History of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Timeline

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, opened in 2017. It serves as the home for both the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS). The stadium, replacing the Georgia Dome, features a retractable roof and is owned by the state of Georgia via the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. AMB Group, the parent company of both teams, operates the facility. The construction cost was approximately $1.6 billion.

1982: Georgia Bulldogs Last National Championship Game

In 1982, the Georgia Bulldogs played their last national championship game until they played in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

2000: Atlanta Hosted Super Bowl XXXIV

In 2000, Atlanta hosted Super Bowl XXXIV.

May 2010: Falcons Interest in New Stadium

In May 2010, news outlets reported that the Atlanta Falcons were interested in replacing the Georgia Dome with a new open-air stadium. The team desired to play outdoors and host another Super Bowl, and the stadium was considered for a FIFA World Cup bid.

February 2011: Stadium Plans Released

In February 2011, Populous, an architectural firm, released comprehensive plans for the proposed stadium, estimating a cost of US$700 million and a regular capacity of 71,000, expandable to 75,000 for events like the Super Bowl.

2011: Mercedes-Benz held a 10-year naming rights contract for the Louisiana Superdome

In 2011, Mercedes-Benz held a 10-year naming rights contract for the Louisiana Superdome.

April 2012: Price Estimate Increase and Construction Timeline

In April 2012, Populous released a new price estimate of US$947.7 million for the stadium. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that construction could begin in 2014, with the Falcons playing regular-season games there by 2017. The proposed location was near the Georgia Dome, which would be demolished after the new stadium's completion.

2012: Possible Deal and Cost Update

In 2012, reports indicated an official deal on the stadium's construction could be reached by the end of the year. Site improvements might increase the total cost to US$1.2 billion, although the building cost remained around US$948 million.

2012: Approval of Blueprint and Agreement Terms

On December 10, 2012, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority approved the blueprint and most agreement terms for the new stadium plans. However, the term sheet was non-binding and changes could still be made. Stadium location options were under consideration. On December 15, team owner Arthur Blank expressed preference for a new stadium over remodeling the Georgia Dome.

January 10, 2013: Optimism for Stadium Construction

On January 10, 2013, Mayor Reed expressed optimism and confidence in the construction of the new stadium, noting its potential to help Atlanta compete for its first Major League Soccer team.

March 7, 2013: Agreement to Build New Stadium

On March 7, 2013, the Falcons and the city of Atlanta agreed to build the new downtown stadium, with a maximum public contribution of US$200 million from hotel-motel taxes.

March 19, 2013: City Council Approval

On March 19, 2013, the Atlanta City Council approved the stadium, voting 11-4 in favor of using city hotel-motel taxes to pay US$200 million toward construction costs.

May 21, 2013: NFL Loan Approved

On May 21, 2013, the NFL approved a US$200 million loan to the Falcons organization to help build the stadium.

June 18, 2013: Conceptual Design Unveiled

On June 18, 2013, the Falcons unveiled the conceptual design for the new stadium, proposing a capacity of 70,000 spectators, 7,500 club seats, and 180 luxury suites.

October 2013: Stadium cost rose to US$1.2 billion

In October 2013, the cost of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium rose to US$1.2 billion, after initially being slated to cost US$1 billion.

March 2014: Groundbreaking Indication and Church Demolitions

In March 2014, Arthur Blank indicated the groundbreaking would be conducted the last week of March. Mount Vernon Baptist Church held its last service on March 9 before being demolished. Friendship Baptist Church was also demolished and relocated to make room for the stadium.

May 19, 2014: Groundbreaking Delayed Until This Date

Due to legal issues surrounding the issuing of bonds, the stadium groundbreaking did not happen until May 19, 2014.

December 2014: Stadium Cost Increase Approved

In December 2014, the Georgia World Congress Center's board of governors approved a resolution to increase the cost of the stadium to US$1.2 billion.

2014: Expected Start of Construction

In April 2012, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that if a deal was reached, the new stadium's construction would be expected to begin in 2014.

