information on your ticket or the stadium’s official channels before you go.

Security Screening

Expect:

• Walk-through metal detectors
• Bag checks
• Possible wanding if needed

To speed things up:

• Keep phones, keys, and small items in your pockets or a small clear bag.
• Have tickets ready on your phone with brightness turned up.

Seating: Best Spots for Different Concert Experiences

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is huge, so your experience can vary a lot depending on where you sit.

Floor Seats

Pros:

• Closest to the stage, potential for great views and immersion
• Often preferred for fans who want to stand, dance, and be in the crowd energy

Things to know:

• Views can be blocked if someone tall stands in front of you.
• You’re on flat ground, so seats farther back on the floor can actually have worse sightlines than some lower-bowl seats.
• Floor access and entry points can change per show; follow the section numbers printed on your ticket.

Lower Bowl (100 Level)

These are often a sweet spot for many Atlanta concertgoers:

• Elevated enough for clear views, especially if you’re angled toward the stage.
• Easier to get in and out of than upper deck.
• Good for families, groups, or anyone who wants a seated experience without being too far away.

Club & Suite Levels

Depending on the event, some club seats and suites can offer:

• More legroom and padded seats
• Access to private lounges, upgraded food, and separate restrooms
• A more controlled, less crowded environment

These are usually higher-priced and often used by corporate groups or special occasions.

Upper Bowl

Budget-friendly and can still be fun:

• You’ll be higher and farther from the stage, but modern video boards help.
• For large-production tours (big screens, strong lighting), upper-level seats can still feel impressive.
• Be prepared for steeper stairs and a longer walk to and from concessions.

Quick View: Seating & Experience Summary

Sound and Production: How Does It Actually Feel?

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a large, enclosed venue. For concerts, you can expect:

• Big, stadium-style sound with significant bass
• Large LED screens so even distant seats can see performers
• Light and pyrotechnic shows for many major tours

Sound quality can vary:

• Lower-bowl side sections often get a balanced mix of sound and visuals.
• Floor seats can feel more intense and bass-heavy.
• Upper-bowl seats might have a slight delay or echo, but the overall experience is still strong for most shows.

Many Atlanta locals find that mid-level side sections facing the stage give the best overall balance of sound and sight.

Food, Drinks, and Cashless Payments

One unique feature here is the stadium’s emphasis on fan-friendly pricing for many concessions during games, and a similar approach is often used for concerts, though some specialty items may cost more.

You can usually find:

• Standard stadium fare: hot dogs, nachos, burgers, pizza
• Local flavors depending on the event: BBQ, Southern favorites, and regional vendors
• Beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages

The stadium typically operates cashless, meaning:

• Credit/debit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) are widely accepted.
• Look for cash-to-card kiosks inside if you only brought cash; these convert cash into a prepaid card you can use inside the venue.

Accessibility and Special Assistance

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is designed with accessibility in mind. If you or someone in your group needs accommodations, you can plan ahead.

Typical accessible services include:

• Accessible seating in various price levels (with space for wheelchairs and companions)
• Elevators and ramps for easier mobility
• Accessible restrooms throughout the venue
• Guest Service desks for questions and assistance

You can get accessibility guidance or ask about specific concert accommodations by contacting the stadium’s main line or checking their official information pages. For event days, look for Guest Services booths just inside major entrances.

Timing Your Night: When to Arrive and Leave

Arrival

For most concerts:

• Doors usually open 1.5–2 hours before showtime.
• Popular tours can cause long lines at security and concession stands if you arrive close to start time.

Locals often aim to:

• Park or arrive at a MARTA station about 60–90 minutes before showtime, especially on weekdays due to traffic.
• Grab food and drinks early to avoid missing opening acts.

Departure

After the encore:

• Expect crowd bottlenecks at main exits, MARTA stations, and rideshare zones.
• If you’re parked nearby, it may take 20–40 minutes to get out of a deck, especially on sold-out nights.

Common Atlanta strategies:

• Stay in your seat or walk slowly through the concourse rather than rushing with the first wave.
• If you took MARTA, consider waiting for the second or third train rather than squeezing onto the first one.

Nearby Areas to Explore Before or After a Concert

If you want to extend your evening beyond the show, several Atlanta neighborhoods and districts are close by:

• Downtown Atlanta – Restaurants and bars along Marietta Street, Centennial Olympic Park area, and around Peachtree Street.
• Castleberry Hill – A short walk south of the stadium, known for lofts, art galleries, and a few local spots to eat or grab a drink.
• Centennial Olympic Park District – Tourist-friendly with major attractions and some sit-down restaurants.

If you’re visiting from out of town, many concertgoers stay in:

• Downtown hotels near Peachtree Street or Centennial Olympic Park
• Midtown Atlanta, then take MARTA downtown for the show

Booking Tickets for Mercedes-Benz Stadium Concerts

When searching for “Mercedes Benz Stadium concerts,” you’ll typically see:

• The stadium’s official event calendar
• Major ticketing platforms with official primary sales
• Resale marketplaces offering secondhand tickets

For a smoother experience:

• Try to buy early for major tours; big shows in Atlanta often sell out or increase in price on the secondary market.
• Double-check:
  • The seat location against the concert-specific map
  • Whether the event is rain or shine (the roof can be opened or closed, but many concerts proceed regardless of weather)
  • Any age restrictions or special rules (especially for floor GA or VIP sections)

Always keep your ticket in a secure, easily accessible mobile wallet or app before arriving. Screenshots may not be accepted for some mobile-only tickets.

Safety and Practical Tips for Atlanta Concertgoers

A few final, local-focused pointers:

• Plan your return route before you go in—know your MARTA line, parking deck level, or rideshare zone.
• Keep an eye on weather; Atlanta can have sudden summer storms, and walking to/from MARTA or parking can involve uncovered areas.
• Downtown Atlanta is busy on concert nights. Stick to well-lit, populated streets when walking.
• Use official stadium entrances and paths; event staff can direct you if you’re unsure where to go.

Whether you’re an Atlanta local catching your favorite artist or visiting from out of town for a bucket-list tour, knowing how Mercedes-Benz Stadium concerts work—from seating and sound to parking and MARTA—can turn a hectic night into a smooth, memorable experience.