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An Insider's Guide to Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Adam M. Young | March 1, 2023
Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
1 AMB Drive NW | Atlanta, GA 30313  | Midtown

Owner: State of Georgia through the Georgia World Congress Center Authority
Operated By: AMB Group (parent organization of the Falcons and Atlanta United)
Architecture firms: 360 Architecture, HOK
Construction cost: 1.6 billion USD (projected)
Seating Capacity: 71,000 (can be expanded to 83,000)
Opened: August 2017
The Home Of: the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) and Atlanta United FC of Major League Soccer (MLS)
Public transit: Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
  • Green Line
  • Blue Line
  • Vine City
  • Dome / GWCC / Philips Arena / CNN Center


Venue Ratings


Trip Advisor: 4.0

Google Rating: 4.7

Yelp: 3.5

Features:

  • This stadium holds the record of the world’s largest 360º halo video board 6 stories tall and 63,800-SF total, 1,110 linear feet around.

  • 8-petal retractable roof

  • Self-Scanning ticket kiosks for fast entry

  • First Stadium Certified LEED Platinum (highest rating)

  • 4,000 solar PV panels

  • Stadium will recapture and reuse rainwater

  • Fan-friendly food prices: A few of the highlights include $2 hot dogs, unlimited-refill sodas, $3 nachos and pizza slices, and $5 beers.

  • More than 1,200 beer taps

  • The world’s largest bird statue – 41 ft tall 36-ton falcon statue designed by Gábor Miklós Szőke, a Budapest-based artist who creates monumental structures across the world.


Noteworthy: Architectural Digest Reviewed Mercedes-Benz Stadium and called it, “One of the Most Beautifully Designed Stadiums on the Planet.”

The massive Mercedes-Benz Stadium (MBS) opened in August 2017

Location


MBS is located in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia, next to the demolition site of the former Georgia Dome and now adjacent to the Georgia World Congress Center and a 5-min. walk to Phillips Arena, and a 12 minute stroll to Centennial Olympic Park.

Insider Notes


Insider Note on Getting to the Stadium


Parking at a local MARTA Station and taking the train to MBS is a good option to avoid Atlanta’s notoriously bad traffic. MARTA, a city-wide rail and bus system, provides two stops at the doorstep of the stadium. A ticket is just $2.50 each way (plus a one-time Breeze Card purchase of $2. Please note that the preferred station for arrival and departure is the GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station. This station will drop you off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s front door.

MSB is a very new stadium and as a result, operators are experiencing growing pains as it gets more use. One of the most common complaint so far has been quality of acoustics (you may have seen the negative Twitter storm after the recent Garth Brooks concert). Garth Brooks was the first major concert and the was more of a beta test than the operators would have liked. That said, they have until the Kenney Chesney concert near Memorial Day to get it fixed. AMB has publically addressed this issue and has promised to make changes to improve the sound quality. There is no reason to believe they won’t.

Insider Note on Exiting the Stadium


It’s not unusual to have crowd congestion in a stadium that holds over 70,000 fans, but early reviews point out that the number of exits and locations has exacerbated the issue (AMB has promised address the issue). As a result, it is our recommendation that if exiting the stadium quickly is an issue for you, you have 3 options:

  1. Leave the event early to beat the crowd. This might get your fan card revoked, but if it’s important, it’s an option.

  2. Buy a ticket at the lower levels. Because exit access is closer to the lower level seats, buying a ticket there will get you out faster.

  3. Sit back, relax and let the crowd dissipate before you leave. Take photos, post on your social media accounts or just chill.



Insider Note on Seating


It is our recommendation that in order to have the best overall fan experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you should buy the best seats you can in the lower levels. Seems obvious, but fans have taken to the review sites to complain about issues related to sitting in the higher levels. There are primarily three issues:

  1. Exiting the stadium can take longer than expected

  2. Stairs are steeper than lower level and slightly harder to manage

  3. Views to the halo video board can be obstructed



Insider Note on Beer Sales


One of the best features of the new MBS is the new fan-friendly food and beverage pricing where you can get a Bud for $5. Pretty cool. Keep in mind, though that beer sales are cut off as soon as the 3rd quarter kickoff. It doesn’t matter if you are in line, sales of beer are over once toe meets leather. Because lines can be long at some of the stands, make sure you get in line for that last beer early.