January 2015: Sale of Personal Seat Licenses Announced

In January 2015, the Atlanta Falcons announced the sale of personal seat licenses (PSL) for the new stadium, costing up to US$45,000 per seat, with the most expensive tickets priced at US$385 per game in addition to one-time PSL fees. This generated $273 million in revenue.

May 19, 2015: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Awarded Super Bowl LIII

On May 19, 2015, Mercedes-Benz Stadium was awarded Super Bowl LIII in 2019, marking Atlanta's first time hosting the game since Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000.

August 21, 2015: Naming Rights Acquired by Mercedes-Benz

On August 21, 2015, it was reported that Mercedes-Benz would acquire the naming rights for the stadium. This was later confirmed at a press conference on August 24.

February 2016: Naming Rights Contract Value Reported

In February 2016, Sports Business Daily reported that the naming rights contract between Mercedes-Benz and the Atlanta Falcons for Mercedes-Benz Stadium was valued at US$324 million.

2016: Construction Cost Estimate

In 2016, the estimated total construction cost for the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was US$1.6 billion.

2016: Funds Siphoned from Renew Atlanta TSPLOST

The bridge is criticized for its inequity and siphoning funds from the 2016 Renew Atlanta TSPLOST; the bridge was not originally on the project lists, so other projects originally on the list had to be removed. Critics argue the original projects would have accomplished more and served more people.

March 1, 2017: Original Projected Opening Date

March 1, 2017, was the stadium's original projected opening date, later delayed due to the complexity of the retractable roof.

June 1, 2017: First Delayed Opening Date

Due to the complexity of the eight-panel retractable roof, the stadium's opening date was delayed from March 1, 2017, to June 1, 2017.

June 9, 2017: Confidence in Scheduled Opening

On June 9, 2017, stadium officials announced confidence that Mercedes-Benz Stadium would open as scheduled, resuming the Georgia Dome's demolition, which was imploded on November 20, 2017.

July 25, 2017: Roof to Remain Closed During Games

On July 25, 2017, stadium officials reported that the roof would remain closed during Falcons' preseason games and Chick-fil-A Kickoff games. Also, the roof would remain closed whenever outside temperatures exceed 80 °F (27 °C).

July 30, 2017: Second Delayed Opening Date

The stadium's projected opening date was delayed a second time to July 30, 2017, due to the complexity of the eight-panel retractable roof. This impacted Atlanta United FC matches, which were moved to Bobby Dodd Stadium.

August 16, 2017: Construction Delay to Ensure Operability

On August 16, 2017, WXIA reported that the retractable roof system's construction was intentionally delayed by stadium officials to ensure its long-term operability and timely completion of other parts of the stadium.

August 26, 2017: Stadium Officially Opens

On August 26, 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium officially opened with a Falcons preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, although the retractable roof system was incomplete at the time.

September 10, 2017: Possible Open Roof for Home Opener

On September 10, 2017, the Falcons announced that, contrary to earlier plans, the stadium roof would be open during the Falcons home opener on September 17 against the Green Bay Packers if weather permitted.

September 17, 2017: Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers

On September 17, 2017, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium roof was opened for the first time for an Atlanta Falcons Sunday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers. The roof's functionality was still problematic at this time.

October 6, 2017: Roof Status for Atlanta United FC Finale

On October 6, 2017, stadium officials announced that the roof would be open, weather permitting, for Atlanta United FC's regular season finale against Toronto FC on October 22. However, the roof would remain closed for the rest of the Falcons' regular season and Atlanta United FC's home playoff matches.

October 2017: Roof Opened for Atlanta United Game

Sometime in October 2017, the roof was opened for the second time that year, for an Atlanta United FC game. Officials hoped all issues with the roof would be resolved before the 2018 season.

October 2017: Clarification on Initial Leak Reports

Stadium officials clarified after initial reports in October 2017 that the issue was not a "leak" but rather a "few drops of water" falling from the roof. The issues would be fixed before the Falcons' 2018 season.

October 22, 2017: Atlanta United FC vs Toronto FC

On October 22, 2017, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium roof was opened for a nationally televised MLS soccer game. Atlanta United FC hosted Toronto FC in a sold-out game of more than 70,000 fans. The roof's functionality was still problematic at this time.

