What to know before you visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in 2017 in downtown Atlanta and is home to the Atlanta Falcons. The stadium holds 71,000 people and sits near the Georgia Dome site, about two miles south of downtown. Parking, entry gates, and seating bowl layout all work the same way across most NFL stadiums, but this guide covers what is specific to this building: where to park, how the gates are numbered, what the upper and lower bowl sections look like, and what to expect on game day.

The stadium is designed with a retractable roof and sits in the Summerhill neighborhood. Public transit, paid parking lots, and street parking are all options, though availability changes based on the day and time you arrive. Food, restrooms, and merchandise are distributed throughout the building in the same pattern as most modern NFL venues.

Key Takeaways

  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium has four main parking decks on the property, plus nearby surface lots and street parking, with prices varying by lot and event date.
  • The stadium has four entry gates (North, South, East, West), and your ticket shows which gate to use; arriving 90 minutes early is standard for most events.
  • Lower bowl sections run from 101 to 145 and face the field directly; upper bowl sections run from 201 to 245 and sit farther back with a wider view of the field.
  • The stadium has a retractable roof that opens and closes during events, and weather conditions inside can differ from outside conditions depending on roof position.
  • Concourse areas have food vendors, restrooms, and merchandise stands distributed evenly around all four sides of the stadium.

Parking at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The stadium operates four parking decks on the property: the North Deck, South Deck, East Deck, and West Deck. Each deck charges a separate rate, and prices are set by the Atlanta Falcons organization and vary by event. Parking typically ranges from $15 to $30 per vehicle depending on the lot and how far in advance you purchase. Preferred parking in closer decks costs more than standard parking in decks farther from the stadium entrance.

Street parking is available in the Summerhill neighborhood surrounding the stadium, though spaces fill quickly on game days. Surface lots operated by third-party vendors also exist within walking distance. Public transit is an option: MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) runs the Gold Line directly to the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station, which is a short walk from the stadium. Parking decks and surface lots typically open three hours before kickoff and close several hours after the event ends.

If you plan to drive, purchase parking in advance through the Atlanta Falcons website or Ticketmaster when you buy your ticket. This locks in the price and guarantees a space in your chosen lot. Arriving at least 90 minutes before kickoff gives you time to park, walk to the stadium, and find your seat without rushing.

Entry gates and how to find your section

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has four entry gates: Gate North, Gate South, Gate East, and Gate West. Your ticket shows which gate to use. The gate assignment is based on your seat location, and using the correct gate is the fastest way to enter. Each gate has multiple security checkpoints, and all bags are screened before entry.

Once inside, the concourse is organized in a ring around the stadium. Section numbers increase as you move clockwise around the building. Lower bowl sections are numbered 101 to 145, and upper bowl sections are numbered 201 to 245. Signage on the concourse walls shows which sections are in each direction, and stadium staff can point you to your section if you are unsure.

Security lines move faster during off-peak times. If you arrive 90 minutes before the event, you will typically clear security and reach your seat with time to spare. Arriving closer to kickoff means longer waits at security and concourse congestion.

Lower bowl seating and sightlines

The lower bowl (sections 101 to 145) sits closest to the field and wraps around all four sides. Sections 101 to 120 run along the sideline on one side, sections 121 to 130 sit behind one end zone, sections 131 to 145 run along the opposite sideline, and sections 115 to 125 sit behind the other end zone. Seats in the lower bowl face the field directly and offer the clearest view of play.

Lower bowl seats closer to the field (rows 1 to 10) are premium and cost more than seats farther back (rows 20 to 35). Corner sections (101, 120, 131, 145) offer views of both sidelines but are farther from the center of the field. Club seats in the lower bowl include access to private lounges and premium concessions, and these are sold separately from general admission lower bowl tickets.

Sightlines in the lower bowl are generally unobstructed, though seats directly behind the goal posts have a narrower view of plays happening at the opposite end of the field. Seats in the middle of each sideline section (around rows 15 to 25) offer the best balance of proximity and field coverage.

Upper bowl seating and views from the second level

The upper bowl (sections 201 to 245) sits above the lower bowl and follows the same layout: sideline sections, end zone sections, and corner sections. Upper bowl seats are farther from the field but offer a wider view of the entire field at once. Many fans prefer upper bowl seats because they can see all 22 players and the full play develop, rather than following the ball closely.

Upper bowl seats in the middle rows (rows 10 to 20) offer the best sightline to the field. Seats in the very back rows (rows 25 to 35) are the cheapest but have a steeper angle down to the field. Corner sections in the upper bowl (201, 220, 231, 245) give you views of both sidelines but are farther from the center of the field.

The upper bowl has the same concourse access as the lower bowl, with restrooms, food vendors, and merchandise stands distributed around the ring. Upper bowl sections are typically less crowded than lower bowl sections during entry and exit, which can make the experience less congested.

The retractable roof and weather inside the stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a retractable roof that opens and closes during events. The roof is typically closed during games to maintain climate control, but it can open if weather permits or if the team chooses. The opening takes several minutes and is usually done before the game starts or during halftime.

When the roof is closed, the stadium is air-conditioned and the temperature stays around 72 degrees Fahrenheit regardless of outside weather. When the roof is open, outside air enters and the temperature inside rises or falls depending on the season. In summer, an open roof means the stadium becomes warmer; in winter, it becomes cooler. The Atlanta Falcons decide whether to open or close the roof based on the forecast and team preference.

If you are sensitive to temperature changes or prefer a specific climate, check the weather forecast and consider whether the roof is likely to be open. Dress in layers so you can adjust if the temperature inside differs from what you expected.

Concessions, restrooms, and stadium amenities

Food and beverage vendors are located throughout the concourse on all four levels. Concession stands sell hot food (hot dogs, nachos, pizza), cold food (sandwiches, salads), and drinks (beer, soda, water, coffee). Prices are set by the stadium vendor and are higher than outside food prices. Most stands accept cash and card payment.

Restrooms are located on both the lower and upper concourse levels, distributed evenly around the stadium ring. During halftime, restroom lines can be long; using the restroom before the game starts or during the first quarter can save time. Family restrooms and accessible restrooms are also available and are marked on stadium maps.

Merchandise stands sell Atlanta Falcons apparel, hats, and memorabilia. These stands are busiest before the game and after it ends. ATMs are located throughout the concourse if you need cash. The stadium does not allow outside food or beverages, but water bottles (empty at entry) are permitted and can be filled at water fountains on the concourse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time should I arrive before a game?

Arriving 90 minutes before kickoff is standard. This gives you time to park, walk to the stadium, clear security, and find your seat without rushing. If you are unfamiliar with the stadium or parking lot, arriving two hours early reduces stress.

Can I bring a bag into the stadium?

Yes, but bags are screened at security. The Atlanta Falcons follow NFL bag policy: one clear bag (12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches), one small clutch (4.5 inches by 6.5 inches), or one small backpack. Bags larger than these sizes are not permitted.

Is public transit a good option instead of driving?

Yes. MARTA's Gold Line stops near the stadium and is often faster than driving and parking, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Trains run frequently on game days, and the walk from the station to the stadium is about 10 minutes.

What is the difference between lower bowl and upper bowl seats?

Lower bowl seats are closer to the field and offer a detailed view of individual plays. Upper bowl seats are farther back but show the entire field at once, which many fans prefer for following the overall game flow. Lower bowl seats cost more than upper bowl seats.

Will the roof be open or closed during my game?

The Atlanta Falcons decide based on weather and preference. Check the team's social media or website a few days before the game for confirmation. If the roof is closed, the stadium is air-conditioned; if open, temperature depends on outside weather.