Mercedes-Benz Stadium to screen World Cup finale before Atlanta United match

If day-drinking wasn’t already an official Atlanta sport, this year’s FIFA World Cup is quickly helping it become one.

Local bars and restaurants have been opening as early as 8 a.m. so true futbol fans can cheer on teams hitting the pitch on the other side of the globe.

And on the day of the tournament’s grand finale, another popular intown venue will join the list of screening locations: Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

On Sunday, the arena will open its doors a few hours before Atlanta United takes the field to play the Seattle Sounders—one of two chances Atlantans will have to enjoy the stadium (and purchase things) in off hours this month.

The Sunday arrangement means FIFA fans will have the opportunity to watch the biggest futbol match in the world on the world’s biggest video board (63,000 square feet of screen, that is). The Final will pit the winners of France versus Belgium, and Croatia versus England.

Granted, interested futbol fans still have to buy a ticket to the MLS match. However, with some luck, passes can still be scored for less than $30 a head (although probably not for long).

Also, fans of low-stakes gambling can partake in Atlanta United’s “Guess the Final” sweepstakes, which asks people to predict which teams will participate in the championship and what the final score will be.

Then, on July 29, American football fans will get their chance.

Beginning at 11 a.m. that day, The Benz gates will open for “Together We Rise—Falcons Fan Day,” the very first open practice (fully padded) held at the new digs.

The event costs $5 per person, and attendees will be treated at noon to The Benz’s “first public and live roof-opening showcase to celebrate the completion of this one-of-a-kind design and engineering marvel,” per a press release.

All ticketing proceeds from the latter event will benefit the Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee’s capital improvement project, officials said.

• Where to watch the World Cup in Atlanta [Eater Atlanta]
• The new Atlanta stadium’s 7 wildest features, from the roof to the field [SB Nation]