The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta stands as a testament to architectural innovation and engineering prowess. Home to both the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer, this multi-purpose venue spans nearly two million square feet and boasts an impressive seating capacity of 80,000. It’s not just the size that captivates, but the groundbreaking design, particularly its long-span roof structure, setting a new benchmark for stadiums worldwide.
One of the stadium’s most remarkable features is its retractable oculus roof, a world-first design. Composed of eight petal-like sections, this innovative roof mimics the aperture of a camera, opening and closing with a mesmerizing pinwheel motion. This unique feature provides fans with open-air experiences while maintaining climate control when needed.
Beyond its aesthetic and functional brilliance, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a leader in sustainability. It proudly holds the distinction of being the first LEED Platinum certified professional sports venue in North America, underscoring its commitment to environmentally responsible design and operation.
The Challenge of Iconic Stadium Design
The vision for Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta was ambitious: to create a world-class, iconic, and high-performance venue. The design team faced the challenge of developing a retractable roof that was not only unique in its operation but also integrated seamlessly with a massive, state-of-the-art scoreboard. This scoreboard, known as the Halo Board, needed to be visible to every spectator without obstructing views of the sky when the roof was open. Finding a fresh approach to retractable roof technology, moving beyond typical bi-panel systems, was paramount.
“Buro Happold collaborated closely with HOK architects to engineer a retractable roof concept that was both revolutionary and ensured unobstructed views of the 360-degree Halo Board for every fan.”
Roger Nickells, Partner
Innovative Solutions: Petal Roof and ETFE Facade
The solution to the retractable roof challenge was the ingenious “petal” design. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s roof opens or closes in under 10 minutes, thanks to eight cantilevered petals that move in a synchronized, pinwheel-like motion. This dynamic opening sequence itself becomes a spectacle, adding to the fan experience. Furthermore, eight wing-like facade panels pay homage to the Atlanta Falcons, contributing to the stadium’s distinctive and sculptural form.
A key element in realizing this complex roof structure was the use of ETFE cushions. This transparent, inflated, lightweight material minimizes the load on the long-span cantilevered petals. When opened, the oval roof aperture extends across the entire field, past each end zone, offering expansive views of the Atlanta skyline. The ETFE’s translucency allows natural daylight to flood the stadium, enhancing the atmosphere for both players and spectators.
The stadium’s facades are equally innovative, framed with elegant, lightweight steel and featuring pioneering use of single-skin ETFE. The eastern facade, in particular, acts as a “window to the city,” providing breathtaking views of downtown Atlanta. These single-skin ETFE facade panels are the first of their kind in the United States, offering effective insulation and reducing unwanted heat gain within the venue.
Sustainability was a core principle throughout the design process. Achieving LEED Platinum certification involved a comprehensive approach. Buro Happold’s analytics team conducted a detailed carbon footprint assessment using the LEEDv4 Life Cycle Assessment methodology to guide material selection across the project. Other sustainable features include an advanced water capture and reuse system and over 4,000 photovoltaic panels. These solar panels generate enough energy annually to power ten Atlanta Falcons home games, further solidifying the stadium’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Value and Impact of Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The collaborative effort of the project team has resulted in a holistic design that elevates both the fan experience and the visual appeal of Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta. The stadium stands as a groundbreaking example of how elegant design and engineering innovation can create an iconic, fan-friendly, and high-performance venue in the sports and entertainment sector. With its innovative long-span steel roof and the nation’s first single-skin ETFE facade, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is more than just a sports venue; it’s an architectural landmark and a symbol of Atlanta’s forward-thinking spirit.
