Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia is widely regarded as one of the finest sports venues ever built in the United States — a masterpiece of architectural ambition opened in 2017 that serves as home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS). Owned by AMB Sports & Entertainment — the vehicle of billionaire Arthur Blank — it is a flagship 2026 FIFA World Cup host venue.
| Stadium Name | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Naming Rights | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) — since 2016 |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Owner | AMB Sports & Entertainment (Arthur Blank) |
| Primary Tenants | Atlanta Falcons (NFL) + Atlanta United FC (MLS) |
| Arthur Blank | Co-founder of The Home Depot; billionaire philanthropist |
| Capacity | ~71,000 (NFL) | Expandable to 75,000 |
| Construction Cost | ~$1.6 billion |
| Year Opened | August 2017 |
| Architect | HOK (formerly known as HNTB) |
| Time Zone | Eastern (UTC−4 in June) |
| 2026 WC Match | Match 38 — Group H: Uruguay vs Cape Verde — June 21, 18:00 UTC−4 |
Who Owns Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is owned by AMB Sports & Entertainment — the sports and entertainment holding company of Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot. Blank purchased the Atlanta Falcons in 2002 for $545 million and later founded Atlanta United FC as an MLS expansion team in 2017. He personally championed the construction of Mercedes-Benz Stadium as a world-class facility that would elevate Atlanta’s global profile. At a cost of approximately $1.6 billion, it is one of the most expensive sports stadiums ever built in the United States. Crucially, Blank insisted on keeping ticket and concession prices lower than the NFL average — a fan-first policy that made MBS notable in an era of ever-rising sports costs.
Who Is Arthur Blank?
Arthur M. Blank (born September 27, 1942) co-founded The Home Depot with Bernie Marcus in 1978 — building it into the world’s largest home improvement retailer. After leaving The Home Depot in 2001, he purchased the Atlanta Falcons in 2002 and has since become one of the NFL’s most respected franchise owners. Blank is also known for significant philanthropy through the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which focuses on youth, community, and education initiatives in Georgia.
The Iconic Petal Roof
Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s most distinctive architectural feature is its eight-panel retractable roof, designed to open and close like a camera aperture — nicknamed the “falcon wing” or “petal” roof by fans. The panels retract to reveal a circular oculus open to the sky. Combined with a 360-degree HD video halo board (one of the largest in the world), the stadium’s interior is consistently ranked among the world’s most visually striking sports venues.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium at FIFA World Cup 2026
Atlanta is one of the 11 US host cities for 2026. Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts Match 38 — Group H: Uruguay vs Cape Verde on June 21, 2026 at 18:00 UTC−4 (Eastern time). Uruguay — a two-time World Cup champion with one of South America’s most passionate football cultures — faces Cape Verde, the island nation making its mark in African football. Atlanta’s diverse population (including a large Latin American community) ensures a vibrant atmosphere inside one of the world’s most architecturally celebrated stadiums.
FAQs
Who owns Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is owned by AMB Sports & Entertainment, the sports and entertainment holding company of billionaire Arthur Blank — co-founder of The Home Depot. Blank purchased the Atlanta Falcons in 2002 and later founded Atlanta United FC, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium serving as the home venue for both franchises.
How much did it cost to build Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium was constructed at a cost of approximately $1.6 billion, making it one of the most expensive sports stadiums ever built in the United States. It opened in August 2017 and was designed by architecture firm HOK.
What is the seating capacity of Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a standard capacity of approximately 71,000 seats for NFL games, with the ability to expand to around 75,000 for major events. The stadium’s flexible design makes it well-suited for hosting large-scale international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What FIFA World Cup 2026 match is being held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is hosting Match 38 — Group H: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde on June 21, 2026, with kickoff scheduled at 6:00 PM Eastern Time (UTC−4). Atlanta is one of 11 U.S. cities selected as a host venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What makes Mercedes-Benz Stadium architecturally unique?
The stadium’s most iconic feature is its eight-panel retractable roof, engineered to open and close like a camera aperture — commonly referred to as the “petal” or “falcon wing” roof. When fully open, the panels reveal a circular oculus open to the sky. The interior also features a 360-degree HD halo video board, widely regarded as one of the largest and most impressive in the world.