A futuristic vessel in the heart of American sports
You cannot miss its silhouette: a retractable roof shaped like a camera aperture and a massive video ring circling the interior. Opened in 2017 to replace the Georgia Dome, this multipurpose complex has become one of the architectural landmarks of Atlanta, housing football, soccer, and major concerts under one roof.
A technical feat visible to the naked eye
The roof consists of eight translucent triangular panels that slide along rails to resemble wings in motion. Beneath this structure sits the Halo, a circular video screen over 330 meters (about 1,083 feet) long, one of the largest of its kind in North American sports. The monumental steel falcon sculpture stationed in front of the entrance completes this bold visual identity.
Capacity that shifts with the event
What stands out most is the modularity of the space. Thanks to retractable seating and motorized curtains that conceal parts of the upper level, the stadium literally changes size depending on the sport or performance it hosts.
Football and World Cup configuration
For football games, the stadium accommodates 71,000 spectators and can expand to 75,000. This maximum capacity is used for major events: the stadium hosted Super Bowl LIII on February 3, 2019, and will feature a capacity of 75,000 seats during the 2026 World Cup, making it the fourth largest stadium of the tournament.
MLS soccer championship
For soccer, the atmosphere changes entirely. A specific configuration retracts the lower-level seats to widen the pitch, and motorized curtains cap capacity at approximately 42,500 seats. It is a deliberate choice that focuses the energy of the crowd around the field, even if it means leaving sections of the upper stands closed during Atlanta United matches with lower attendance.
Concerts
When it comes to concerts, the capacity climbs significantly. Musical events can host up to 83,000 fans thanks to additional floor seating and standing zones. The attendance record for a concert is held by Ed Sheeran, with 76,335 spectators on May 27, 2023, while Taylor Swift's Eras Tour drew nearly 200,000 people over three nights in April 2023.
A venue that stays active year round
The stadium hosts everything from Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United (MLS) games to college championships, international star concerts, and major one-off events like the Super Bowl or the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For that tournament, the venue will be temporarily renamed Atlanta Stadium and will host eight matches, including a semifinal. Its concessions pricing policy, designed to remain accessible, stands out from the typical experience at major sports arenas.
Local tip: the roof often remains closed during games for climate control, but some open-air evenings offer a clear view of the Atlanta skyline from the east stands.
Best for: sports fanatics, contemporary architecture enthusiasts, and fans of large-scale concerts.
Not for: those seeking an intimate atmosphere or a location rich in ancient history.