The field of dreams – and the story behind it
With its retractable roof, the 75,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located in Downtown Atlanta. One of only three American cities to have hosted the Olympics, Atlanta was forced to demolish its once prestigious Georgia Dome due its limitations. Alongside, to replace it, Falcons owner and the man behind the Atlanta United MLS franchise, Arthur Blank commissioned a multipurpose arena, its signature look provided by its eight-panelled retractable roof.
As well as allowing for open-air events, the panels lend the stadium its falcon theme – bird’s wings fold out or in within ten minutes thanks to 16 linear tracks. They surround a halo feature over the pitch, lined with a 360-degree video board, and help create a 16-story window along the east side. This lets in natural light and provides panoramic views of Atlanta cityscape.
The falcon theme is accentuated by the huge sculpture by Gate 2. Conceived by Hungarian sculptor Gábor Miklós Szőke, whose similar creation also guards Ferencváros stadium in Budapest, the bird stands 41 feet high, its wing span twice as wide.
Manufactured in Hungary, its individual pieces were shipped in four containers to America to be assembled in situ. Szőke was then invited to the Super Bowl as a guest of honour in 2019, before retreating to his warehouse studio on Csepel island in Budapest to create more phantasmagorical creatures around Hungary. The Super Bowl is due to return in 2028.
Air-conditioning and astonishingly low prices for food and drink – another thing to thank Blank for, insisting to FIFA that they keep big events here affordable – make Mercedes-Benz Stadium a solid choice for best venue at the World Cup. It’s just a shame it’s not hosting the final.
Note that for the duration of the tournament, the arena is being referred to as Atlanta Stadium.
getting here
Going to the stadium – tips and timings
Hartsfield–Jackson International Atlanta is ten miles (16km) south of Downtown Atlanta, with its own station on the city’s MARTA rapid transit system of rail and buses. This is located in the Domestic Terminal, between the North and South baggage claim areas. A free shuttle links with the International Terminal, journey time 15mins. To use MARTA, you’ll need a Breeze Card ($2), from vending machines and MARTA RideStores at stations and major crossing points, as well as the MARTA On the Go App https://itsmarta.com/the-marta-app.aspx.
A regular fare ($2.50) entitles you to four free transfers within a three-hour period, so you can get into town, check into your hotel and get to the stadium. You can also use your Breeze Card for the Atlanta Streetcar ($1, no transfers onto buses or rail).
The Airport Station is at the southern terminus of the Red and Gold Lines, directly linked with Five Points in the center, 20mins away. The stadium is served by two stations on the Green and Blue Lines: GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center and Vine City.
The first is the preferred option and closest to Gates 2-4 on the east side of the stadium; the second to is nearest Gate 1 via a Pedestrian Bridge over Northside Drive on the west side of the stadium.
From the airport, you’ll find taxicabs at the Domestic Terminal between Doors W-1 and W-2, and at the International Terminal outside the A-1 Door. The standard fare to Atlanta Downtown is around $35-$40. Yellow Cab of Atlanta (+1 678-755-8330) is as good as any.
Where to Drink
Pre-match beers for fans and casual visitors
Anyone who has paid a small fortune for food and drink at other World Cup stadiums will be pleasantly surprised here, with prices kept to affordable limits. Local producers are also encouraged to showcase their wares. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a fine example of how to do the simple things right.
It’s also surrounded by bars and restaurants. The nearest locale to the stadium actually overlooks it: the RT60 rooftop bar of the REVERB by Hard Rock hotel next door. Nearby, Wild Leap welcomes fans with its own craft beers (Süperlager, Lone Buffalo, Island Haze) in a huge multi-story space including a decked courtyard.
Also close, alongside Centennial Olympic Park, STATS Brewpub sets itself up as ‘Atlanta’s ultimate sports bar’ with 70 screens and seven separate audio zones, and house cocktails such as Shots on Goal and Assist alongside the $30 beer buckets.
Next door, Der Biergarten is all Schnitzels, Sauerbraten and Steins, litre helpings of Weihenstephan, Bitburger and Paulaner among many other authentic German brews. The large outdoor patio comes into its own on summer evenings and there’s 1am closing at weekends.
On the West side of the stadium, Restaurant 10 Bar & Grill at 10 Northside Drive NW serves wings, ribs and catfish, as well as signature cocktails such as the Atlanta United Punch with four types of rum. Sport and music clips are screened around the island bar.
