Mercedes-Benz Stadium & State Farm Arena: A Local Guide for Concerts & Games

Are you planning a trip to Atlanta to attend a concert or an athletic event such as the FIFA World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena?  You are in for a treat.  These amazing venues in the heart of downtown Atlanta host everything from major concerts, football games, soccer matches, to NBA matchups.  Attending events at these incredible venues can be a little confusing, so follow along with my local guide to find out what to expect on the day of the event!

As a local Atlantan, I can save you a little stress.  Event days downtown can be crazy and crowded.  Parking is expensive.  The streets downtown are on multiple levels.  Driving is challenging because your GPS can’t tell which level you are on.  And finally, venue rules can trip you up at the gate – especially the bag policies.  With a little advanced planning, your event day can be nothing but fun!

In this guide, I will share everything that I would tell a friend visiting Atlanta for an event.  Topics include how to get to the stadium, what you can (and can’t) bring inside, food options, day of tips, and where to stay depending on whether or not you have a car.  This is your insider’s guide to handling an event day like an Atlanta native.

Coming to Atlanta for a Game or a Concert?  Let’s talk Event Day!

What is the Easiest Way to Get to Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena?

Should I Drive or Take MARTA on Event Day?

If you are attending an event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, riding MARTA is a must.  Event parking is complicated and expensive.  Downtown Atlanta is built on two levels.  Trains and some roads run below the present city surface.  Event parking takes advantage of downtown Atlanta’s multiple levels.  It is impossible for navigation apps to know which level you are on.  If you drive, I recommend that you roll down your window and ask traffic attendants for directions to your parking lot.

If you take a ride share to an event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, you should arrive without too many problems – do expect to get stuck in event traffic.  However, it will be impossible to get pick up by a ride share service.  Plan on riding MARTA to Inman Park Station or another station and call your ride share to pick you up away from the event.

But I’m Driving to Atlanta and I Plan to Drive to the Game or Concert

Taking MARTA to the game is still your best bet.  It will save you money, time, and the shear frustration of sitting in event traffic.  If you plan to have a car in Atlanta, MARTA offers parking at many train stations for commuters.  Simply park at a MARTA station and ride the train to the event.  MARTA offers free parking for periods of less than 24-hours.  Take a ticket when you park and present that ticket to the ticket machine when you exit and you will not have to pay.

MARTA has a list of stations with parking.  If you are driving and you can choose the station where you park, I will tell you a secret.  SEC Station and Vine City Station that service State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium are both on the East/West Blue Line and Green Lines.  If you take one of these lines, then you won’t have to change trains at Five Points Station downtown. 

If I have not convinced you to take MARTA, then make sure to book parking in advance.

• Parking at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Parking at State Farm Arena

How do I take MARTA to Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

I recommend taking MARTA’s heavy rail to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  There are 4 main lines that travel North/South and East/West.  Check out this Map of MARTA Rail Stations.  Mercedes-Benz Stadium is on the East/West Blue Line and Green Lines.  Exit the train at the SEC District Station (Previously called GWCC/CNN Center Station) and follow the signs and the crowd.  Or exit the train at the Vine City Station.  I prefer to get off the train at Vine City.  Follow the spiraling ramp up and across the road.  I think this is the most direct route to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

If you ride MARTA’s North/South (Red or Blue lines) then you need to change trains at Five Points Station to reach Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Atlanta Streetcar is another option.  Ride the streetcar to the Centennial Olympic Park stop.  Then walk approximately 10 minutes to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

How do I take MARTA to State Farm Arena?

Riding MARTA’s heavy rail is the best way to reach State Farm Arena.  There are 4 main lines that travel North/South and East/West.  Check out this Map of MARTA Rail Stations.  State Farm Arena is on the East/West Blue Line and Green Lines.  Exit the train at the SEC District Station (Previously called GWCC/CNN Center Station) and follow the signs and the crowd. 

The Atlanta Streetcar is another option.  Ride the streetcar to the Centennial Olympic Park stop.  Then walk approximately 5 minutes to State Farm Arena.

Is MARTA Safe for Concerts and Games?