November 20, 2017: Georgia Dome Implosion

On November 20, 2017, the Georgia Dome was imploded after demolition had resumed, following confidence in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium's scheduled opening.

December 8, 2017: GHSA Football Championship Games Postponed

On December 8, 2017, the stadium hosted the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) football championship games for Class 1A Private School and Class 3A. The remaining championship games scheduled for that day, Class 5A and Class 6A, as well as the four games originally scheduled for the next day were postponed and relocated due to light snow.

2017: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Opens

In 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium officially opened in Atlanta, Georgia, replacing the Georgia Dome. It became the home stadium for the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS).

2017: Events Moved from Georgia Dome

In 2017, the Peach Bowl, Celebration Bowl, SEC Championship Game, and Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game moved from the Georgia Dome to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

2017: Falcons Expected to Begin Regular-Season Play

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the Falcons were expected to begin regular-season play at the new stadium in 2017.

January 4, 2018: Building Giants Premiere

On January 4, 2018, the stadium was the subject of the premiere episode of Building Giants on Science Channel, exploring the construction process in detail.

January 2018: Reports of Roof Leaks During Championship Game

During the College Football National Championship Game in January 2018, media outlets reported a significant leak over the field. Officials said the issue did not affect the game.

May 29, 2018: Roof opened for construction

On May 29, 2018, the stadium roof was opened for the first time since October 2017 for construction purposes, marking the start of a 10-day period dedicated to automating the roof.

July 14, 2018: Work on the roof was completed

On July 14, 2018, the work on automating the roof of Mercedes-Benz Stadium was completed, marking a significant milestone in resolving the issues with its operation.

July 25, 2018: Roof operation demonstration

On July 25, 2018, a demonstration was held for the media to showcase the completed work on the stadium's retractable roof. During the demonstration, the roof was successfully opened and closed as intended, with each procedure taking approximately eight minutes.

2018: College Football Playoff National Championship Hosted

In 2018, Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship, where the Georgia Bulldogs were defeated by the Alabama Crimson Tide.

2018: Hosts MLS Cup and College Football Championship

In 2018, Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted multiple events including the MLS Cup (as Atlanta United FC held home field advantage), and the College Football Playoff National Championship.

2018: Cashless Payment Trial

In 2018, Mercedes-Benz Stadium trialed "cashless" payment methods for transactions at concessions inside the stadium.

2018: Leaks expected to be fixed

2018: 2018 GHSA football championships

The 2018 GHSA football championships were held on December 11 and 12 due to Atlanta United FC hosting MLS Cup 2018 on December 8 as well as the 2018 Celebration Bowl scheduled for December 15.

January 2019: Pedestrian Bridge Completed

In January 2019, a pedestrian bridge was completed at a cost of ~$33 million, connecting gameday parking lots and the Vine City MARTA Station to the northwest side of the stadium and The Home Depot Backyard.

February 7, 2019: Artificial Turf Replacement

On February 7, 2019, stadium officials stated that the artificial turf would be replaced prior to the Falcons' 2019 season as part of nearly $2 million in capital improvements to the stadium.

February 26, 2019: Georgia Tech to Play Annual Home Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

On February 26, 2019, it was announced that the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets had agreed to play one home game annually at Mercedes-Benz Stadium from 2021 through 2026.

March 2019: Cashless Payment Policy Adopted

In March 2019, Mercedes-Benz Stadium became one of the first major professional sports venues in the U.S. to only accept "cashless" payment methods for concessions, such as credit or debit cards and mobile payments. Menu prices were also adjusted.

May 2019: GHSA Football Finals Moved to Center Parc Stadium

In May 2019, the GHSA announced that the football finals would be moved from Mercedes-Benz Stadium to Center Parc Stadium starting in 2019, due to higher costs.

2019: Super Bowl LIII Hosted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

In 2019, Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted Super Bowl LIII, marking Atlanta's first time hosting the game since Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000.

