Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 26, 2017, replacing the Georgia Dome as the city’s premier sports venue. Constructed at a cost of approximately $1.6 billion — around $2.1 billion in 2025 dollars — it serves as home to the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United FC of MLS, and has rapidly established itself as one of the most forward-thinking sports facilities in the world.

The stadium’s most distinctive feature is its retractable roof, eight triangular panels that open along parallel rails, inspired by the oculus of Rome’s Pantheon. When fully open, the panels create the illusion of a bird’s wings extended — a nod to the Falcons’ identity. The circular “Halo” video display measures 58 by 1,100 feet and covers 62,350 square feet, making it three times larger than any NFL video board at the time of installation.

The stadium set new standards for fan experience and affordability. Its “fan-first pricing” policy introduced $2 beverages with free refills and $5 beer, items priced with sales tax included to speed transactions. Over 180 commissioned artworks are displayed throughout, including a stunning 41-foot stainless steel falcon sculpture by Gábor Miklós Szőke with a 70-foot wingspan.

Super Bowl LIII in 2019 and the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship brought national attention. Atlanta United set an MLS single-game attendance record of 72,035 in 2018, and their first MLS Cup was won here before 73,019 fans. The stadium hosted the opening match of the 2024 Copa América and will welcome eight World Cup matches in 2026, including a semi-final.

During World Cup play, FIFA regulations require temporary renaming to “Atlanta Stadium.” The venue also looks forward to hosting Super Bowl LXII in 2028 and welcoming an Atlanta NWSL team the same year — a testament to its enduring relevance in American sport.