Ahead of the start of the 2023 NFL Season, we’re putting together a series of NFL Stadium Visitor Guides highlighting stadium features and facilities, as well as a selection of ‘Top Attractions’ and ‘Visitor Highlights’ in and around each stadium.
Next Up: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a world-class, multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility situated in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, Georgia.
Since replacing the Georgia Dome in 2017, the state-owned stadium has provided fans with an unparalleled experience, while contributing to the economic growth and success of the city and state.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Stadium was the first professional sports stadium to earn Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) “Platinum” certification for successfully cutting its waste to near zero for a full year.
Key features of Mercedes-Benz Stadium include the famous ‘Falcon Sculpture,’ the largest free-standing bird sculpture in the world, and the stunning 360-degree HD video halo board which wraps around the top of the stadium.
Notable for its signature retractable roof, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has hosted a number of high profile sporting events since opening including the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship, the 2018 MLS All-Star Game, and, most notably, Super Bowl LIII in 2019, marking Atlanta’s first time hosting the game since Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s food and beverage program is consistently ranked at the top of the NFL and MLS Voice of the Fan surveys, showcasing the best of Atlanta’s culinary scene with wide-ranging menus offering everything from barbecue and Tex Mex to healthy options and gluten free items.
Fans can find a wide variety of domestic and craft beer offerings, craft cocktails and wines, in addition to soft drinks and water, with 1,264 beer taps in the stadium! Nine neighborhood bars provide fans with sweeping views of the game along with a variety of unique offerings and convenient access to their beverage of choice.
The two-story Team Store features both Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United merchandise and is open most days of the year. Several other retail locations in the stadium provide fans convenient access to merchandise.
The art collection in Mercedes-Benz Stadium is among the largest public art displays in the Southeast, featuring a range of vibrant and energetic works and digital motion media to elevate the fan engagement and game-day experience. Mercedes-Benz Stadium has partnered with Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) to commission and curate more than 200 large-scale works from over 50 artists, 45% of which are Atlanta-based.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Tours provides fans with an all-access ticket to the home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. On this 90-minute tour, fans can go behind-the-scenes to see the locker rooms and play on the field, explore the incredible architecture and observe the expansive art collection, including the world’s largest sculpture of a falcon.
The Atlanta Falcons will open their home season schedule on 10 September 2023 with a visit from the Carolina Panthers. The 2023 home schedule also sees visits from Washington Commanders on Sunday 15th October, New Orleans Saints on Sunday 26th November, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday 10th December.
TOP ATTRACTIONS & VISITOR HIGHLIGHTS
Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame is a must-see attraction for any sports fan. Guests can immerse themselves in exhibits with content personalized to their favorite college football team, historical artifacts, a three-story helmet wall and the inspirational Hall of Fame Rotunda that memorializes college football legends.
Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium contains more than 11 million gallons of water. Georgia Aquarium recently opened their newest gallery “SHARKS! Predators of the Deep,” which brings visitors face to face with some of the most recognizable apex predators in the ocean.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights pays homage to the American civil rights movement and brings current global human rights issues to the forefront. Guests can explore the three main exhibits: civil rights, human rights and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection from Morehouse College.
World of Coca-Cola
World of Coca-Cola is a highly visual and interactive museum dedicated to Atlanta’s native beverage, Coca-Cola. The famous soft drink’s story is told through exhibits including the new “Scent Discovery: A New Aromatic Experience,” a multi-sensory theater and a bottling station. Visitors can also sample more than 100 Coca-Cola products from around the globe.
