Mercedes-Benz Stadium

• 1. Pinwheel Roof Mechanics

  ›

  The stadium's signature feature is its retractable roof, which features a pinwheel consisting of eight translucent triangular panels. Each of the eight panels operates on two straight parallel rails. One rail moves the panel while the other stabilizes it. Closing the roof takes slightly less time than opening it because the system must disengage seals at the start and slow down to prevent derailment. When opened, the panels create an illusion of bird wings extended. Architect Bill Johnson explained that the circular opening was inspired by the Roman Pantheon. The roof uses clear lightweight polymer material that adjusts opacity to control light. Much of the exterior is clear polymer or glass to allow views to the outside. The middle concourse and upper bowl were eliminated in the east end zone for unobstructed skyline views.

  176061

• 2. Timeline And Construction Delays

  ›

  In May 2010 news outlets reported Atlanta Falcons interest in replacing the Georgia Dome with a new open-air stadium. Kansas City-based firm Populous released comprehensive plans in February 2011 with an initial cost estimate of US$700 million. By April 2012 the price estimate rose to US$947.7 million. On the 7th of March 2013 the Falcons and city agreed to build the downtown stadium. Public contribution reached US$200 million from hotel-motel taxes. Groundbreaking occurred on the 19th of May 2014 after legal issues delayed the process. The projected opening date shifted three times due to roof complexity. Originally scheduled for the 1st of March 2017 it moved to June 1 then July 30 before settling on the 26th of August 2017. Steve Cannon CEO of AMB Group stated preseason schedules would remain unaffected while three Atlanta United FC matches faced changes. The Georgia Dome demolition resumed on the 20th of November 2017 after the new stadium received its certificate of occupancy.

  59647374

• 3. Public-Private Funding Model

  ›

  In December 2014 the Georgia World Congress Center board approved raising total costs to US$1.2 billion. Initial estimates had been US$1 billion rising to US$1.2 billion by October 2013. The city contributed US$200 million in bonds while state funding added US$40 million for parking expansion. Total public spending exceeded US$700 million. In January 2015 the Falcons announced personal seat licenses costing up to US$45,000 per seat. Revenue from these sales totaled $273 million. On the 21st of August 2015 Mercedes-Benz acquired naming rights confirmed at a press conference on August 24. Then-Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Steve Cannon called it the largest marketing deal in company history though he declined full value disclosure. Sports Business Daily reported the contract valued at US$324 million spanning 27 years. Total sponsorship sales reached $900 million. Operating profits go to AMB Group rather than the state. AMB Group pays no property tax on the facility.

  7879808286

• 4. Operational Hurdles And Fixes

  ›

  Several reports of roof leaks during the inaugural season caused design team concerns. During the College Football National Championship Game in January 2018 media outlets reported significant water appearing near the 25-yard line. Bill Hancock Executive Director said officials were aware but believed play remained unaffected. Stadium officials clarified after October 2017 that issues involved few drops falling from isolated parts due to incomplete mechanization. The roof was required to be mechanically opened which proved time-consuming. It opened only twice in its first year: once for a Sunday Night Football game against Green Bay Packers on the 17th of September 2017 and again for an MLS match against Toronto FC on the 22nd of October 2017. On the 29th of May 2018 the roof opened for construction purposes over ten days regardless of weather. Work completed the 14th of July 2018 allowing final commissioning. On the 25th of July 2018 the roof opened and closed as intended taking eight minutes each way. Overcrowding complaints led to plans adding more doors to ingress and egress areas. Fans attending the 2018 national championship reported wait times exceeding 45 minutes exiting due to Secret Service security measures.

  6970647576

• 5. Major Sporting Events Hosted

  ›

  On the 19th of May 2015 Mercedes-Benz Stadium won rights to host Super Bowl LIII in 2019 marking Atlanta's first hosting since 2000. The stadium hosted the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship where Georgia Bulldogs lost to Alabama Crimson Tide in overtime. In 2025 Ohio State defeated Notre Dame at another national championship. On the 8th of December 2018 Atlanta United FC beat Portland Timbers 2-0 winning their first MLS Cup with 73,019 spectators setting a single-game attendance record. The venue hosted matches during the 2024 Copa América including group stage games on June 20 and the 27th of June 2024. Six matches occurred for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup starting the 16th of June 2025. Eight matches will take place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup including five group stage games and one semifinal match. The stadium also hosts SEC Championship Games through 2027 and Peach Bowl events annually.

  8798101196

• 6. Concerts And Cultural Gatherings

  ›

  Garth Brooks headlined the first concert the 12th of October 2017 with Mitch Rossell as opening act. Taylor Swift performed two shows August 10 and 11 2018 generating $18,089,415 revenue across 116,746 attendees. Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour on the 11th of August 2023 drew 156,317 fans earning $39,849,890 making it the highest-grossing boxscore report in stadium history. Ed Sheeran played three dates in May 2023 while The Rolling Stones appeared the 11th of November 2021 and again the 7th of April 2024. On the 31st of December 2019 Passion Conferences became the largest youth-centered Christian conference ever held in the US with over 50,000 students attending. Kanye West hosted listening parties for his album Donda inside the stadium living there for two weeks paying $1 million daily. Major League Wiffle Ball held their 2023 World Series at the venue marking the first time fans attended such an event.

  8931