The Falcons New Stadium Has Some Very Unique Features
This season, the defending NFC champion Atlanta Falcons begin play at the brand new $1.6 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons previously took the field next door at the Georgia Dome, from 1992-2016. In it's relatively short existence, the Georgia Dome hosted two Super Bowls, three men's Final Fours and one women's Final Four, but had quickly grown out of date.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, located on the western edge of downtown Atlanta, features a combination of the now standard elements of new pro sports venues, along with a couple more unique and innovative features.
One of the most interesting design concepts involves the pinwheel-like retractable roof, which efficiently opens up over the playing field. The eight-panel roof features translucent panels, providing the illusion of a bird's wings flying through the air, when the roof is open.
The pinwheel roof is surrounded by an elevated 58 by 1,100 foot LED video board, which stretches almost completely around the stadium. The nearly 64,000-square-foot display is unique because of its shear size and unusually high placement above the field.
The beginning of the below stadium preview video offers a look at how the retractable roof and scoreboard operate.
Away from NFL football, the stadium will also be the home of the MLS's Atlanta United FC.
During MLS games, the venue’s 71,000-seat football capacity will transform into a 42,500-seat soccer complex, courtesy of electronic curtains that will cover much of the upper deck, when activated.
The first two big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium occurred this past weekend, with the huge early season college football game between Alabama and Florida State, along with the Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech two OT thriller.
The structure is slated to host many other non NFL and MLS events, including this season’s College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 8, Super Bowl 53 in February of 2019 and the men’s Final Four in 2020.
In addition, the annual SEC Championship Game and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl will be played at the two million square foot space.
