Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

The exterior of Mercedes-Benz Stadium cuts a sharp, angular figure against the Atlanta sky. Its roofline folds into sharp peaks, and a large Mercedes-Benz emblem sits on the side. People walk across a wide paved plaza in front of the main entrance, heading towards the gates under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Inside, the space opens up into a vast bowl. The seating rises in tiers, mostly red seats with darker sections in between. The roof structure is exposed overhead, a complex web of steel beams that support the retractable mechanism. Hanging from the centre is a massive, circular video screen that wraps around the entire stadium. The pitch below is a bright green rectangle marked with white lines.

The ground holds its own for the way it manages its surface. It plays on an artificial base, but for the big tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup, that surface is swapped for natural grass. The change gives the pitch a different look and feel when the international teams come to town.

The stadium sits near the back of a larger development. You can see a sign pointing towards the MARTA station, showing it is linked to the city's transit system, while another sign marks the entrance to the 'Backyard'. The architecture is modern and functional, designed to fit into a busy urban landscape without dominating it.

It hosted the 2018 MLS Cup final, where Atlanta United beat the Portland Timbers to secure their first title. The crowd was packed into the stands, filling the red seats for the occasion. The atmosphere inside felt focused on the game.