Planning a trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta? Whether you’re heading there for an Atlanta Falcons game, an Atlanta United FC match, the SEC Championship, or a major concert, this venue is one of the most advanced sports and entertainment stadiums in the world. With its iconic retractable roof and cutting-edge design, it’s more than just a stadium—it’s a full experience.
This ultimate Mercedes-Benz Stadium guide covers everything you need to know: tickets, seating, food, bag policies, transportation, and insider hacks to save money and time.
Table of Contents
🎟️ Tickets & Entry
- All tickets are mobile-only → download and add to your wallet before arrival.
- Pro Tip Looking for tickets? You can compare seat prices across all the major ticketing sites using our search tool.
- Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff or event start time.
- Delta Fly-Through lanes (facial recognition entry) are available for quicker access.
- Stadium is cashless → bring a card or use reverse ATMs inside.
- Pro Tip Use Gate 1 for quickest MARTA access; Gate 2 is often less crowded for entry.
🚗 Getting There & Parking
- Public transit: MARTA stations at GWCC/CNN Center and Vine City are a 5-minute walk.
- Pro Tip Park at an outer MARTA station (like Chamblee) for free and ride the train in for just $2.50 each way.
- Over 20,000 parking spots are available within 20 minutes, but all must be pre-booked.
- Red Deck is closest, but exiting can take 30–40 minutes.
- Ruby Lot offers a smoother exit if entered via Fairlie Street instead of GPS routes.
- Pro Tip Free street parking after 7 p.m. weekdays and all day Sundays—Mitchell Street near Spiller Coffee is a reliable 10–15 min walk.
- Rideshare: Uber/Lyft pick up at GWCC Bus Lane C (10-min walk via Home Depot Backyard Bridge).
- Pro Tip Waze gives the most accurate turn-by-turn navigation into official lots.
🛍️ Bag Policy & Security
- Clear bag policy: 12″×6″×12″ or one-gallon freezer bag allowed.
- Small non-clear bags ≤ 4.5″×6.5″ permitted.
- Prohibited: smoking/vaping, weapons, drones, oversized bags.
- Pro Tip Empty your pockets into your clear bag before security for faster entry.
- Guests should expect metal detectors and bag checks at all entrances.
Compare Ticket Prices
Use our free search tool to unlock cheaper tickets:
✅ Fans save an average of 21% using our price comparison engine.
📍 Seating Tips & Best Sections
- Best value: 200-level midfield seats → great sightlines without premium pricing.
- Sections 134–135 are near the Golden Spike ceremony (Atlanta United tradition).
- Pro Tip Avoid corner sections—sightlines can be poor.
- Harrah’s Cherokee Club (200 level) & Delta Club (100 level) often resell for $50–$100 with free food & drinks.
- Pro Tip For concerts, upper levels can be echoey—200s are the sweet spot.
🍽️ Food & Drink at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Known for fan-friendly pricing, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is famous for affordable concessions.
- $2 hot dogs, $3 nachos, $5 beers—prices haven’t changed since opening.
- Pro Tip All fountain drinks have free refills → save money by refilling at any stand.
- Local flavors include Chick-fil-A (closed Sundays), Fox Bros. BBQ, and Delia’s Chicken Sausage.
- Grab tacos, pizza, and craft beer at various stands around the concourse.
- Pro Tip Restrooms & concessions are busiest at halftime/intermission → go early to beat lines.
👀 Must-See Spots & Experiences
- The Home Depot Backyard → 11 acres of tailgating & pregame fun.
- 41-foot falcon statue outside Gate 2 → iconic photo spot.
- 100 Yard Club & AT&T Perch → unique standing-room fan zones with energy and views.
- Pro Tip Golden Spike ceremony (Atlanta United) is a must-see—arrive early at Sections 134/135.
🧹 Stadium Etiquette
- Tailgating only in Home Depot Backyard and approved lots.
- Family-friendly alcohol-free tailgate lot available.
- Pro Tip Stay in groups when leaving at night—stick to main, well-lit streets.
- Fans are passionate but welcoming—opposing gear is fine, just avoid being overly rowdy.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
What time do gates open?
Gates open 90 minutes before events and close about 1 hour after.
Can I bring food or drinks?
Outside food is not allowed, but empty water bottles can be filled at free refill stations.
Is the stadium cashless?
Yes—bring a card or use reverse ATMs inside.
What’s the best way to avoid traffic?
Take MARTA, park at outer stations, or use the free bike valet.
Where are the best value seats?
200-level midfield sections offer excellent views without premium pricing.
⎵ Bottom Line
Arrive early, use MARTA or free parking hacks, and bring a clear bag. Pregame in The Home Depot Backyard, grab affordable bites inside, and don’t miss the Golden Spike ceremony if it’s Atlanta United. For football or concerts, 200-level seats strike the best balance of price and view.
Follow this guide and you’ll have an unforgettable experience at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
🤔 How do we know all of this?
UPFRONT is a Ticketing Intelligence Site dedicated to getting fans into the seats they love at a price they can afford. That’s why we try to do everything in our power to make your experience awesome, like making these guides!