 

Insider Note on Molly B’s Restaurant


The much-hyped restaurant named after Arthur Blank’s mother - Molly Blank, is semi-private, membership-driven. It was reported by Atlanta Magazine that there will be no more than 150 memberships. Membership means that from two and a half hours before Falcon’s games up until the end of the first quarter. The space is closed during the second quarter and re-opens at half time for anyone with a ticket, where it offers “small plates.” When this happens, members will have a “fast-entry” lane to avoid long lines. Also, keep in mind that Molly B’s is the only place you can get beer once the 3rd quarter begins.

Insider Note Fountain Drinks


Refills are free!

Insider Note On Bathroom Access After All Your Free Refills


Depending on the event and the concourse, keep in mind that there are a lot of people needing to use the restrooms. Long wait times have been reported. Another issue that will surely be addressed by AMB is that the bathroom exits and entrances share the same door.

 “Premium” Food at MBS

If the less expensive “Fan Friendly” offerings don’t cut it for you, there are a number of area restaurants and food producers that have a presence at the MBS. This “Best of Atlanta” group includes: Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Chick-fil-A, Delia’s Chicken Sausage, Farm Burger, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Gamechanger, Iberian Pig, Jim ‘N Nick’s, King of Pops, Miss D’s Popcorn, Snackology 101 Market, Gridiron Pizza, Sublime Doughnuts, the Varsity, and two concepts from Concentrics Restaurants group.

Stadium Parking & Gate Guidance


There are more than 20,000 parking spaces within a 20-minute walk of the stadium.
Below is a quick guide with details on each organized by which ones allow tailgating and which do not allow it.

Insider Tip on Navigation to Parking Lots


For the best turn-by-turn directions to these lots, use the Waze App. Just type in the name of the lot into Waze.
It is recommended that you purchase parking in advance. The lots that accept mobile parking passes are designated

TAILGATING FRIENDLY LOTS



PHILIPS DRIVE – Tailgating but No Grilling
0.2 miles from stadium
The Philips Drive Lot is located adjacent to Philips Arena and the Fan Fest Plaza. This is a well-lit paved parking lot. Gate Guidance: Less than a five-minute walk to Mercedes Benz Stadium.

LOT A - GULCH – Mobile Pass Accepted
0.2 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

LOT B – Mobile Pass Accepted | Covered | Restrooms
0.2 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

LOT M – Mobile Pass Accepted
0.2 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: North Club or North Suite Entry
All Other Tickets: Gate 1

LOT R – Mobile Pass Accepted | Restrooms
0.2 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gate 4
All Other Tickets: Gate 4

LOT U – Restrooms | Must Print Permit
0.2 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gate 4
All Other Tickets: Gate 4

LOT P – Restrooms | Must Print Permit
0.3 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gate 4
All Other Tickets: Gate 4

DOME 2 –Mobile Pass accepted
0.3 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: Lot is 5-minute walk to gate 1

BLUE LOT
0.4 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: North Club or North Suite Entry
All Other Tickets: Gate 1

LOT K – Mobile Pass Accepted | Restrooms
0.4 miles from stadium
Club & Suite Holders: Gate 4
All Other Tickets: Gate 4

LOT C – Restrooms | Mobile Pass Accepted
0.5 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

LOT L – Must Print Permit
0.5 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gate 4
All Other Tickets: Gate 4

CITY PLAZA – Must Print Permit
0.6 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

LOT 18
0.6 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

YELLOW LOT – Mobile Pass Accepted | Restrooms
0.6 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: North Club or North Suite Entry
All Other Tickets: Gate 1