MARTA is safe to ride to events in downtown Atlanta.  Keep in mind that it is a public transportation system, so use the same precautions that you would use in any city on public trains.  Expect the trains to be very crowded on event days – especially at the end of the game or concert.  Keep an eye on your valuables.  In my experience, everyone on the train is going to the event too and I have never felt uncomfortable. 

What Can I bring into Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

What is the Clear Bag Policy (and do I Really Need to Follow It)?

Mercedes-Benz Stadium prefers that you do not bring a bag at all, but if you must, their bag policy allows for a few options.  If you do not follow their bag policy, the stadium will turn you away or you will be forced to dispose of your bag before entering. Please follow the bag policy! Amazon has many clear bags available for purchase, from purses to simple shopping bags.

• Clear Bag Policy
  • Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags may not be larger and 12” x 6” x 12” or 30.5 x 15.25 x 30.5 cm
  • The bag can be any shape as long as it fits within the above dimensions and may include, purses, backpacks, fanny packs, or cinch bags
  • No buckles, hardware or décor can conceal any part of the bag
  • One-gallon clear Ziplock bags are permissible
• Solid or Non-Clear Bags
  • Very small bags that are not larger than 4.5” x 6.5” or 11.4 x 16.5 cm are allowed into the stadium
• You can bring a clear plastic bag AND a small solid bag

What Items will Get you Turned Away at the Gate?

If you bring prohibited items, you must to discard them or risk being turned away at the gate.  Some of the items include:

• Bags that do not meet the Clear Bag Policy listed above
• Outside food or drinks
• Empty beverage containers such as reusable water bottles, cans, glasses and thermoses
• Cameras with lenses longer than 6” or 15.2 cm and camera bags that do not meet the clear bag policy
• Selfie sticks, monopods, and tripods
• Abusive, foul, or disruptive language
• Seating devices such as chairs, booster seats, or stools
• Aerosol cans or pressurized containers
• Pets or animals (other than official service animals)
• Loose batteries
• Staff has the ability to ban any suspicious device.  Be prepared to demonstrate how your devices operate
• Balls or any object that can be thrown
• Knives
• Laser Pointers
• Lights
• Noisemakers such as whistles and horns
• Signs larger than 3’ x 5’ or 91 x 152 cm (signs must be made of paper or cloth otherwise they are prohibited)
• Fireworks
• Illegal Drugs
• Weapons of any kind and any other items deemed inappropriate by a staff member

What Can I bring into State Farm Arena?

What is State Farm Arena’s Bag Policy?

State Farm Arena’s Bag Policy is more lenient than Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s policy, however concerts and other events may have their own policies.  State Farm Arena does NOT have a clear bag policy.  All bags must be a single compartment and smaller than 14” x 14” x 6” or 35.5 x 35.5 x15 cm and they are subject to screening upon entering the arena.

Backpacks and hard-sided bags of any size are prohibited. 

If your bag does not comply, then you can check your bag near Gate 2 for the event.  It will be available to pick up for an hour after the event it over. 

What Items will Get you Turned Away at the Gate?

If you bring prohibited itemsto State Farm Arena, you must to discard them, check them at Gate 2, or risk being turned away at the gate.  Some of the items include:

• Bags that do not meet the Bag Policy listed above
• Outside food or drinks
• Reusable water bottles
• Cameras with lenses longer than 3” or 7.5 cm and camera bags that do not meet the clear bag policy
• Selfie sticks, monopods, and tripods
• Abusive, foul, or disruptive language including on clothing
• Pets or animals (other than official service animals)
• Balls, frisbees or any object that can be thrown
• Laser Pointers
• Lights including selfie lights or phone clip on lights
• Noisemakers such as whistles and horns
• Signs larger than 11” x 17” or 27 x 43 cm (signs must be made of paper or cloth otherwise they are prohibited)
• Laptops (and iPads at events other than Hawk’s games)
• Drones
• Fireworks
• Vapes
• Lighters or Torch Lighters
• Illegal Drugs
• Weapons of any kind and any other items deemed inappropriate by a staff member

What Kind of Food and Drink are Available During Games and Concerts?

What Should I Expect to Eat at Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

Mercedes-Benz Stadium makes an effort to keep prices low on classic game day foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza, nachos, popcorn and French fries.  You can substitute a gluten-free bun and there are typically vegetarian and vegan options. 

