Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts 10 World Cup matches including a semi-final - one of the largest allocations at the tournament. Arguably the best stadium in North America with its camera-aperture retractable roof and stunning architecture.
10
Total Matches
71,000
Capacity
Retractable
Roof
Hot and humid
June Weather
Match Schedule - Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Group Stage
Knockout Rounds
Getting to Atlanta
Airports near Mercedes-Benz Stadium and how to get from each to the venue.
ATL - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
15 km / 20-35 minMARTA Red/Gold Line directly to GWCC/CNN Center station - 20 min, $2.50, no transfers. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a 5-min walk from the station.
Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Full guide →Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is widely considered the finest stadium in North America. Its signature feature is an eight-panel retractable roof that opens like the aperture of a camera, revealing the sky. Home to both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, it won the World Architecture Festival's best sports building award.
Capacity
71,000
Surface
Natural grass (hybrid)
Roof
Retractable
Opened
2017
Address
1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
Getting Around Atlanta
MARTA Rail
Red/Gold Line to Vine City or CNN Center stations - easiest and cheapest option
Rideshare
Uber/Lyft widely available from anywhere in Atlanta - 15–30 min from most areas
Walking
Hotel clusters around downtown/Centennial Park are within 15 min walk of the stadium
Driving
I-20 access but downtown Atlanta parking is expensive - use MARTA instead
To the Stadium
MARTA Red/Gold Line to Vine City or CNN Center stations. Both are 5–10 minute walks to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Where to Stay in Atlanta
Three price tiers across Atlanta. Book early - World Cup tournament dates push prices 2-5x higher than normal.
Budget
$130-220Midtown / Decatur / Near MARTA
MARTA access keeps you mobile. Decatur is a charming small downtown with good food.
Mid
$200-350Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead
Downtown is walking distance to the stadium. Buckhead is the upscale shopping district 15 min north on MARTA.
Luxury
$400-1200+Buckhead (St. Regis, Mandarin, Four Seasons Midtown)
Atlanta luxury concentrated in Buckhead. Concierge can arrange everything including limo to stadium.
Downtown/Centennial Park
Walking distance to the stadium, Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coca-Cola
Midtown
Best neighbourhood for restaurants and nightlife, easy MARTA to the stadium
Old Fourth Ward (Ponce)
Trendy area with Beltline trail access, great food scene
Buckhead
Upscale hotels and dining, but 30+ min from the stadium by MARTA
Fan Zones & Where to Watch in Atlanta
FIFA Fan Festival expected at Centennial Olympic Park - directly between Mercedes-Benz Stadium and downtown attractions like Coca-Cola World, Aquarium, and CNN Center. Likely to be the most central US fan zone.
Official Fan Zones
- •Centennial Olympic Park - expected primary fan festival (highly likely)
- •Piedmont Park (Midtown)
- •Atlantic Station plaza
Football Pubs
- •Brewhouse Cafe - Little Five Points, dedicated football pub
- •Fado Irish Pub - Buckhead, full football coverage
- •Hudson Grille - multiple Atlanta locations, big screens
- •The Marlay House - Decatur, popular Atlanta United supporter spot
Where to Eat in Atlanta
Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
Atlanta's best BBQ with fantastic brisket and ribs
Staplehouse
farm-to-table seasonal menu in Old Fourth Ward (book ahead)
The Optimist
acclaimed seafood restaurant by chef Ford Fry
Ponce City Market
historic building converted to a food hall with great variety
Money, Tipping & Tax in Atlanta
Currency
USD ($)
Cards/Apple Pay everywhere. Carry some cash for soul food spots and quick-service places.
Tipping
18-20% at restaurants; $1-2 per drink; 15-20% rideshare. Strip clubs (a Atlanta institution if that's your scene) expect heavy tipping.
Tax notes
Georgia sales tax 4%, Atlanta adds for ~8.9% total. Restaurant prices on menu - bill ~30% above with tax + tip.
What to Pack for Atlanta
Hot and humid, 27–34 °C. Afternoon thunderstorms common. Retractable roof keeps the stadium cool.
- ✓Light, breathable clothing - June 75-90°F (24-32°C), humid
- ✓Light layer for AC
- ✓Compact umbrella - afternoon thunderstorms common
- ✓Sunscreen + hat
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes
- ✓Stadium clear bag for Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Connectivity & Emergency Numbers
Phone & WiFi
Excellent 5G. Free WiFi on MARTA platforms, in airport, hotels, most cafes.
Emergency
911
Police, fire, medical
Is Atlanta Safe? - Safety Notes for World Cup Visitors
Tourist areas (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward) are safe. Avoid the area south of the stadium and English Ave at night. Atlanta drivers are aggressive - look both ways carefully when crossing.
Areas to avoid
- ×English Ave / Vine City at night
- ×parts of Bankhead
Quick Tips
MARTA rail goes directly to the stadium - the easiest transit option in the city
The retractable roof means weather is never a concern inside the stadium
Midtown and Old Fourth Ward have the best restaurant and bar scenes
Visit the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola near Centennial Olympic Park
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Facts
The retractable roof opens in 8 panels like a camera aperture - unique in world football
Won the World Architecture Festival award for Best Sports Building
Home of Atlanta United FC, who broke MLS attendance records in their debut season
Has a 360-degree halo video board wrapping the entire upper deck
Hosts a WC semi-final - the second-biggest game at the tournament
Atlanta World Cup FAQ
How do I get from Atlanta airport to Mercedes-Benz Stadium?+
Take MARTA Red or Gold Line directly from the airport to GWCC/CNN Center station - 20 minutes, $2.50, no transfers. The stadium is a 5-minute walk. This is one of the easiest airport-to-stadium transits in the World Cup.
Is downtown Atlanta safe for World Cup visitors?+
Downtown around the stadium and Centennial Olympic Park is safe day and night, especially during the World Cup with heightened security. Avoid wandering far west of the stadium into English Ave/Vine City. Midtown and Buckhead are very safe.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Atlanta for the World Cup?+
Downtown if you want to walk to the stadium. Midtown for nightlife and food. Buckhead for upscale shopping and luxury hotels - it's 15 min on MARTA from the stadium. All three are safe and well-connected.
Where is the FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta?+
Centennial Olympic Park - the city's central public space adjacent to the stadium - is the expected primary FIFA Fan Festival. It's surrounded by attractions (Coca-Cola World, Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center) making it the most natural fan-zone in any US host city.
How hot is Atlanta during the World Cup?+
Hot and humid - June daytime 80-90°F (27-32°C) with 70-80% humidity. Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a retractable roof and full AC. Outside is uncomfortable - plan indoor activities mid-day and outdoor activities morning/evening.