Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s lauded, retractable roof is almost problem-free

After succumbing to a litany of operational issues, the Mercedes-Benz logo-emblazoned, blossoming roof atop the Atlanta Falcons’s new stadium is nearing completion.

Beginning today, the magnificent, yet complicated opening-and-closing roof system will undergo its final phase of construction, the Falcons’ parent company AMB Group, has announced.

For 10 days, the retractable roof will remain open while crews ratchet up its automation mechanics. It should be ready to move by June 2, when an Atlanta United match is scheduled.

After that period, the roof will continue to be worked on for a few weeks, as construction crews make minor tweaks to fine-tune the gears and gadgets propelling the project.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

After that, contractors will turn over control of the roof to stadium proprietors. Once properly adjusted, as officials have long said, the roof should be able to open and close in some 12 minutes at the push of a button.

Weather and “the safety and comfort of attendees” will determine if the roof is open or not for Falcons and United home contests.

A handful of mechanical problems have plagued the progress of the vaunted roof design, including leaks and audio issues.

The Benz (or MBS, or not) is slated to host the 2019 Super Bowl, during which the automated moving roof is expected to run flawlessly.

As ESPN reports, the almighty NFL has specifically asked for an open-roof Super Bowl on Feb. 3.

• Roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium entering ‘final stage of completion’ [Atlanta Business Chronicle]
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium roof, audio problems to be fixed by spring, leaders say [Curbed]