The Stadium really shines with its local Atlanta fare.  Enjoy H&F Burger, Hop’s Chicken, JR Crickets, Willamson Bros BBQ, Farm Burger, and King of Pops for dessert.  Check out all the food and beverage vendors available inside the Stadium.

To purchase alcohol, you must present valid identification to show that you are at least 21 years old per Georgia state law.  You can only purchase 2 alcoholic drinks at a time.  Alcohol sales are discontinued after the third quarter of American football games and after 75 minutes of soccer (football) matches.  Staff will not sell alcoholic beverages to guest who appear to be impaired.

What About Food and Drinks at State Farm Arena?

State Farm Arena’s concessions offer typical event fare including hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza, nachos, popcorn and French fries. 

Elevated food selections include smash burgers, cheesesteaks, and Vegan falafels.  Plus, local restauranteurs including Dolo’s Pizza, and JR Cricket’s famous wings.

To purchase alcohol, you must present valid identification to show that you are at least 21 years old per Georgia state law.  You can only purchase 2 alcoholic drinks at a time.  Alcohol sales are discontinued after the third quarter of basketball games or 30 minutes before the end of an event; however, the arena may end alcohol sales when management deems appropriate.

What Should I Know Before Heading Out on Event Day?

How Early Should I Arrive for A Concert or Game?

Check your event.  The gates will open somewhere between 1.5 hours and 2 hours before the event begins.  If you arrive at the MARTA Station 2-hours before kick-off or the beginning of the concert, then you should have plenty of time to go through security, and find your seat. 

It takes roughly 30 minutes to ride MARTA between downtown Atlanta’s Five Points Station to Sandy Springs Station.  Expect to wait up to 20 minutes for each train.  It takes 20 minutes to ride MARTA from King Memorial Station to Vine City Station. 

If you want to explore food options and get something to eat or purchase merch before the event begins, then give yourself additional time.  I recommend an additional 30-45 minutes to purchase food.  If you are purchasing merch at a concert, the lines may be super long.  A good strategy is to divide and conquer.  Half of your party purchases food and the other half purchases merch.

At the last Atlanta United match I attended, we ordered BBQ Mac and Cheese from the Mac Shac before the game.  It was only a 5-minute walk from Vine City Station to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  Then it took us 45 minutes to go through security, order food, and get to our seats.

What Should I Wear to an Event in Atlanta?

State Farm Arena is fully indoors, so it will be comfortable inside regardless of the temperature outside.  Wear what you typically would to a sporting event or a concert.  Dressing in layers is always a good idea.  Sometimes the air conditioning can make it a chilly inside.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a little bit trickier because it has a retractable roof.  It may be open or closed depending on the event and the weather.  If the weather is nice, it is typically open for a sporting event.  In the summer, when it is very hot outside, the roof may be kept closed to maintain a comfortable temperature.  Sometimes the air conditioning can make it a chilly inside during the summer.

Wear what you typically would to a sporting event or a concert.  I recommend dressing in layers, bringing a hat, and wearing sun screen or bringing sun protection incase the roof is open for a day event.  On a spring or fall day, the open roof can make the stadium cooler or if the sun is shining directly in, the open roof can make it warmer.

What are the Biggest Event-Day Mistakes I See Visitors Make?

Underestimating Atlanta Event Traffic and Parking Challenges

• Many fans arrive at the event too late because they do not account for Atlanta’s infamous traffic, which is at its worst on event days. 
• Driving to the event without pre-booking parking.  You will end up driving around and parking somewhere far away.  You will pay too much, walk too far, and you will be late to the game or concert.
• Relying on your navigation app or GPS – Atlanta streets around Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena are on multiple levels.  It is impossible for your GPS to know which level you are on.  Plus, there may be road closures due to the event.  It is better to roll down your window and to ask the people directing traffic how to get to the parking lot you booked.
• Ignoring MARTA – taking public transportation saves time, stress, and money.

Not Checking Bag Policies and Prohibited Item Policies

• Clear Bags are a must at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  Make sure to read the bag policy.
• State Farm Arena limits bag sizes and compartments.  Luckily, they offer a bag check at Gate 2, but this will be an inconvenience and will cost you time.
• Read the list of prohibited items at each venue to avoid the hassle of disposing of the item or being turned away.