2019: Hosts Super Bowl LIII

In 2019, Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted Super Bowl LIII.

March 12, 2020: 2020 NCAA Final Four Cancelled

On March 12, 2020, the 2020 NCAA Final Four, scheduled to be hosted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, was completely cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021: Georgia Tech Starts Playing Home Games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

In 2021, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets began playing one home game annually at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as part of an agreement that runs through 2026.

2022: Major League Wiffle Ball World Series at SoFi Stadium

In 2022, Major League Wiffle Ball hosted their World Series at SoFi Stadium.

2022: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Chosen as Potential Neutral Site for AFC Championship Game

In 2022, Mercedes-Benz Stadium was chosen as a potential neutral site for the AFC Championship due to the cancellation of a game after Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into life-threatening cardiac arrest on the field.

January 29, 2023: Potential Neutral Site for AFC Championship

On January 29, 2023, Mercedes-Benz Stadium would have served as a neutral site for the 2022 AFC Championship if the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs had both advanced, however, the Chiefs played at Arrowhead Stadium instead after the Bengals won against the Bills in the Divisional matchup.

2023: NFL's Clear Bag Policy Adopted

In 2023, Mercedes-Benz Stadium adopted the NFL's clear bag policy, issuing an advisory on permissible sizes for clear bags, including diaper bags.

2023: GHSA Football Championships Return

In 2023, the GHSA Football Championships returned to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, along with the GHSA Flag Football Championships playing at the stadium for the first time.

2023: Major League Wiffle Ball World Series

Major League Wiffle Ball hosted their 2023 World Series at the stadium, with fans in attendance.

August 20, 2024: NCAA Final Four Rescheduled

On August 20, 2024, the NCAA announced that the event, initially scheduled for 2020, was rescheduled to 2031.

October 15, 2024: Mercedes-Benz Stadium to Host Super Bowl LXII

On October 15, 2024, the NFL announced that Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host Super Bowl LXII in 2028.

2024: Criticism of Natural Grass Turf

In 2024, for the Copa América, natural grass sod was placed on top of the stadium's usual artificial turf. Following the first match of the tournament, Argentina's manager Lionel Scaloni criticized the quality of the grass turf.

2024: Hosted two matches during the 2024 Copa América, including the opening match of the tournament.

In 2024, the stadium hosted two matches during the 2024 Copa América, including the opening match of the tournament.

2025: Matches for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

In 2025 Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host matches for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

2025: National championship Hosted by Atlanta

In 2025, Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted the national championship again, where Ohio State defeated Notre Dame.

2025: Future College Football Championship

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is scheduled to host the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2025.

2026: Matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

In 2026, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will be temporarily renamed to "Atlanta Stadium". It will host eight matches: five group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, one Round of 16 match, and one semifinal match.

2026: Georgia Tech to Play Annual Home Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

In 2026, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will play their final home game annually at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as part of an agreement that runs from 2021.

2026: Future FIFA World Cup Matches

Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host multiple matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

2026: Florida-Georgia Football Rivalry at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the Florida-Georgia football rivalry in 2026 due to renovations of EverBank Stadium.

2027: SEC Championship Long-term Deal

The SEC Championship has a long-term deal with Mercedes-Benz Stadium through 2027.

2028: Mercedes-Benz Stadium to Host Super Bowl LXII

In 2028, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host Super Bowl LXII.

2028: Future Super Bowl LXII

Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host Super Bowl LXII in 2028.

2031: Consideration for 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup

In 2031, Atlanta is among the cities being considered for hosting matches during the Men's Rugby World Cup.

2031: NCAA Final Four Rescheduled to 2031

In 2031, the NCAA Final Four will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, after being rescheduled from its original 2020 date.

2033: Consideration for 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup

In 2033, Atlanta is among the cities being considered for hosting matches during the Women's Rugby World Cup.

2050: Hotel-Motel Taxes to pay for stadium until 2050

On March 19, 2013, the Atlanta City Council approved the stadium, voting 11-4 in favor of the use of city hotel-motel taxes to pay potentially several times that toward costs of financing, maintaining and operating the stadium through 2050.