The design for the Mercedes-Benz Stadium creates an exceptional game-day experience for fans and an iconic architectural landmark for the city.
Designed as a signature element rather than a utilitarian cover, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s retractable roof provides a radical departure from the kinetic roofs of other sports facilities. Derived from the shape of a falcon’s wing, a reference to the Atlanta Falcons NFL team, the roof features eight triangular panels that wrap the stadium and move in unison along individual tracks. This allows the roof to open and close like a camera aperture. Exterior lighting can easily change the color of the transparent facade.
The stadium interior offers fans an immersive, technology-driven game-day experience. A wide variety of seating options provide fans with varying ticket prices, vantage points, degrees of service and amenities. A 360-degree HD halo video board built into the roof offers fans clear views from every seat. Other amenities include a technology lounge, a 100-yard bar and a floor-to-ceiling window offering views of downtown Atlanta.
Designed for flexibility, the stadium can be quickly reconfigured to accommodate games for Atlanta United FC, the city’s new Major League Soccer franchise. Retractable seats surrounding the field allow fans to get close to the action for both soccer and football. Digital media platforms throughout the stadium offer flexible opportunities for teams and sponsors to display targeted programmable content on game days.
In addition to serving as an anchor for the downtown tourist and entertainment district, the stadium will catalyze changes in neighborhoods surrounding the development. The project team’s focus on sustainable design, construction and operations extends into the community through the creation of urban farming and open recreation spaces.
HOK is collaborating on the design with tvsdesign, Goode Van Slyke Architecture and Stanley Beaman & Sears.

Credits:
- HOK - On-site Field Representative - Jeff Verkamp
- Goode Van Slyke Architecture - Associate Architect
- Buro Happold - Structural
- HOK - Landscape Architect - Greg Pfau
- HOK - Project Designer - Peter Broeder
- HOK - Project Architect - Gus Drosos Drosos
- Stanley Beaman & Sears - Associate Architect
- HOK - Structural Site Representative - Adam Wilson
- HOK - BIM Model - Alex Augustin
- HOK - Senior Project Architect - Kent McLaughlin
- WJHW - Distributed Sound
- HOK - FF&E - Julie Busby
- WSP Group - MEP / FP
- Kimley-Horn & Associates - Civil
- HOK - Project Architect - David Gile
- TVS Design - Associate Architect
- HOK - Structural Management - Richard Saunders
- HOK - Management Principal - Mac McCoy
- HOK - Design Principal - Bill Johnson
- HOK - Sustainability Lead - Chris DeVolder
- HOK - Site Project Manager - Bryan Hutchinson
- HGOR - Landscape