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The Atlanta Falcons’ Mercedes-Benz Stadium, now finished, in 27 photos

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After three years of construction, let the games (and matches) begin

By Josh Green
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Looking up at the oculus of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The main entry, facing downtown, reveals this view.
Photos: Josh Green, Curbed Atlanta

It’s been a little more than three years (and 1.5 billion dollars) since NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Mayor Kasim Reed, and Atlanta Falcons brass were serenaded with fireballs and sky-rockets as they ceremonially broke ground on the grandest coliseum in city history.

Aside from a bit of polish, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is now finished—and it literally smells new, like a top-flight pair of sneakers straight out of the box.

Game action begins in 10 days with a Falcons preseason contest, and within the first month, about a half-million visitors are expected to come through. That complex and problematic roof—the culprit behind several delays—should start regularly spinning open sometime before the Super Bowl.

During a media tour Tuesday, Steve Cannon, CEO of Arthur Blank’s AMB Group, called the venue “the new heart of Atlanta” and “the best sports and entertainment venue in the world.”

Bold statements, for sure.

But even the most jaded sports misanthrope would probably concede that 25,000 tons of artfully arranged steel, a massive centerpiece halo LED board that’s more than five stories tall, and Kevin Gillespie’s juicy fried chicken are impressive.

It’s all come together here, at this grand architectural statement the Atlanta United soccer club and revenge-hungry Falcons will soon call home.

Locals have started calling it “The Benz.” Have a visual test-drive below:

Standing almost 42 feet tall, this stainless-steel falcon is the work of Hungarian artist Gabor Miklos Szoke.
With sharp lines echoing the stadium itself, the falcon overlooks a 2.5-acre plaza that serves as a front door for ticket holders. Per the other Falcons, it’s the world’s largest freestanding bird sculpture.
Stepping in from what’s colloquially called the “Front Porch,” where the giant bird is, the wide-open “Foyer” area is a sight to behold.
Inside one of 10 “Centennial Suites,” which costs $350,000 annually. It’s one of 191 suites on site, and that communal table is made of bronzite.
Thirty-five rows from the field, these suite views are said to have The Benz’s best architectural sight-lines.
The look of a standard concession counter.
All-stars of Atlanta’s culinary scene also have a presence.
Stadium officials partnered with SCAD to curate 180 original, commissioned installations from 45 artists throughout the property, including this Radcliffe Bailey piece.
The far seating near the window is meant to resemble the Falcons logo’s wing.
The “Keg Wall” lords over the Budweiser Beer Garden section.
On the subject of beer, these prices are for 20-ounce allotments.
Views from 300-Level seating.
The stadium’s proximity to Vine City is apparent from escalators near the property’s western edge. Officials said about 150 Westside residents have been hired thus far to help operate the stadium.
Matty Ice, on fie-yah.
Downtown and Midtown visible via the east-facing wall of glass.
The nosebleeds. With roughly 71,000 seats, The Benz counts about 1,000 fewer than the Georgia Dome. And their configuration lends a surprisingly intimate feel.
The 300 Level’s much-ballyhooed 100 Yard Club. It’s a full—yes—100 yards of concessions.
From the field, 50-yard line.
A tackled player’s perspective on the halo board above.
The swanky buildout of the Mercedes-Benz Club’s AMG Lounge at field-level.
Now, teams, let’s not lay an egg ...
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