Digital Ticket Problems

Sort out your digital ticket before you depart for the event.  Make sure that everyone in your party has their own ticket on their mobile device and that it is saved to the digital wallet.  Huge crowds mean diminished cell and Wi-Fi service, so you cannot depend on the app to pull up your ticket at the gate.

Where Should I Stay in Atlanta to Attend an Event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena?

Where Should I Stay if I Won’t Have a Car?

Atlanta is easy to navigate without a car if you stay in the right neighborhood.  The best neighborhoods to stay in are Downtown, Midtown, Decatur, and Airport’s Gateway Center.

Downtown Atlanta

If you stay at one of Atlanta’s downtown hotels, you should be able to walk or take MARTA to get to Centennial Olympic Park, restaurants, downtown attractions, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena.  You can take MARTA directly from the airport to a downtown hotel. 

My husband and I stayed at the Glenn Hotel for an anniversary weekend downtown one year.  We enjoyed this boutique hotel, and it would be a great place for a couple to stay.  They have a rooftop bar with a beautiful view.  If you’ve personally stayed in a downtown Atlanta hotel that you recommend, please let me know which one and why you recommend it in the comments!

Midtown Atlanta

There are many Midtown hotels to choose from.  If you stay in Midtown, I recommend that you stay in a hotel close to a MARTA Station.  Easy access to public transportation will make it easy to get to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena.  Plus, there are plenty of excellent restaurants and Atlanta attractions in Midtown to enjoy.

You can take MARTA directly from the airport to a Midtown hotel.  If you’ve personally stayed in a Midtown Atlanta hotel that you recommend, please let me know which one and why you recommend it in the comments!

Downtown Decatur

MARTA connects Decatur directly to downtown Atlanta.  This charming and walkable Atlanta suburb offers delicious restaurants and plenty of activities on its own.  My parents choose to stay here when they visit Atlanta.  Their favorite hotel is the Hampton Inn & Suites. 

Visit Decatur outlines additional hotel options that are easily accessible from Decatur Station.  Ride the Blue Line directly to Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena without changing trains.

Atlanta Airport Gateway Center

This area is easily accessible from the free Atlanta SkyTrain at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.  You can stay in one of Gateway Center’s newer hotels and take the ATL SkyTrain to the Atlanta Airport, where you can connect to public transportation at MARTA’s Airport Station.  Then ride MARTA downtown to Five Points Station.  Change trains here to go to Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena.

The only drawback to staying at a hotel in Gateway Center is that you will not be able to walk to restaurants and local attractions.  Without taking a ride share you will be limited to offerings at these hotels or restaurants in the airport located outside security.

Where Should I Stay if I Will Have a Car?

If you have a car, then you can stay anywhere in Atlanta.  Check parking requirements.  If you stay in one of the areas accessible by MARTA that I recommended above, you will pay handsomely for parking.  Taking MARTA to the game is still your best bet – and parking is always free for less than 24-hours.  Check out MARTA’s list of stations with parking. 

If you want to stay in a vacation rental such as an AirBnB or VRBO, check out my post on the Top Atlanta Neighborhoods for Vacation Rentals.  Here, I outline the best intown Atlanta neighborhoods to stay in for couples, friends, and families.  I share information on neighborhood grocery stores, breakfast spots, restaurants, nearby attractions, and public transportation.

Final Tips from a Local Before You Head to a Game or Show in Atlanta

Attending a game or a concert at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena doesn’t have to be stressful – even if the event is sold-out.  The local knowledge that I shared in this post will go a long way.  Taking MARTA, packing the right bag, arriving early, and staying in the right neighborhood will make your experience much more relaxed.

If you are visiting from out of town, you don’t have to stay right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena to make things easy.  Atlanta is easy to navigate with the right plan – especially if you can get to a MARTA station.  If you have a car, then you can stay anywhere in the city and avoid downtown Atlanta traffic – just find the nearest MARTA station with parking.

Most importantly, enjoy the event and everything Atlanta has to offer while you are here.  If this is your first big event in Atlanta, I hope that these tips help you feel more like a local.  If you are looking for more ideas on where to go, what to eat, and how to get around, you will find plenty of recommendations here on Atlanta & Beyond.  If you have questions about your upcoming trip to Atlanta, let me know in the comments!