LOT F – Restrooms | Mobile Pass Accepted
0.7 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gate 4
All Other Tickets: Gate 4

LOT 57 – Must Print Permit
0.7 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

MARSHALLING YARD 4 – CARS – Standard Auto Parking Only | Restrooms
0.7 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: North Club or North Suite Entry
All Other Tickets: Gate 1

MARSHALLING YARD - Restrooms
0.7 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: North Club or North Suite Entry
All Other Tickets: Gate 1

LOT G – Mobile Pass Accepted
0.8 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

LOT H – Restrooms | Mobile Pass Accepted
0.8 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

LOT 37 – Must Print Permit
0.9 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gate 4
All Other Tickets: Gate 4

LOT 44 -  Must Print Permit
0.9 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gate 4
All Other Tickets: Gate 4

LOT 6 - Must Print Permit
0.9 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

LOT D – Mobile Pass Accepted | Restrooms
0.9 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

LOT 36 – Must Print Permit
0.9 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gate 4
All Other Tickets: Gate 4

LOT 43 – Must Print Permit
0.9 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gate 4
All Other Tickets: Gate 4

17 BAKER
1 mile from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following: Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4. All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4 10-15 minutes

305 TED TURNER – Mobile Pass Accepted
1.1 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

LOTS THAT DO NOT ALLOW TAILGATING


SILVER DECK
0.05 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Owner's Suites & AMG Lounge: Silver Deck Bridge (Level 4)
Other Suites: Gate 3, Gate 4, or Silver Deck Bridge (Level 4)
All Other Tickets: Gate 3, Gate 4, or Silver Deck Bridge (Level 4)

MERCEDES-BENZ LOT | Mobile Pass Accepted
0.1 miles from stadium
IMPORTANT READ BELOW:
The Mercedes-Benz Loyalty Parking Lot is located on Northside Drive between Magnolia and Rhodes Streets and closest to Gate 1 of the stadium. The Mercedes-Benz Lot will be made available for online reservation on a first come, first serve basis starting at 12 noon two days prior to each ticketed event at the stadium, and the reservations will close when all available spots are reserved. There is no charge for these spaces.  All vehicles entering the lot to park MUST BE Mercedes-Benz vehicles ONLY. If you are not driving a Mercedes-Benz vehicle you will be asked to park elsewhere.  Only those with a reserved spot, parking pass from Park Mobile and driving a Mercedes-Benz vehicle will be able to park in this lot.

RED DECK – Mobile Pass Accepted | Covered
0.1 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Field Level Suites, Delta Sky360 & Suntrust Club: North Club and North Suite Entry
Other Suite and Club Seat Holders: Gates 2 or 3
All Other Tickets: Gates 2 or 3

CUMC – Must Print Permit
0.1 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: The lot is approximately a 5-min. walk to Gates 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

GOLD DECK – Mobile Pass Accepted
0.2 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: This location is less than a 5-minute walk to Gate 1 or Gate 2.

GOCU DECK –Covered
0.3 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3

AJC LOT – Mobile Pass Accepted
0.4 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

127 INTERNATIONAL – Mobile pass accepted
0.6 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

98 CONE STREET – Must print permit
0.6 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

ATLANTA UNDERGROUND – Must Print Permit | Covered
0.6 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gate 4
All Other Tickets: Gate 4

I DECK | Must Print Permit | Covered
0.6 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

GREEN DECK – Mobile pass accepted | Covered
0.7 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2 or 3
All Other Tickets: Gates 2 or 3

J DECK – Covered | Must Print Permit
0.7 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

218 PEACHTREE – Mobile Pass Accepted | Restrooms available
0.8 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

AQUARIUM GARAGE – Must print permit | Covered
0.8 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4
All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4

CENTENNIAL DECK – Must Print Permit | Covered
0.8 miles from stadium
Gate Guidance: For the quickest walk and entry to the stadium, we recommend the following:
Club & Suite Holders: Gates 2, 3, or 4

All Other Tickets: Gates 2, 3, or 4
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