Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Venue Information

Atlanta, Georgia, is ready to welcome the world as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, known as "Atlanta Stadium" for the FIFA World Cup 2026, prepares to host eight thrilling matches, including a coveted semi-final. This state-of-the-art venue promises an unforgettable experience for football fans from across the globe.

Venue Overview

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, opened in August 2017, quickly established itself as an architectural marvel in downtown Atlanta, replacing the iconic Georgia Dome. With a construction cost of approximately $1.6 billion, it is a multi-purpose stadium and home to the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS's Atlanta United FC, as well as an upcoming NWSL expansion team. Its significance extends beyond professional sports, having hosted major events like the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and the Copa América. The stadium is also notable as the first professional sports venue in the United States to achieve LEED Platinum certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.

For the FIFA World Cup 2026, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be a pivotal venue, hosting a total of eight matches. This impressive schedule includes five group-stage games, one Round of 32 clash, one Round of 16 match, and one of the tournament's two semi-finals. Ahead of the tournament, the stadium is undergoing significant upgrades, including a planned $200 million investment to install a new, natural grass playing surface, in accordance with FIFA regulations.

Match Schedule & Events

"Atlanta Stadium" is set to host a robust schedule of matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026:

• June 15, 2026: Group H match (e.g., Spain vs. Cape Verde)
• June 18, 2026: Group A match (e.g., South Africa vs. Czechia)
• June 21, 2026: Group H match (e.g., Spain vs. Saudi Arabia)
• June 24, 2026: Group C match (e.g., Morocco vs. Haiti)
• June 27, 2026: Group K match (e.g., DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan)
• July 1, 2026: Round of 32 match
• July 7, 2026: Round of 16 match
• July 15, 2026: Semi-Final match

Getting There — Transport & Access

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, offering various transport options for fans.

Nearest Airport

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): One of the world's busiest airports, ATL is approximately 12 miles from the stadium. Travel time by car typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, though this can extend during peak game day traffic.

Public Transit

• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority): This is highly recommended for stress-free travel.
• Rail Stations: The most convenient stops are SEC District Station (formerly GWCC/CNN Center) and Vine City Station, both on the Blue and Green lines, within a short walk to the stadium.
• From ATL: Take the Red or Gold Line from the Airport Station northbound towards Five Points, then transfer to the Blue or Green Line westbound to Vine City or SEC District. The journey from the airport to the stadium by MARTA takes about 14 minutes and costs $2.50 per ride.
• Service Frequency: On match days and during World Cup fan events, MARTA trains will run every five minutes to accommodate the increased ridership. Significant renovations are also underway at key MARTA stations, including Five Points.

Parking

• Advance Booking Recommended: Over 20,000 parking spots are available within a 20-minute walk of the stadium. Pre-purchasing parking passes through services like ParkHub is strongly advised, as lots often sell out.
• Parking Decks/Lots: Options include the Red, Silver, or Orange Decks for closest access (3-5 minute walk) or Blue and Yellow Lots (10-12 minute walk).
• Rideshare: Designated rideshare zones are available, including on Northside Drive in front of the Georgia World Congress Center.

Fan Experience & Atmosphere

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is renowned for its exceptional fan experience.

Seating & Views

The stadium offers excellent sightlines for soccer from nearly every section. The most unique feature is the massive 360-degree Halo video board, spanning 63,000 square feet, ensuring replays and close-up views are easily visible from anywhere in the stadium.

Food & Drink Options

The stadium is celebrated for its "Fan First" pricing model, offering remarkably affordable concessions.

• Budget-Friendly Classics: Expect items like hot dogs for $2, pizza for $3, and refillable soft drinks.
• Diverse Cuisine: A wide array of food options from local Atlanta restaurants is available, including:
• BBQ from Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q and Jim 'N Nick's Community Bar-B-Q.
• Burgers from Farm Burger.
• Chicken creations from Delia's Chicken Sausage Stand.
• Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are widely available.
• Premium Dining: For those seeking an elevated experience, options like the AMG Lounge & Truist Club and Mercedes-Benz Club & Delta Sky360° Club offer all-inclusive food and beverages, private bars, and upscale dining.

Nearby Attractions & Fan Zones

The stadium is a short walk from Atlanta's vibrant Centennial Olympic Park District.

• Centennial Olympic Park: This 22-acre landmark, the centerpiece of the 1996 Summer Olympics, is the hub for fan activities.
• Official FIFA Fan Festival™: This will take over Centennial Olympic Park for 18-20 days during the tournament, featuring live match broadcasts on a 50-foot jumbotron, concerts, food vendors, sponsor activations, and cultural programming. Admission is free but requires pre-registration.
• Pemberton Place: Adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park, this pedestrian plaza connects several major attractions:
• Georgia Aquarium: The largest aquarium in the U.S., a 15-minute walk from the stadium.
• World of Coca-Cola: An iconic Atlanta experience.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
• Other Attractions: The College Football Hall of Fame is also nearby. Local dining options around the stadium include various restaurants offering Caribbean, Southern, German, Latin American, and Italian cuisines.

Stadium Features & Specifications

• Capacity: 71,000 (expandable to 75,000 for American football). For soccer, it typically seats 42,500 but can expand to 71,000, with standing room increasing capacity to at least 73,019. For the World Cup 2026, the capacity is listed at 75,000.
• Surface Type: While typically FieldTurf CORE, a new natural grass surface will be installed specifically for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to meet FIFA requirements.
• Roof: Features a unique retractable octagonal dome made of eight panels that can open or close in approximately 12 minutes. For the World Cup, the roof will be closed to create a climate-controlled indoor environment, mitigating Atlanta's summer heat and humidity.
• Year Opened: August 26, 2017.
• Notable Architectural Features: The stadium is known for its stunning design, including the 360-degree Halo video board encircling the roof, a giant falcon sculpture outside, and its LEED Platinum certification.

Tips for Visiting Fans

• Weather Considerations: Atlanta in June and July can be hot and humid, with average highs in the upper 80s Fahrenheit (around 30-32°C) and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The retractable roof will ensure comfortable conditions inside the stadium during matches.
• Arrival Times: Due to anticipated crowds and security procedures, plan to arrive well in advance of kickoff, especially if you are utilizing public transport or pre-booked parking.
• Best Seats:
• Clearest View (Lower Sideline near Midfield): Provides a balanced view of the entire pitch, ideal for following the flow of play. Category 1 tickets often cover these highly sought-after 100-level seats and midfield 200-level sections.
• Tactical View (Upper Sideline near Midfield): Offers a wider, elevated perspective, excellent for observing team formations and strategies.
• Value (Upper-Level Corners): Generally more affordable, providing a good angle on both goals and midfield action.
• Local Tips:
• Utilize MARTA: It's the most efficient way to get to and from the stadium, avoiding traffic and parking hassles.
• "Fan First" Concessions: Take advantage of the stadium's affordable food and drink prices.
• Explore Downtown Atlanta: The area around the stadium is highly walkable and packed with attractions, making it easy to combine match-day excitement with sightseeing.
• Fan Festivals: Don't miss the official FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park for a lively atmosphere even if you don't have match tickets.