Mercedes-Benz Stadium visitor guide: everything you need to know

Replacing the famous Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has only been in use since 2017. The stadium is the proud home of two top-notch sports teams: the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and Atlanta United FC of the MLS. So, if you’re in town visiting or live in Atlanta and are a fan of either of these teams, you’ll definitely want to get tickets.

Luckily, Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts concerts and other events for anyone who doesn’t get all that excited about football or soccer. This arena often welcomes ultra-popular music acts, such as Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, Willie Nelson, and many others.

Regardless of the event you're planning to attend, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Mercedes-Benz Stadium policies. Their bag policy is quite strict, so it’s also recommended that you leave any non-compliant bags with a Mercedes-Benz Stadium luggage storage like Bounce before heading to the venue. Then, you can breeze through security and get your seat in no time.

Here’s what you need to know before you go:

Mercedes-Benz Stadium bag policy

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium bag policy is fairly strict. They operate on a clear bag policy and allow clear plastic or vinyl bags into the stadium that are no bigger than 12” x 6” x 12”. Additionally, the bag has to be 100% clear, meaning no tinted bags (no matter how slight the tint is) will be permitted through security.

The only exception to the clear bag rule is for bags that are smaller than 4.5” wide and 6” tall. Typically this is a small clutch bag, purse, or wallet. The stadium advises any visitor not to bring a bag at all if they can help it. Your best bet is to visit a Bounce bag storage facility near the stadium before you head into the stadium - there are no storage lockers available inside.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium food policy

Just like the bag policy, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium food policy is extremely limited. In fact, no outside food or drink at all is permitted in the stadium. So, if you plan on having a meal, snack, or a few drinks, you’ll need to purchase them from the stadium’s concession stands.

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium food options are varied, so if you can’t bring your own items in, at least there’s a ton of selection. There are over 80 different vendors providing food and drinks within the stadium. These range from expertly grilled burgers and hot dogs to pizza to BBQ to cheesesteaks. Plus, many of the vendors offer vegan and vegetarian options in the form of sausages and hot dogs, and the various locations of Meatless Grill are perfect for these types of dietary needs.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium transportation

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Dr and Northside Dr NW. Its central location means it’s easy to determine how to get to Mercedes-Benz Stadium by a number of methods:

Driving

The stadium partners with Park Mobile, and you can purchase parking in advance online at any of the affiliated lots. This is the best idea in order to ensure you have a space on the day of your event. Book early, as spots fill up fast.

Public transportation

It’s quite easy to get to Mercedes-Benz Stadium using public transportation. Buses 3, 26, 40, 42, 55, 816, and 94 all stop within a reasonable walking distance from the stadium. The bus stop at Spring St/Luckie St is the closest (a two-minute walk away).

As for the subway or light rail, the closest stations are about a 12-minute walk away. For the subway, use Vine City Station, and for light rail, use the Luckie St at Cone St Station.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium camera policy

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium camera policy isn’t as onerous as some of the others. As long as your camera’s lens is not longer than 6”, whether detachable or not, it will be allowed in. Obviously, if you’re just planning to take photos on your phone, that’s fine too. You should also avoid bringing a camera bag, especially if it doesn’t fit within the size guidelines. You should also note that selfie sticks, tripods, and monopods are not permitted in the stadium.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium rules

While we’ve covered the main Mercedes-Benz Stadium policies already, there are a few others that you should know about:

• You are not permitted to bring refillable water bottles into the stadium. All beverage containers are strictly prohibited.
• Leave any extra seating options at home - chairs, stools, booster seats, or anything similar is not allowed.
• If you want to bring a sign to support your team, make sure it doesn’t exceed 3’ by 5’.
• The only masks permitted are those related to medical conditions. Any other face covering is in violation of the rules. Additionally, there are currently no Covid-19 mask mandates in place or vaccination requirements to enter Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Laser pointers, lasers, and any type of projectile are prohibited here, along with the somewhat obvious banning of any type of weapon or illegal substance.
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium is cashless, so make sure you have your credit or debit card handy. If you don’t have either, ReadySTATION kiosks will assist you in converting your cash to a prepaid card.

Conclusion

Anyone who gets to attend a sporting event or show at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is lucky. The atmosphere is electric, and the food options are certainly enviable. But if you don’t want to pay stadium prices, consider seeking out some of Atlanta’s best street food near the stadium before or after your event. And if you’re attending an evening game or concert, don’t let your night end when you leave the stadium. There are so many great things to do at night in Atlanta that you won’t have any time to sulk if your team loses.